Passion for Dance
Ever wish you had someone to help you with the mental aspects of dance? That's exactly what you get when you tune in to the Passion for Dance podcast... a sport psychology expert who understands the dance industry. Welcome to a Passion for Dance Podcast where your host Dr. Chelsea will bring the science of sport psychology into the dance studio. Each week you will hear tips and strategies around topics like confidence, growth mindset, resilience, motivation, and happiness… all the tools the help you thrive and become the best version of yourself (on and off the dance floor!) Dance teaches us to push through the pain to reach our goals, and we are used to criticism, tears, bleeding toes, and sore muscles. The show must go on no matter what right? But what if there were another way? Being a dancer teaches us important life skills, but that doesn't mean we have to be broken in order to build ourselves back up. Dance can teach us about self-discipline, teamwork, confidence, grit, and resilience without destroying a dancer’s self-esteem. The path to personal growth is full of joy, self-discovery, and challenging roadblocks, but we don’t have to figure it out alone. So if you are a dance educator, studio teacher, or school coach, what do you say? Are you ready to share your passion for dance with the world?
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179 When Telling Yourself “I’ve Got This” Feels Fake
09/26/2024
179 When Telling Yourself “I’ve Got This” Feels Fake
I often hear from dancers they say some pretty mean things to themselves they’d never say out loud or to a friend. For some reason, it’s so easy for us to get caught in negative spirals where we berate ourselves for a mistake or convince ourselves we’re not good enough, and sometimes that little voice is not always so encouraging, and telling yourself, “I've got this,” and basically talking yourself into a good mood doesn't always work. Sometimes it feels disingenuous or fake, and you don't believe yourself. So what do you do when positive self-talk or saying those positive affirmations feels fake? In today’s episode we’ll break down the three types of self-talk, focusing on instructional self-talk, and I’ll share about the impact of developing cues that speak to you, practicing regularly, and keeping it simple. Tune in to learn why speaking positively to yourself doesn't always work and what to do instead! Currated Podcast List - know where to start! Other Episode Resoures:
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178. The Dance Scientist Explains Cues for Better Balance and Turns: With Maria Haralambos
09/19/2024
178. The Dance Scientist Explains Cues for Better Balance and Turns: With Maria Haralambos
Do you use the cues to “pull up” or “point your toes”? Those are common cues teachers use in the dance world. One mental skill I talk about is attention and learning how to take a cue like “pull up” and translate that to a helpful action on your body. I know some dancers hear your cue and then nothing happens, but my guest today has some great insights to help us understand what dance teachers should know about dance science and how to use it in their curriculum. Today’s guest is Maria Haralambis, an expert in dance kinesiology who currently works as both a ballet teacher and advisor for many dance education platforms. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of bringing dance science into curriculums and shifting the way we think about anatomy, along with balance and spotting tips and the language to use when cueing to ensure each dancer understands what you’re asking of them from an anatomy standpoint. Listen in while we talk dance anatomy and how to use that knowledge to train turns and balance and so many important skills! Connect with Maria on Her Website: Listen to Maria’s Podcast: Follow Maria on Instagram: Follow Passion for Dance: Other Episode Resources:
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177 Some Dancers are Only Committed When It's Convenient
09/12/2024
177 Some Dancers are Only Committed When It's Convenient
I see so many frustrated dance teachers talking about how it feels harder and harder to get dancers to be fully committed to their teams and their studios. We want our dancers to be 100% committed, and anything less is frustrating. However, there's this growing phenomenon called conditional commitment, which basically means, “I'm committed but only under certain circumstances,” and yes, that is very different from the idea of giving 100% no matter what. There is room for shifting moods and feelings, but there's not room for shifting discipline and commitment. In today’s episode we’ll break down the difference between conditional commitment and unconditional commitment. I’ll share ways for dancers to improve their own team dedication along with strategies for coaches and teachers to help their dancers as well. Let's talk about conditional commitment! Leave a voice note for the podcast: Connect with me on Instagram Other Episode Resources:
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176. Shifting the "Tough Love" Narrative in Dance with Demi Agaiby
09/05/2024
176. Shifting the "Tough Love" Narrative in Dance with Demi Agaiby
