There are many tools that an individual can use to maintain mental health, several of which have been discussed on DanceWell Podcast already. However, in Episode 15, clinical psychologist, Lilian Araujo, PhD explains that institutions and organizations--schools, companies, and programs--also have a duty to design themselves in a way that is conducive to the psychological wellbeing of their members. This duty is a moral imperative as well as critical for performance optimization. Host: Ellie Kusn...
May 30, 2018•39 min
Your identity is a reflection of your core values, what you perceive to be important in life, and the traits that you feel define you. Identity is also influenced by the expectations of those around you, your community, and your culture. Various changes or challenges in life can result in a crisis of identity. In Episode 14, clinical psychologist, Dr. Elisabeth Morray, discusses how a dancer's identity can change and evolve throughout life, and what the dance community can do to help bolster ide...
May 23, 2018•40 min
Stress and anxiety can be both psychologically motivating and physically debilitating. Tune in as Catherine Drury, LCSW describes stress in its many forms and introduces ways in which dancers can manage both in and out of the studio. Visit the Dancers’ Resource at the Actors Fund home page: https://actorsfund.org/services-and-programs/dancers-resource. Get in touch with Catherine by emailing her at the Actors’ Fund: cdrury@actorsfund.org or visiting her website: http://www.catherinedrury.com/ Ho...
May 16, 2018•24 min
Do you ever find that you speak to yourself much more harshly than you would speak to anyone else? Self-talk describes the things you say to yourself, consciously or unconsciously which can be either positive of negative in nature. In Episode 12, success coach and wellness mentor Elizabeth Sullivan discusses how negative self-talk impedes achievement and how to turn it around. Positive self-talk isn't about pretending everything is great, it's about finding active and accurate language that make...
May 09, 2018•29 min
To begin DanceWell's celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, we talk with Catherine Drury, the social worker for the Dancers’ Resource at the Actors Fund, about some of the important facets of mental health for dancers. Join us as we discuss when to reach out for support, the most opportune time for the deepest work, mental health and injury, and resources available to dancers through the Actors Fund. Visit the Dancers' Resource at the Actors Fund home page: https://actorsfund.org/services...
May 02, 2018•30 min
Zero Balancing is described as, “a mind-body therapy that uses skilled touch to address the relationship between energy and structure within the body.” (www.zerobalancing.com/about) Paula Macali, who has worked with dancers in various capacities throughout her career, explains more about the key principals of Zero Balancing and how she uses this form of bodywork to help dancers achieve greater function and wellbeing.
Apr 25, 2018•29 min
What is osteopathic medicine? What can doctors of osteopathy offer dancers that other health care professionals cannot? Tune in to this episode to listen to Asad Siddiqi DO, FAAPMR, CAQSM answer these questions and discuss his research in dance medicine. Get in touch with Dr. Siddiqi by visiting: http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/rehab/profile/arsiddiqi Host: Marissa Schaeffer DanceWell Founders: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer DanceWell Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com DanceWell email: dancewell...
Apr 11, 2018•23 min
Somatics describes an approach to learning and a wide range of techniques typically aimed at improving movement function and efficiency. While that’s an apt description, there’s also so much more to somatic work which makes it effective, but also nuanced and hard to explain! In this episode, Alexandra Beller vividly articulates how and why she integrates somatic practices into the dance classes she teaches.
Mar 28, 2018•34 min
There are many ways a dancer can cross-train! Have you heard of the ballet-based cross-training method for dancers Progressing Ballet Technique? Originally founded by Marie Walton-Mahon in Australia, PBT is now practiced world-wide. Join co-host Marissa as she talks to the USA Director of PBT, Megan Berlint-Nicko about how she uses PBT to help dancers enhance their technique, improve their conditioning, and stabilize their core. Get in touch with Megan by emailing her at Megannicko@pbtus.com or ...
Mar 14, 2018•24 min
In many forms of dance, joints that move through a large range of motion are admired and adored by dancers, choreographers, teachers, and audiences alike. However, extreme mobility comes with challenges that are not always recognized or appreciated. In Episode 6, Jessica Lassiter, DPT, discusses hypermobility. She explains what it is, why it can lead to specific injuries and how to maintain hypermobile health with simple exercises that enhance proprioception and stability. Visit Jessica’s websit...
Feb 25, 2018•32 min
How does pilates help improve a dancer's technical performance? What makes pilates a unique choice for dancers? Join us on this episode as DanceWell Podcast's co-host and co-founder, Ellie Kusner, talks about how pilates can benefit dancers of all ages. Get in touch with Ellie by emailing her at elliekusner@gmail.com or visit her website at www.elliekusner.com Host: Marissa Schaeffer DanceWell Founders: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer DanceWell Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com DanceWell emai...
Feb 14, 2018•24 min
Have you heard that dancers should cross train, but you have no idea where to begin? Co-host and co-creator of DanceWell Podcast, Marissa Schaeffer, discusses the ins and outs of cross training for dancers, which is her area of passion and expertise. We discuss what, when, and how much will improve performance and reduce injury risk. Get in touch with Marissa by emailing her at marissatschaeffer@gmail.com or visit her website at www.marissatschaeffer.com Host: Ellie Kusner DanceWell Founders: El...
Feb 14, 2018•16 min
As dancers, sometimes we stretch to relieve tight or sore muscles. On this episode, Dr. Alexis Sams, PT, discusses other messages our bodies might be trying to send us when we feel tight or sore. Stretching, she says, is not always the right answer. To get in touch with Dr. Sams, email her at ansfpt@ansfpt.com or visit her website: https://www.ansfptdance.com/ Host: Marissa Schaeffer DanceWell Founders: Ellie Kusner DanceWell Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com DanceWell email: dancewellpodcast@gm...
Jan 31, 2018•25 min
After a successful career as a ballet dancer, Elizabeth Sullivan now helps other dancers achieve their dreams—without stepping foot in the studio. She teaches dancers to breakdown goals, be aware of their feelings, and advocate for their needs. Learn how Elizabeth helps improve the performance and wellbeing of dancers, while they sit on the couch in their pajamas and chat on the phone! Host: Ellie Kusner DanceWell Founders: Marissa Schaeffer & Ellie Kusner DanceWell Website: www.dancewellpod...
Jan 17, 2018•22 min
On this episode, we interview Hali Bekofsky who is at the same time a dancer, dance teacher, yoga instructor, nutritionist, and competition judge. On 'Nutrition for Young Competition Dancers,' Hali talks about her work with competition dancers aged 5- 17, their relentless schedules, hurdles to healthy eating, how poor eating habits can contribute to injury and how good nutrition can enhance performance. To get in touch with Hali, email her at: halibek@optonline.net Host: Marissa Schaeffer DanceW...
Jan 03, 2018•25 min
Welcome to DanceWell Podcast! by Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer
Dec 20, 2017•2 min
