Libsyn Directory

218. Building Better Dancers: Cultivating Confidence and Individuality in Dance with Jason Pickett

Release Date: 08/21/2025

230. How to Be a Mentally Tough Dancer Using The Power of the Four Cs

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: ...

229. Cultivating Accountability and Work Ethic in Dance Teams: Insights from 3 Coaches

Passion for Dance

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...

228. Self-Compassion in Dance: How to Balance Ambition with Kindness

Passion for Dance

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...

227. Filling Buckets: A Simple Team Exercise for Connection and Kindness

Passion for Dance

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...

226. Why Your Dance Team Has Cliques and 5 Ways to Handle It

Passion for Dance

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: ...

225. Building Lasting Confidence in Dance: It Takes More than Affirmations

Passion for Dance

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...

224. Motivation Vs. Discipline: Winning the Battle Against Procrastination

Passion for Dance

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...

223. What High-Achieving Dancers Do Differently

Passion for Dance

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...

222. Navigating College Dance Team Recruitment with Abbey Nugent

Passion for Dance

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! ...

221. How to Create a Goal-Driven Culture Without Burning Out Your Dancers

Passion for Dance

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...

More Episodes

In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea hosts Jason Pickett, a distinguished dance teacher, choreographer, and founder of No Starving Artists. They discuss their shared love for teaching, the evolving landscape of college dance, and the importance of individualism and improvisation in dancer development. Jason delves into the business side of dance, advocating for a collaborative and transparent approach to foster sustainable careers for artists. He also shares valuable insights on awareness, confidence, and the critical role of mental skills in a dancer's success. Listen in for practical advice for dance educators and aspiring professionals to build confidence in the studio and on stage.

Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/219

New Listener Resource: https://passionfordancepodcast.com

Connect with Jason Pickett:

https://www.instagram.com/heyitspickett/

https://nsadance.com/

Episode Breakdown

00:09 Introducing Jason Pickett

01:30 Jason's Dance Journey

03:00 The Role of Teaching in Dance

05:05 The Impact of Filming Dance Classes

10:35 Challenges in Modern Dance Education

16:33 The Importance of Individualism and Improvisation