Have you ever wanted to ask a mental performance coach what to do in a certain situation? Do you have a dancer who's getting overly anxious before competition, or you're not sure how to get your dancers to be fully committed? I want to be a resource for you - the place you can come to ask questions and receive concrete advice. This episode is all about common misconceptions and questions I get about commitment, accountability, punishment, and all things team dynamics. To top it off, I decided to bring on a special guest, who is a fellow mental performance consultant, so we could talk about it together. My guest today is Demi Agaiby, a Mental Performance Consultant & Director of Beyond Horizons Performance based in Chicago, IL. In this episode, we’ll both share our professional opinions and advice about tough love, understanding your emotions, team commitment, and how having a bad day doesn't mean you have an excuse to have a bad practice. There are not many other consultants who understand dance and all the things that make dancers special and unique, but tune in for a special conversation between two former dancers who are now mental performance consultants! Leave your Questions for Dr Chelsea: Connect with Demi on Instagram: Positive Team Culture Freebie: Follow Passion for Dance: Other Episode Resources:
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175. Confidence Comes from Taking the First Step
08/28/2024
175. Confidence Comes from Taking the First Step
One thing that separates good dancers from great dancers is their ability to believe in themselves. It's true for students, teachers, and professionals. When you're pursuing any dream at any stage of life, there is so much power in believing in yourself. But that's a lot easier to say than to actually do. It's hard to translate that into real progress. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing about having faith in yourself and believing in your abilities so that you can take that first step towards your goals. We’ll talk about the importance of shifting your perspective and how, spoiler alert, there really is no top of the staircase. If you've ever wished you had a little more confidence to get started at something new, I'm going to tell you how to take that first step! “Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Leave a message for Dr. Chelsea: Follow the show: Episode Resources:
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174. Hypermobility Concerns and Care for Dancers with Dr. Linda Bluestein
08/22/2024
174. Hypermobility Concerns and Care for Dancers with Dr. Linda Bluestein
Are you a flexible dancer or have easily hyperextended joints? Dancers with hypermobile joints might love the ability to show off tricks and skills as a dancer, but is it dangerous to be that hypermobile? I’ve been wanting to talk to a medical professional about hypermobile joints in dancers, so my guest today, a dancer turned doctor, is here to explain it all! Dr. Linda Bluestein is renowned for her expertise in hypermobility disorders. As the founder of Hypermobility MD, she offers specialized medical care to individuals grappling with all these kinds of conditions. And Dr. Bluestein is the driving force behind Bendy Bodies, a worldwide coaching practice aimed at empowering and supporting individuals with hypermobility, many of whom are dancers. Dr. Bluestein is also the founder and host of a wonderful podcast, Bendy Bodies with Hypermobility MD, where she shares valuable insights and resources. In this episode, I asked Linda all the questions I think dancers and dance teachers might ask. Dr. Bluestein clarifies the difference between hypermobility and flexibility, when hypermobility is concerning and when it's not, and when and how to get help. She also shared why gut health and flat feet are often related to hypermobility, which I found really interesting, and she has very practical, helpful advice for dance teachers as well. Listen into this crash course in hypermobility with Dr. Linda Bluestein! Episode Resources: Connect with Dr. Bluestein on Instagram: Hypermobility MD’s Website: Listen to Bendy Bodies with Hypermobility MD Podcast: Follow the Bendy Bodies Podcast on Instagram: Connect with Linda on LinkedIn:
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173. 3 Strategies to Guarantee Genuine Team Commitment
08/15/2024
173. 3 Strategies to Guarantee Genuine Team Commitment
For many teams, be it school teams or studios, we are entering a new season. Wouldn't it be great if we could establish strong, positive cultures from the beginning? When an athlete quits in the middle of the season, it usually causes drama, stress, and a lot of extra work. Generally speaking, as coaches and teachers, we strive to create a culture of team commitment where athletes stay invested all season, year after year. In today’s episode, I'll be sharing three specific strategies you can use to establish a resilient commitment in your dancers this year. Whether you coach a four-year school program or at a studio where your teams cross all ages, team commitment is vitally important. Tune into today’s episode to learn about these three simple steps to improve athlete-coach relationships and encourage genuine commitment from your dancers! Dance Coach Membership Relevé: More Episode Resources:
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172 The Danger of Labeling our Dancers
08/11/2024
172 The Danger of Labeling our Dancers
We often label our dancers without even meaning to do it, even if it's only in our heads and we never say it out loud. You know who your solid turner is, who is lazy, who has style, and who you can depend on to know the counts. As we get to know our dancers, we inadvertently label them. We have a lot of power over our dancers’ journeys, and we carry a lot of influence on them, so let's make sure we aren't allowing our expectations and the labels that we assign to have too much sway in our dancers’ training. In today’s episode, I’ll be talking about how our expectations as teachers shape our dancers’ abilities. We’ll discuss the impact labeling has on your dancers, and I’ll talk you through both the positive direction and the negative direction of the four-step self-fulfilling prophecy process. Remember: your expectations and your labels matter, so let's talk about what to look out for and how to use this power to your advantage! Episode Resources: Podcast Quiz: Follow the show!
