Discover
Passion for Dance

Passion for Dance
Author: Dr Chelsea Pierotti
Subscribed: 31Played: 694Subscribe
Share
© Passionate Coach LLC
Description
You train extensively as a dancer, but what about mental training? Have you ever trained your mental skills like confidence, focus, or resilience? When you tune in to Passion for Dance, that mental training is precisely what you get. You can learn from a sport psychology expert who understands the dance industry and can teach you how to elevate your performance and truly thrive on and off stage.
Welcome to Passion for Dance, where your host, Dr. Chelsea, will bring the science of sport psychology into the dance studio. Each week, you will learn actionable strategies and new mindsets to build happier, more successful dancers.
Dance teaches us to push through the pain to reach our goals, and we are used to criticism, tears, bleeding toes, and sore muscles. But now, psychological research has taught us more about mental health and resilience than ever before, and it's time to change our industry for the better. Being a dancer teaches us critical life skills, but that doesn't mean we have to suffer before we can build ourselves back up. Dance can teach us self-discipline, teamwork, confidence, grit, and resilience without destroying our 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. This podcast is for all of us to connect, learn, and share our passion for dance with the world.
Welcome to Passion for Dance, where your host, Dr. Chelsea, will bring the science of sport psychology into the dance studio. Each week, you will learn actionable strategies and new mindsets to build happier, more successful dancers.
Dance teaches us to push through the pain to reach our goals, and we are used to criticism, tears, bleeding toes, and sore muscles. But now, psychological research has taught us more about mental health and resilience than ever before, and it's time to change our industry for the better. Being a dancer teaches us critical life skills, but that doesn't mean we have to suffer before we can build ourselves back up. Dance can teach us self-discipline, teamwork, confidence, grit, and resilience without destroying our 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. This podcast is for all of us to connect, learn, and share our passion for dance with the world.
228 Episodes
Reverse
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: https://apollaperformance.com Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/223 Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:31 Welcome to Passion for Dance 00:40 Understanding Peak Performance 02:13 Mental Skills for Peak Performance 04:06 Training Smarter, Not Harder 05:58 The Importance of Sleep 09:04 Balancing Academics and Dance 11:22 Holistic Approach to Peak Performance 11:45 Recap and Final Thoughts
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: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/222 Connect with Abbey and Studio 2 Stadium! https://studio2stadium.com/ https://www.instagram.com/studio2stadium_/ https://www.tiktok.com/@studio2stadium Episode Breakdown: 00:15 Introducing Abbey Nugent and Studio 2 Stadium 01:42 Abbey's Dance Journey and the Birth of Studio 2 Stadium 02:34 How Studio 2 Stadium Works 05:52 The Changing Landscape of College Dance Recruitment 08:14 Finding the Right College Dance Program 12:29 The Importance of Clinics and Combines 15:52 Effective Communication with Coaches 22:23 The Common Recruiting Video Explained 28:57 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring College Dancers 32:17 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
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 might be slipping towards burnout and offers actionable steps to shift the culture towards a more positive and sustainable environment. New to the show? Check out the Podcast Quiz to find out which episodes would be most helpful for you to listen to right now. Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/221 Episode Breakdown: 01:19 The Challenge of Balancing Goals and Wellbeing 03:00 Understanding Goal-Driven Culture 04:37 Types of Goals and Their Impact 06:45 Strategies for Healthy Goal-Driven Culture 10:41 Recognizing Burnout and Perfectionism 12:47 Practical Takeaways for Coaches
Are you ready to break the cycle of self-doubt and build lasting confidence? In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea reveals the secret to building confidence: the Confidence Loop. Discover why confidence isn’t something you’re born with, but a skill you can build every day through consistent effort, preparation, and self-trust. Whether you’re struggling with inconsistency or looking for actionable strategies to boost your confidence, this episode is packed with research-backed insights and practical tips you can use right away. Grab your Competition Confidence Checklist: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/checklist Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/220 Episode Breakdown: 00:00 – Introduction & why confidence matters 01:35 – The Confidence Loop explained 04:27 – Research-backed keys to building confidence 07:03 – How inconsistency affects your confidence 08:24 – Tangible ways to practice and grow your confidence 11:00 – Weekly challenge to fuel your confidence loop
