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It's Nutcracker season, and today I want to pull back the curtain on what life is really like as a professional ballet dancer. My guest today is Janine Kovac who was a professional dancer for 12 years in Iceland, Italy, San Francisco, and her hometown in El Paso, Texas.
In today’s episode, Janine and I talk about how you can take whatever role you're given in the ballet, even if it's not your favorite, and truly make it your own. She shares her pre-performance ritual as a professional dancer, which I will say was very well thought out and definitely helped her have that sense of confidence every time she took the stage. Janine also shares a touching story about when her twins were in the NICU and how her life lessons from being a ballet dancer helped her get through it. This episode is packed with tangible advice and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of professional ballet and, of course, some extra fun with discussing The Nutcracker!
Get Janine’s Book, The Nutcracker Chronicles: https://www.janinekovac.com/in-other-words2
Connect with Janine on Her Website: https://janinekovac.com
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/187
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I've talked to hundreds and hundreds of dancers all over the world, and I hear from each of them about the heavy load they experience as dancers. There's pressure to perform. We never feel like we have enough time to get everything done. There's performance anxiety and burnout. But it doesn't have to be that way. Reframing stress can lead to a better performance as well as more mental resilience and personal growth.
In today’s episode, I’ll break down the four different ways that you can reframe your stress as a dancer and share some practical tips for coaches, teachers, and parents too. Spoiler alert: reframing stress is rooted in the idea that stress isn't always a bad thing. It can be positive rather than something to fear or loathe. Tune in to learn more about the four ways to reframe your stress and turn pressure into your power!
Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/186
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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If you are a dance teacher who has ever struggled to get your students to go full out when they're learning, or if you've been saying the same cue, like, “Pull up,” and they don't get it, today's guest is here to share a different approach with a lot of tangible ideas to try in your next class.
My guest today is Jennifer Bonfill, the Artistic Director of The Wooden Floor. She spent 13 years as a professional dancer and is now a truly exceptional teacher who has a genuine passion for dance. Jennifer believes that dance is more than an art form; it's a catalyst for personal growth and community connection. In this episode, we’ll talk about why dance is the answer, the impact of somatic-based approach to choreography, and how life skills learned through dance will most likely show up outside the studio as well. Listen in to hear Jennifer’s passion shine through. I know you'll come away with practical tips and inspiration for your next class!
Jennifer’s Website: www.TheWoodenFloor.org
Follow Passion for Dance: https://followthepodcast.com/passionfordance
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/185
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The best performers in the world didn't get to where they are through magic, nor did they get there overnight. The best path to your personal best is to focus on those small, daily habits that add up to consistent growth. Psychological research has taught us that there are three of these daily key habits to focus on.
In today’s episode, I'll share the three daily habits of top-performing dancers that you can implement right away. I’ll be breaking them down and sharing how they all can all build upon each other. If you're a dancer with big goals, I encourage you to integrate these three practices in your daily life for better performance in class and onstage, greater confidence when you perform, and the resilience to bounce back quickly when things go wrong. Tune in to hear all about how creating daily habits supports successful dancers!
Take the podcast quiz to know where to start: https://chelseapierotti.com/podcastquiz
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/184
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What kind of dancer will make it in New York City? Do passionate dancers get taken advantage of in the professional world? Today’s episode is a conversation with Dr. Ruth Horowitz, a sociologist who specifically studied recent dancers. She interviewed over 80 professionals at various levels of their career and found some really interesting results about passion, how dancers create a career by piecing together different contracts, the grit and determination it takes to make it, and how the identity of a dancer never leaves you.
So if you want to know what it's like to move to New York and try to make it as a professional dancer and what kind of dancer is most likely to make it, Dr. Horowitz is here to tell you all about it with some great tools to help you reach your professional dreams. Tune in!
Get Ruth’s Book: Passionate Work: Choreographing a Dance Career on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble or at Stanford University Press
Connect with Ruth on her Website: https://dancerscareers.com
Follow Ruth on Instagram: www.instagram.com/horowitz.ruth
Follow Passion for Dance: https://followthepodcast.com/passionfordance
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/183
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It takes a lot of positive mental skills to learn how to focus on small improvements every day and not give up when you don't feel like you're making the progress you want. Many dancers focus on getting the turns, learning choreography quickly, scoring well in their solo, but they don't focus on how to make those things happen. You don't have to make huge strides every day in order to achieve those goals; it's all about the daily habits that make the difference, striving for 1% better than yesterday.