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171. Realistic Time Management for the Stressed Out Dance Teacher with Kelly Nolan
08/01/2024
171. Realistic Time Management for the Stressed Out Dance Teacher with Kelly Nolan
Time management can be hard for all of us, dancers and coaches included, and we often beat ourselves up when we can't do it well. My guest today taught me the time-management strategy I use every day, so I had to bring her on to share it with all of you because it's not just another app or a planner; it’s an amazing stress-reduction tool. Today’s guest is Kelly Nolan. She's a former attorney, now a time management strategist who created a new system, The Bright Method. I am personally a walking five-star review, as you will hear in the show, because The Bright Method is the only way I survive two jobs I love plus life as a wife, a mother, and a woman with my own desires and goals. I’ve also taught pieces of this method to my college students, so if you're a teacher or a dancer, this will be right up your alley. Do you want to know the best part about The Bright Method? I don't have a to-do list anymore. It's gone! I go to bed every night feeling accomplished and able to relax without feeling like I'm missing something. So what do you say we learn how to get rid of these to-do lists, shall we? Connect with Kelly on Instagram: Get The Free Five-Day Program: Connect with Kelly and The Bright Method: Follow Passion for Dance: All Other Episode Resources:
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170. 4 Reasons Not to Punish with Pushups
07/25/2024
170. 4 Reasons Not to Punish with Pushups
If you are of a certain age in this dance industry, like me, you probably had to run laps when you were late to practice or would be kicked out of ballet if you crossed your arms in class. For many of us, we grew up with coaches and directors who used physical punishment for bad behavior and mistakes. It was the norm. It's what many of us were used to. If you're currently using any type of physical punishment on your team, even in the name of motivation, I want to challenge that practice today based on my time coaching and teaching as well as the science behind it and what psychology tells us about behavior change and motivation. In this episode, I’ll uncover the four reasons not to use physical conditioning as a form of punishment. I hope this episode encourages you to avoid punishing with pushups and instead try another approach! Podcast Quiz: Get a curated list of the top 5 episodes that will help you right now! Other Episode Resources:
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169 Helping Your Dancers Handle Their Emotions Through Journaling with Michelle Leagans
07/18/2024
169 Helping Your Dancers Handle Their Emotions Through Journaling with Michelle Leagans
Do your dancers struggle with face-to-face conversations or have a hard time handling their emotions? If you're like most dance educators I've talked to, having real, face-to-face conversations, that are productive but still kind and provide real benefit, is exceedingly challenging. Our dancers are used to communicating behind a screen. It's hurting their relationships, and I also think it's hurting their ability to perform well onstage. My guest today, Michelle Leagans, has found a solution to this problem! Michelle is a former professional dancer from Texas who currently owns and teaches for Power Intensives, and she's a sought-after choreographer and master instructor. Michelle’s solution was to create a journal for dancers called “Hey Dancers… Let's Talk About It!” This journal is different, and the way she explains how it works and why it works will make you want to give it a try. In today’s conversation, Michelle talks about the power of journaling individually as well as in a team setting via groups. We also talked about addressing burnout and this wonderful idea of glimmers, which provides a much-needed dose of positivity when you need it. Trust me, you're going to want to try it. Tune in to learn how to help your dancers express themselves through journaling! Connect with Michelle on Instagram: Get “Hey Dancers… Let's Talk About It!”: Follow Passion for Dance: Other Episode Resources:
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168. Where to Start with Team Building: 4 Unique Strategies
07/11/2024
168. Where to Start with Team Building: 4 Unique Strategies
