204. From Passion to Profession: Finding Your Career Path with Coach Cheryl Polk
Release Date: 04/10/2025
Passion for Dance
In this episode, Dr. Chelsea explores the concept of mental toughness in dancers by breaking down the Four C's: Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence. She provides practical strategies for developing these skills to help dancers stay resilient under pressure, maintain motivation, embrace challenges, and build self-belief. Dr. Chelsea also discusses the importance of balancing commitment to avoid burnout and shares exercises to improve emotional and mental control. Competition Confidence Checklist: Episode Resources: More on the 4Cs from the creators: ...
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In this special episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses strategies for fostering accountability and work ethic in dance teams with three distinguished coaches—Arianna from Washington, Jenna from Nebraska, and Edwina from New York. Each coach shares her approach to setting high expectations, maintaining motivation, and building a supportive culture where athletes take ownership of their goals. This episode will feel relatable to any dance coach, and will give you actionable strategies you can implement in your next practice. Episode Resources: Releve: Dance Coach...
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In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea talks about self-compassion in dancers who are usually very hard on themselves. Inspired by a listener's question, the episode explores how treating oneself with kindness can improve performance, enhance resilience, and bolster overall mental health. Dr. Chelsea breaks down the concept of self-compassion into three key areas: self-kindness, mindfulness, and common humanity. She offers actionable strategies like reflective journaling, mindfulness, and visualization to help dancers develop this crucial skill. The episode emphasizes that...
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In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea shares a team-building exercise inspired by the children's book 'Have You Filled a Bucket Today?' The activity focuses on fostering connection and kindness among dancers by teaching them to recognize and appreciate positive actions from others. Dr. Chelsea explains the three-step process: identifying what fills their own buckets, acknowledging those who fill their buckets, and learning ways to fill others' buckets. She also provides a free, customizable bucket filling worksheet available at passionfordancepodcast.com/bucket. This exercise is...
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In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses the negative impacts of cliques within dance teams and offers strategies to foster a more inclusive team culture. She shares 5 practical strategies with real tools you can implement today. Dance coaches, you can establish a culture where every dancer feels respected, valued, and included, ultimately leading to a more motivated and cohesive team that’s a lot more fun dance with. Dance Coach Mental Skills Bundle: Please Leave a Review! https://passionfordancepodcast.com/rate Episode Resources: ...
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In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses the importance of building real, durable confidence in dancers. She explains that true confidence doesn't come from simply repeating affirmations but is grounded in the consistent practice of growth mindset principles through actionable habits. Dr. Chelsea addresses common challenges dancers face, such as overthinking and stage nerves, and offers practical tools to help dancers build confidence. Rate and Review the Podcast! Episode Resources: Episode Breakdown: 00:31 The Truth About Confidence 01:33 From...
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In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses the common issue of procrastination among dancers and offers practical strategies to overcome it. She highlights the importance of self-discipline over motivation and introduces 2 practical tools to help you stop procrastinating and see real progress. By following these strategies, dancers can build consistency, confidence, and self-trust. Thank you to our sponsor Apolla Performance: Episode Resources: Episode Breakdown: 00:30 Welcome to Passion for Dance 00:37 Understanding Procrastination 02:42 The Importance...
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In this episode of 'Passion for Dance,' Dr. Chelsea explores the science behind peak performance for dancers, and shares the science-backed tools that help you reach your personal best. Dr. Chelsea shares 5 tools for training, recovery, and of course, mindset, to help you be the best possible dancer. These 5 things are what high achieving dancers do differently! Check out our sponsor Apolla Performance: Episode Resources: Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:31 Welcome to Passion for Dance 00:40 Understanding Peak Performance 02:13...
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In this episode of Passion for Dance, host Dr. Chelsea discusses the college dance team recruiting process with Abbey Nugent, founder of Studio 2 Stadium. Abbey, a seasoned dance teacher and coach, offers valuable advice on preparing recruitment videos, effective communication with coaches, choosing the right program, and more. The episode also emphasizes the importance of transparency and resilience in the recruitment process, providing listeners with actionable insights to achieve their college dance team dreams. Episode Resources: Connect with Abbey and Studio 2 Stadium! ...
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In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses the delicate balance coaches need to create a goal-driven culture that promotes success without causing stress and burnout. She covers pitfalls of an outcome-focused culture, the importance of the type of goal you set, and advice for preventing burnout. Dr. Chelsea offers five practical strategies to maintain dancer motivation and wellbeing, including balancing outcome and process goals, prioritizing autonomy, celebrating small wins, normalizing rest, and modeling healthy ambition. She also highlights red flags that indicate a team...
info_outlineIn this episode of 'Passion for Dance,' host Dr. Chelsea explores the complexities of choosing a career in the performing arts. Joined by master certified life and career coach Cheryl Polk, they discuss holistic approaches to finding fulfilling careers, practical advice for overcoming limiting beliefs, and the importance of self-discovery and support systems. Cheryl offers insights into transitioning careers, setting life goals, and the unique challenges faced by those pursuing careers in the arts. Tune in for actionable strategies on discovering a career you love.
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Connect with Cheryl: https://excel-resumes.com
https://www.instagram.com/usajobsearchcoach
https://www.linkedin.com/in/careercoachcheryl
Episode Breakdown:
00:09 Choosing a Career in the Performing Arts
00:29 Meet Cheryl Polk: Life and Career Coach
02:14 Cheryl's Dance Journey
03:45 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
04:45 The Role of a Career Coach
07:55 Finding a Career You Love
10:07 The Discovery Phase
15:23 Pursuing a Career in the Arts
25:03 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs in the Arts
28:08 Practical Advice for Aspiring Dancers
32:15 Midlife Career Transitions
35:00 Conclusion and Contact Information