78 - Noah Lands: KAR Productions, Rainbow & Ultra Dance Competitions, Industry Dance Awards

Interview date: January 20, 2025

Episode Summary:

Noah Lands, the visionary behind some of the dance industry's biggest platforms—including Kids Artistic Review (KAR), Rainbow Dance Connection, the Industry Dance Awards, and Dancers Against Cancer (DAC). 

Noah discusses the growth of his businesses, the evolution of dance competitions, and the creation of Rainbow and Ultra Dance, as well as the prestigious Industry Dance Awards, which honor excellence across multiple competitions. He also dives into the origin and mission behind Dancers Against Cancer, a nonprofit inspired by a former employee’s battle with brain cancer.

The episode also highlights the debut of Gala of the Stars, a red-carpet event held at the Beverly Hilton featuring iconic names like Liza Minnelli, Paula Abdul, and JoJo Siwa. Noah touches on future projects, including a women-in-dance documentary and a new dance convention, “Refresh,” aimed at reimagining the convention experience.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Intro to Noah Lands

•  (4:15) Owning a studio & entering the comp world 

• (6:45) Creating KAR after frustration with scoring

•  (9:00) Early days of KAR

•  (11:00) Expanding beyond California 

• (13:00) Why events were Sundays-only 

• (15:15) Turning it into a full-time business

•  (16:45) Acquiring Rainbow & partnership lessons

•  (19:00) Menina’s past judging for Rainbow

•  (21:00) Starting the Industry Dance Awards

•  (24:30) Collaborating with other competitions

•  (27:00) Launching Gala of the Stars

•  (30:00) Starting Dancers Against Cancer (DAC) 

• (33:00) Keeping 90% of DAC funds for dancers

•  (36:00) JoJo Siwa’s record-breaking fundraiser

•  (38:00) Red carpet + celebrity guests

•  (41:00) Upcoming “Women in Dance” doc & Broadway idea

•  (43:30) New dance convention “Refresh” coming soon

•  (46:00) Protege program & mentorship

•  (48:00) Mentee Q&A: advice & how to get involved

•  (51:00) Final thoughts & how to reach Noah

Biography:

Noah Lands is the visionary Founder, Owner, and CEO of KAR Productions, a powerhouse that has revolutionized the competitive dance industry. With more than four decades of experience, Noah has established himself as a leader, innovator, and philanthropist. Under his leadership, KAR Productions has grown into a thriving family of highly regarded brands, including Kids Artistic Revue (KAR), Rainbow Dance Competition, Ultra Dance Competition, KAR Dance Conventions, Rainbow Dance Conventions, KAR Live, Refresh Dance Conventions, Industry Dance Awards, Dancers Against Cancer (DAC), Hollywood Dance Experience, and NYC Dance Experience.

A defining aspect of Noah’s leadership is his deep commitment to the well-being of dancers. In 2013, after the tragic loss of a beloved dancer and employee to cancer, Noah founded Dancers Against Cancer (DAC) as a way to support families facing the devastating financial burden of cancer. DAC ensures that 100% of the funds raised through donations and events go directly to assisting dancers and their families during these challenging times. Through DAC, Noah has formed partnerships with some of the most prominent figures in dance and entertainment, including Derek and Julianne Hough, Paula Abdul, Kenny Ortega, Vanessa Hudgens, and the late Olivia Newton-John. 

One of DAC’s signature events, the annual Industry Dance Awards Gala, has become a major fundraiser that honors the most influential figures in the dance industry while raising significant funds to support DAC’s mission. In 2024, Noah’s commitment to giving back took another monumental step with the creation of the KAR Productions Scholarship Foundation. This initiative is dedicated to helping dancers from underprivileged backgrounds pursue their dreams by offering financial support to those who may otherwise be unable to afford the costs associated with dance education and competition.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/noah.lands.5

https://www.instagram.com/papawizard