Whether you're a coach at a school or teach in a studio setting, your dancers likely need to build a tight-knit team if they're going to be successful this season. Traditionally, people think of connecting socially when they want dancers to be close, but there are actually four types of team building, and social connection’s only one way to build that tight-knit group. In today’s episode, I'll be sharing those four types of team building to work on this summer if you want to enhance team dynamics and have a group that gets along and works well together all season. Make sure to get the free download that goes along with this episode that covers lots of different team-building games at . Tune into this episode to learn how to enhance your team dynamics this season so you can have happier, more successful dancers! Other Episode Resources:
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167. Creating a High-Performance Environment in Rehearsals
07/05/2024
167. Creating a High-Performance Environment in Rehearsals
Did you know there's a formula for creating a high-performance environment? Successful dancers know how to perform at their best, but that happens when you practice at your best. Being a successful dancer starts in rehearsal. It's about creating that high performance environment in every class, every cleaning rehearsal your dancers attend. Then, of course, it's up to them to do the work. In today’s episode, I’ll be breaking down the three key ingredients to a high-performance environment that allows our dancers to achieve their best. The magic is that all three of these principles work together to create the environment that allows your dancers to find their internal drive and put more effort in each and every class. Tune in to learn all about these three ingredients in a high-performance environment! 15 Ways to Create a High Performance Environment: 5 Questions to a Curated Podcast Quiz: Other Episode Resources:
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166. How to Cultivate a Winning Coach-Choreographer Relationship on Your Dance Team with Nick Clement
06/27/2024
166. How to Cultivate a Winning Coach-Choreographer Relationship on Your Dance Team with Nick Clement
If you hire choreographers for your dance team, you’ll definitely want to listen to today's episode for some really helpful insights into that coach-choreographer relationship and how to work together to create championship-winning routines. Today's guest is Nicholas Kade Clement of NKC Choreography. After his own professional career, Nick started choreographing for dance teams all over the country, and his work has produced multiple national championships, world championships, and numerous teams finishing in top spots at Universal Dance Association, National Dance Alliance, and Dance Team Union National Championships. Behind his many accomplishments, I know him as a hardworking Southern boy who will always make you laugh. In today’s episode, Nick and I chat about his choreographic process, cultivating resilience as a choreographer, and what it takes to create that successful coach-choreographer relationship. Coaches, listen into this episode for the many gems Nick has to offer! Connect with Nick Clement on Instagram: Other Episode Resoures: Follow Passion for Dance podcast:
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165. 3 Reasons NOT to have Dance Team Captains
06/20/2024
165. 3 Reasons NOT to have Dance Team Captains
This episode is a continued conversation about team leadership. Last week's episode was all about identifying a truly committed team leader and how to help the whole team be more committed. There is an entire spectrum of commitment, and it's very important that any team leader is one of the top two tiers. So if you missed that and are considering a formal team leadership this year, go back to episode 164 and check that out first! Usually, I’m all for team leadership. There are so many good things that can come of it, but that's only true if it's the right people. There are team dynamics and situations where formal leadership doesn't make sense. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing about the three reasons not to have dance team captains or formal leadership, especially in high school and college programs. I’ll also discuss the benefits of creating a leadership committee if you have multiple strong leaders on your team. Tune in to hear all about my top three reasons not to have dance team captains and what you could do instead! Journey to Elite Captain Course: Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/165
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164. Are Your Dance Team Leaders Truly Committed?