If you focus on the end result or focus on other people, you'll miss your opportunity for growth. Instead, focus on getting 1% better. In this episode, I’ll be talking about the 1% rule, why change doesn’t happen overnight, and how you can build your confidence through repetition. Dancers, if you get discouraged in class or feel like other dancers are learning faster than you and are always better than you, listen in!
Submit a Question to Dr Chelsea: https://chelseapierotti.com/question
Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/182
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When it comes to a focused mindset, I'll admit that I'm one of those psychologists who talks about the benefit of intention. I personally always set a word for the year that serves as my overarching intention, and I often set daily intentions when I sit down to work, but I want to bring this into the dance studio. Being able to clearly focus and be drilled in with an intention will have a big, positive impact on the way dancers practice.
In today’s episode I'll cover why intention helps direct focus and how you can use it to be more present and attentive while you take class. I’ll share with you the difference between goals and intentions, the value in being specific with your intentions, and how to bring these intentions into class. Tune in to learn more about the benefits of setting intentions as a dancer - mental focus takes time, but I promise the payback is incredible!
Submit Questions to the Podcast: https://chelseapierotti.com/question
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/181
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Many coaches today struggle with accountability on their teams or in the studio. We want dancers who do the hard work and follow through with their promises. Truly accountable dancers own up to their mistakes and do what they say they're going to do even when no one's watching. It's all about being accountable to each other, and the best leaders know how to do that.
Today’s episode is for dancers! I’ll be sharing with you why the very best leaders make mistakes and focus on personal accountability. I'm going to explain exactly what to do if you want to be a strong leader on your team. I’ll talk about how leaders model accountability, the importance of challenging our own self-talk, and how creating simple, fun gestures can help you stay accountable to your team. Tune in to hear what it takes to be the dancer who is being a positive role model for everyone else!
Take the Podcast Quiz for a Currated Podcast List: https://chelseapierotti.com/quiz
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/180
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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! https://chelseapierotti.com/podcastquiz
Other Episode Resoures: https://chelseapierotti.com/179
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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: https://www.thedancescientist.com/
Listen to Maria’s Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XcLTaJqxWtzIcEL0C4YiV?si=377bf7f0d3364451
Follow Maria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.dancescientist/
Follow Passion for Dance: https://followthepodcast.com/passionfordance
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/178
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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: www.chelseapierotti.com/message
Connect with me on Instagram www.instagram.com/dr.chelsea.pierotti
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/177
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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: www.chelseapierotti.com/message
Connect with Demi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondhorizonsperformance/
Positive Team Culture Freebie: http://beyondhorizonsperformance.com/digital-resources/a-coachs-guide-on-how-to-develop-a-positive-team-culture/
Follow Passion for Dance: https://followthepodcast.com/passionfordance
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/176
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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: https://chelseapierotti.com/message
Follow the show: https://followthepodcast.com/passionfordance
Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/175
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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: https://chelseapierotti.com/174
Connect with Dr. Bluestein on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/
Hypermobility MD’s Website: http://www.hypermobilitymd.com
Listen to Bendy Bodies with Hypermobility MD Podcast: http://www.bendybodiespodcast.com
Follow the Bendy Bodies Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bendy_bodies/
Connect with Linda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hypermobilitymd/
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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: https://chelseapierotti.com/membership
More Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/173
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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: https://chelseapierotti.com/172
Podcast Quiz: https://chelseapierotti.com/podcastquiz
Follow the show! https://followthepodcast.com/passionfordance
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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: https://www.instagram.com/_kellynolan_/
Get The Free Five-Day Program: https://kellynolan.com/reset-refresh
Connect with Kelly and The Bright Method: https://www.kellynolan.com/
Follow Passion for Dance: https://chelseapierotti.com/follow
All Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/171
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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!
https://chelseapierotti.com/quiz
Other Episode Resources:
https://chelseapierotti.com/170
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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: www.instagram.com/michelleleagans
Get “Hey Dancers… Let's Talk About It!”: www.letstalkaboutdance.com
Follow Passion for Dance: https://followthepodcast.com/passionfordance
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/169
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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 www.chelseapierotti.com/168. Tune into this episode to learn how to enhance your team dynamics this season so you can have happier, more successful dancers!
Download Team Building Games
Other Episode Resources: https://chelseapierotti.com/168
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