As one of the co creators/executive producers of the hit reality show Dance Moms, this podcast will be a safe space to talk about all things Dance. I will have meaningful conversations with guests from the show Dance Moms, as well as discussing the colorful, magical Dance competition world that I grew up competing in and am still a part of teaching and choreographing for. Dancing and being in the film and TV Industry for over 40 years I will be talking with those who who have inspired me and we will share our knowledge on what worked, what didn’t and why. Growing up a young feminine boy who loved to dance was extremely challenging in a lot of ways. Now as gay man I will have some heartfelt meetings with people in the LGBTQ community to share about this and the suffering that goes on currently with adults and kids and how we can help and most importantly heal it
Put your dance shoes on every other Friday when this podcast comes out! Listen. Be Bold. Be Fierce.
Sincerely,
John Corella
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As one of the co creators/executive producers of the hit reality show Dance Moms, this podcast will be a safe space to talk about all things Dance. I will have meaningful conversations with guests from the show Dance Moms, as well as discussing the colorful, magical Dance competition world that I grew up competing in and am still a part of teaching and choreographing for. Dancing and being in the film and TV Industry for over 40 years I will be talking with those who who have inspired me and we will share our knowledge on what worked, what didn’t and why. Growing up a young feminine boy who loved to dance was extremely challenging in a lot of ways. Now as gay man I will have some heartfelt meetings with people in the LGBTQ community to share about this and the suffering that goes on currently with adults and kids and how we can help and most importantly heal it
Put your dance shoes on every other Friday when this podcast comes out! Listen. Be Bold. Be Fierce.
Sincerely,
John Corella
EP 37: Dance Moms Reality Television Director Jimmy Chriss
Dance Dad With John Corella
1 hour 5 minutes 52 seconds
3 months ago
EP 37: Dance Moms Reality Television Director Jimmy Chriss
Dance Moms director Jimmy Chriss shares what really happened behind the scenes, and why protecting kids, honoring joy, and telling the truth still matter in reality TV.
Jimmy joins John Corella to talk about his journey from music videos and commercials to the world of Dance Moms. He breaks down what it actually means to direct a reality show where real people, real emotions, and real stakes are always in play.
What does it feel like to protect kids on set while still delivering what people want? How do you stay grounded when the cameras never stop rolling? Jimmy answers these questions with the honesty of someone who’s lived it, through long days, heated moments, and years of experience. He also opens up about racism in the industry and why representation behind the scenes matters just as much as it does on camera. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn when Jimmy shares stories about his wife, her quiet love for the show, the strength she showed during her illness, and how her legacy continues to shape the way he moves through the world.
This episode is a reminder that behind every show are real people, and that the best stories come from those who lead with care.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Jimmy Chriss on Directing Dance Moms
02:38 From Music Videos to Reality TV
07:21 What It Really Means to Direct a Reality Show
09:27 Behind the Chaos of Dance Moms
19:41 Why Dance Moms Still Resonates
25:15 The Show’s Impact on Dance Culture
29:52 Personal Reflections on Loss and His Wife
34:21 Protecting Kids in Reality TV
37:33 How Reality TV Has Changed
42:20 Racism and Representation Behind the Camera
48:01 Choosing Joy, Even in Grief
Links
Connect with Jimmy Chriss:
https://www.instagram.com/the_real_jimmy_jay_chriss/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-jay-chriss-24b7517b/
Connect with John Corella:
Dance Dad with John Corella on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancedadwithjohncorella/
John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_corella/
Patreon: https://patreon.com/TheonlyDanceDadwithJohnCorella
Website: johncorella.net
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
Dance Dad With John Corella
As one of the co creators/executive producers of the hit reality show Dance Moms, this podcast will be a safe space to talk about all things Dance. I will have meaningful conversations with guests from the show Dance Moms, as well as discussing the colorful, magical Dance competition world that I grew up competing in and am still a part of teaching and choreographing for. Dancing and being in the film and TV Industry for over 40 years I will be talking with those who who have inspired me and we will share our knowledge on what worked, what didn’t and why. Growing up a young feminine boy who loved to dance was extremely challenging in a lot of ways. Now as gay man I will have some heartfelt meetings with people in the LGBTQ community to share about this and the suffering that goes on currently with adults and kids and how we can help and most importantly heal it
Put your dance shoes on every other Friday when this podcast comes out! Listen. Be Bold. Be Fierce.
Sincerely,
John Corella