06/14/2024
164. Are Your Dance Team Leaders Truly Committed?
I'm hearing coaches and studio owners tell me every day how commitment levels are different and how dancers don't seem as committed as they used to. Then you add the need to have leadership on our teams, either formal or not, and if most of your senior-level dancers aren't committed, now what do you do? In this episode, I'm going to share the idea of a Commitment Continuum. I’ll break down the six levels of commitment for you because understanding where your dancers fall on that continuum helps you improve their commitment to your program. This continuum will give you a solid foundation to open the conversation with your dancers in which you can set clear expectations about the level of commitment you’re looking for from them. Tune in to learn about the commitment continuum and how you can use it to get more from your dancers! Roadmap to Choosing the Right Captains: Journey to Elite Captain Course: Episode Resources:
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163. How to Destroy Team Culture
06/06/2024
163. How to Destroy Team Culture
It's really challenging to teach resilience and confidence and motivation if the team culture is awful. Maybe you've been a part of some incredible cultures as a dancer, or maybe you've been part of some really bad ones. Either way, culture is the foundation that all other mental skills need to thrive. Whether you're at a studio or a school team or an all-star gym, the culture of that group can make or break your ability to work on those positive mental skills. There are twelve ways that you can quickly destroy a culture, which is a lot to go into in just one episode. So in today’s episode, I'll be sharing about three of those culture killers. I’ll break down how a lazy warmup, complaining, and bad body language can affect your team culture. Listen in to learn how to take control of your team culture! 12 Culture Killers Free Resources: Other epidose resources:
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162. The Sullivan Twins on Resilience, Pressure, Success and How to Love the Journey
05/30/2024
162. The Sullivan Twins on Resilience, Pressure, Success and How to Love the Journey
While I'm on a mission to create happier, more successful dancers through positive mental skills, I'm also someone who loves to be inspired by dancers who are living their dreams and are also honest about the hard work it takes to get there. My guests in today’s episode are here to do just that and pull back the curtain on their journey from studio to competitive college team to the Radio City Rockettes. Caitlin and Courtney Sullivan, known to many of you as The Sullivan Twins, are here today to share their journey and how their mental skills helped make their dreams happen. They talk about values, content creation, training plans, and, of course, the mindset behind it all. While they are professional dancers and they achieved their dream of being Rockettes, they actually didn't make the cut after their first year auditioning. But their story of resilience and being present in high-pressure situations will inspire you to never give up on your dreams! Follow the show for more great episodes: Episode Resources:
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161. The NEW Goal Setting Method that Sets You Up for Success
05/23/2024
161. The NEW Goal Setting Method that Sets You Up for Success
One of the most accessible mental skills that makes a real impact on your growth as a dancer is goal setting, but I've seen goal setting fail when it's not done well. While a method like SMART goals can be commonly used, I have a better way. This new method takes a very important step beyond the SMART method, and dancers that I've worked with who used this new method instead saw some pretty amazing results. So let's make sure you're setting yourself up for success. This episode is part two of a two-part series about goal setting. We’ll break down the GWHOP Method, and I’ll give real-life examples of how I used this method with a team I worked with. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap to the scientifically-supported new goal setting strategy, a method that improves motivation, focus, happiness, and performance! Values & Goal Setting Course: Episode Resources:
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DANCER BONUS: Mindset of Effective Goal Setting
05/16/2024
DANCER BONUS: Mindset of Effective Goal Setting
This short episode is the DANCER BONUS to Episode 160: The Achievement Mindset Speaking directly to the dancers out there, Dr. Chelsea shares the importance of setting goals for yourself, why it matters so much, and the good things than can happen when you do. Follow the show for more:
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160. The Achievement Mindset: How Goal Setting Transforms your Performance on Stage
05/16/2024
160. The Achievement Mindset: How Goal Setting Transforms your Performance on Stage
Goal setting isn't just about saying something you want to achieve, writing it on a sticky note, and then going for it. That's why a lot of goal setting falls apart. We mean well and we set some big goal, and then somehow it never happens. How you think about goals and how you approach them makes all the difference in making goal setting work for you. I’ve seen hundreds of dancers learn how to use goal setting properly and then turn around to have their most successful season ever, and it’s time I share the insider info with you! This episode is part one of a two-part series about goal setting. Today, we’ll set the foundation of the achievement mindset. Then next week, I'll share with you my exact goal-setting process that has changed my own life and so many dancers and coaches I've worked with. In this episode, you'll learn the three key ways that an achievement mindset combined with good goal setting changes your performance! Dance Team Catalyst Course: Episode Resources:
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159. 3 Things I Wish I Knew About Saying Goodbye to My Dancers
05/09/2024
159. 3 Things I Wish I Knew About Saying Goodbye to My Dancers
At the end of every dance season, there comes a time to say goodbye. Every year, as both a teacher and a coach, I watch young men and women I've grown close to graduate and move on to the next phase of their life. Whether it's at banquets or graduations, watching a senior leave the program is usually heavy with some complex emotions. One mental skill I often focus on is resilience, and big life transitions like this usually need some extra resilience. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing my thoughts about saying goodbye to our dancers during this time of transition, because it can be hard. I’ve learned a lot over the years about saying goodbye and the mindset that helps you be resilient to this kind of change, so I’ll give you three things to remind yourself of when you find yourself navigating the inevitable emotions of saying goodbye. If you're having a hard time letting go of your dancers this year, I hope this episode is helpful to you! Episode Resources: Love the Show:
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158 Success in Dance is 20% Talent 80% Everything Else with Menina Fortunato
05/01/2024
158 Success in Dance is 20% Talent 80% Everything Else with Menina Fortunato
Any dancer dreaming of a professional career is most likely working hard in the studio and honing their skills to be the strongest dancer they can be, but in the professional dance world, talent is only 20% of the equation. There are a lot of other skills to master that make up that other 80%. This 80/20 rule where success as a professional dancer is 20% talent, 80% everything else comes from my esteemed guest today, Menina Fortunato. Menina's mission is to help the next generation of dancers create their dream dance careers. She had her own remarkable career for three decades in this dance industry. She has navigated the demands of both on-camera and behind-the-scenes work while also juggling the responsibilities of being a loving wife and devoted mother of three. Menina has worked on prominent television shows and films including America's Got Talent, Star Trek: Enterprise, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, and she's graced stadium stages entertaining massive crowds with superstars like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Carrie Underwood, Paula Abdul, and so many more. Menina and I talk about maintaining motivation as a professional dancer, how our current generation could learn more about rejection and handling negative emotions through mental toughness and some mindset advice for aspiring professionals. And, of course, she'll break down her 80/20 rule and share what that other 80% is all about! Resources - Follow Menina on Instagram: Connect with The Business of Dance: Connect with The Hollywood Summer Tour Connect with Menina: Sign up to the Passion for Dance Email List: Key Highlights - [3m 51s] - Menina’s Dance Background [10m 12s] - Menina’s Favorite Memory Onstage [14m 17s] - What’s Kept Menina Motivated Professionally [17m 48s] - Menina’s View on Values [19m 19s] - The 80/20 Rule [29m 16s] - Challenges Menina Sees in Dancers Seeking a Professional Career [34m 45s] - Menina’s Take on Balance and Mindset [39m 03s] - Menina’s Thoughts on Managing Chaos
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157. Why Our Dancers Should Celebrate Dance in Every Cutlure with Mickela Mallozzi
04/25/2024
157. Why Our Dancers Should Celebrate Dance in Every Cutlure with Mickela Mallozzi
Do you have much experience with dance outside of your own culture? Since it's International Dance Day, I want to take today's episode to focus on dance as a source of heritage and identity and how it can truly connect us across our different cultures, but I can't do it alone. My guest today is four-time Emmy Award-winning host and executive producer of the show Bare Feet, Mickela Mallozzi, who is on a mission to experience the world one dance at a time. In today’s episode, Mickela and I talk about the need to be vulnerable when you're learning something new and how we have to let go of perfection so that we can genuinely be curious and learn from other cultures and experience dance through their eyes. She shares her views on the various cultural foundations of dance that are not often taught, and she shares some great stories like learning the dance with the people of the Garifuna who survived exile only to maintain, thrive, and grow their cultural heritage, including their native dances. I hope you enjoy the cultural exploration of dance in this episode, and let’s celebrate International Dance Day together! Episode Resources: Connect with Mickela on the Bare Feet website: Follow Mickela and Bare Feet on Instagram: Sign up to my Email List:
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DANCER BONUS: Understanding Mental Health vs. Mental Toughness
04/18/2024
DANCER BONUS: Understanding Mental Health vs. Mental Toughness
Dancers, this one is directly for you! You can be a mentally healthy dancer who is ALSO mentally tough. Here's the difference between mental toughness and mental health and how you can build your mental toughness. Learn more at:
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156. Teaching Your Dancers Mental Toughness and How to Take Corrections
04/18/2024
156. Teaching Your Dancers Mental Toughness and How to Take Corrections
Do you feel like it's getting harder and harder to challenge your dancers and hold them to a high standard without hurting their feelings or being seen as a mean coach? When I talk to dance educators, many of them express this internal conflict where they want to push their dancers for more and help them see the value of hard work, but they might be scared of nasty parent phone calls, worried about being fired, and have a genuine fear of harming the dancers they care so much about. I understand the stress and fear, and I also appreciate the desire to recognize mental health. In today's episode, I’ll be sharing the difference between mental health and mental toughness so that you can be the teacher that is able to create happier, more successful dancers through mental skills. We’ll talk about how mental health and mental toughness go hand in hand, and I’ll share a few strategies to help you help your dancers build mental toughness. I hope this episode helps you see that it is possible to teach our dancers to be mentally tough while also protecting their wellbeing! Episode 66 about Mental Health in Sports: Other Episode Resources:
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155. Unveiling the Power of Year-End Leadership Interviews
04/11/2024
155. Unveiling the Power of Year-End Leadership Interviews
Before you dive too fast into next season, do you stop and ask your dancers to reflect on the past season and share their candid thoughts with you? Though I know sometimes at the end of the season it's easy to go straight into next season, hopefully you take a small break in between. While it can be hard to hear, and I understand sending out a survey or sitting down to talk might feel nerve wracking to you, it's incredibly powerful to do this with your dancers. One of the most untapped resources is your leadership (either formal captains, graduating seniors, or even upcoming leaders). Asking them key questions can completely change your next season for the better. In today’s episode I’ll share with you why it's so valuable to ask your dancers questions at the end of the year. I’ll also be talking about how I learned to ask my dancers to pause and reflect on the last season as well as share with you the five questions you should specifically ask your captains. I promise these reflections with your captains at the end of the year will change how you plan and set yourself up for the next season! Improvement Season Free Challenge: Episode Resources:
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154: 3 Ways to Teach Mental Toughness to Young Dancers between 5 and 10
04/04/2024
154: 3 Ways to Teach Mental Toughness to Young Dancers between 5 and 10
Do you teach dancers under ten years old? Can you teach dancers that little about mental toughness, or is it better to wait? I'm often asked if mental skills training is appropriate for young dancers taking level one classes or in the mini competitive program. The answer is, yes, it is appropriate. In this episode, I’ll share three key ideas to build mental toughness in young dancers. We’ll also discuss how mental training is just like physical training and the importance of exposing your young dancers to mental skills training at a young age. Talking about mental skills, mindset, resilience might seem like an advanced conversation or just too much for our youngest dancers, but I'm here to say you can talk to dancers about mental toughness at every age. If you teach young dancers, tune in to hear more about building mental toughness at any age! Episode Resources: Follow the show:
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153. How I Plan a Dance Team Season
03/28/2024
153. How I Plan a Dance Team Season
In the dance world, summer isn’t just the time for intensives and summer camps, it’s also a time for a whole lot of planning. If you're someone like me who loves a good planner, someone who color codes everything, and someone who enjoys mapping out the next year to come, I'm excited to share my planning process with you! If you don’t consider yourself a planner, I encourage you to listen in and consider a new perspective: you can be a planner if you want to. In this episode, we’ll break down my four-step planning process of reviewing the year ahead, choosing what to focus on, digging into your calendar, and dialing into Q1 of the upcoming year. If you want to see some growth in your dancers this next year, tune into this episode to hear all about my four-step planning process! Episode Resources: Get The Ultimate Planning Workbook: Follow Passion for Dance:
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152. How to Unleash Your Roaring Resilience with Josephine Lancuba
03/21/2024
152. How to Unleash Your Roaring Resilience with Josephine Lancuba
This episode is an incredible story of resilience and how one woman went from leaving an abusive home at 14 to creating a life for herself as a performer and business owner. Our guest today, Josephine Lancuba, is an award-winning performing arts business and talent management professional from Sydney, Australia. She's an educator, speaker, talent agent, and has spent two decades in the arts industry, leading and managing studios and production-based businesses (including her own musical theater studio) for the last ten years. Josephine's story of resilience is absolutely inspiring, but it's more than that because she shares actionable tips for building resilience as a teacher, studio owner, and how we can help our dancers. We also talk about building confidence, defining your own success, and the power of forgiveness. Hopefully this Passion for Dance conversation will lift your spirits and inspire you to keep sharing your passion for dance! Episode Resources: Listen to Studio Biz and All That Jazz: Josephine’s Website: Connect with Josephine on Instagram:
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