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea explores the importance of trust in building a positive dance team culture. She highlights five common trust breakers—playing favorites, not listening, inconsistency, competing instead of collaborating, and gossiping—that can undermine team dynamics. Offering actionable strategies, Dr. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of addressing trust issues promptly, revisiting team agreements, and fostering psychological safety. By identifying and mitigating these trust-destroying behaviors, dancers and coaches can cultivate a more cohesive and successful team. Additional resources, including a mental skills bundle, are available to help you get started. Grab the Dance Coach Mental Skills Bundle: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/mentalskills Other podcast resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/219 Episode Breakdown: 00:33 The Importance of Trust in Dance Teams 01:38 Identifying Trust Breakers 04:07 Common Trust Breakers in Dance Teams 08:14 Rebuilding Trust in Your Team 11:18 Final Thoughts and Resources
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 19:46 Awareness and Adaptability in Dance 24:17 The Struggle with Comparison 25:54 Building Individuality and Confidence 30:37 Teaching Awareness 32:40 Career Advice for Young Dancers 33:43 Making Decisions and Embracing Failure 39:01 The No Starving Artists Ethos 44:14 Lessons Learned from Dance
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea explores the top five life skills dancers develop and how these skills transfer to other areas of life. She delves into emotional regulation, leadership and self-control, grit, communication and respect, and responsibility and time management. Dr. Chelsea offers practical advice for dancers and coaches to implement these skills outside the dance studio. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for applying your dance-based skills to enhance your personal growth, relationships, and professional success. Leave a message: Because of dance, I… https://passionfordancepodcast.com/voicemail Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/217 Time Management Episode with Kelly Noaln: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/171 Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Passion for Dance 00:52 Five Life Skills Learned Through Dance 02:58 Emotional Regulation: Staying Calm Under Pressure 05:15 Leadership and Self-Control: Influencing with Grace 07:10 Grit: The Power of Perseverance 08:50 Communication and Respect: Building Strong Teams 10:21 Responsibility and Time Management: Balancing It All 12:40 Recap and Reflection: Life Skills Beyond Dance 13:53 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses common mental traps that hinder dancers' progress and success. Delving into traps like comparison, waiting for confidence, outcome-only goals, and injury identity, she provides actionable mental skills tools to help dancers shift their mindset and regain control. Learn how journaling, taking action, setting process goals, and rewriting your identity can foster confidence, growth, and joy in your dance journey. Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/216 Download the Competition Confidence Checklist: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/checklist Leave Dr. Chelsea a Voicenote: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/voicemail Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction to Mental Traps in Dance 01:48 Understanding the Comparison Trap 03:38 Overcoming the Confidence Barrier 05:31 Focusing Beyond Outcome Goals 08:12 Redefining Your Identity Post-Injury 09:51 Conclusion and Recap
In this episode of 'Passion for Dance,' Dr. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of reflection for dancers, especially during the off-season. She provides science-backed tools to help dancers develop self-awareness, mental toughness, and resilience. Dr. Chelsea introduces four practical reflection tools: post-event reflection, personal growth journaling, SWOT analysis, and collaborative reflection with coaches or peers. She also shares tips to make reflection a sustainable habit and invites listeners to share their progress. Challenge yourself this summer and try integrating reflection into your routine. Grab your New Listener Resource Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/215 Episode Breakdown: 00:25 The Importance of Reflection for Dancers 01:52 Science-Backed Benefits of Reflection 03:35 Practical Tools for Personal Reflection 04:06 Post-Event Reflection Tool 06:52 Personal Growth Journal 07:57 SWOT Analysis for Dancers 10:38 Collaborative Reflection with Coaches and Peers 11:25 Tips for Maintaining a Reflection Practice 12:56 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
In this episode of Passion for Dance, host Dr. Chelsea sits down with accomplished dancer, choreographer, and educator Alexandra Beller. Alexandra shares invaluable advice for dealing with negative self-talk, building body awareness, and fostering authenticity in your performances. She details her journey from being a young dancer to a world-touring professional and celebrated choreographer. Alexandra also discusses the importance of understanding one's creative process and offers practical strategies for dealing with inner critics and boosting confidence. Additionally, she gives a sneak peek into her upcoming book 'The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theater and Dance.' This episode is packed with insights for dancers looking to cultivate a successful and authentic dance career. Connect with Alexandra Beller and her book 'The Anatomy of Art: Unlocking the Creative Process for Theater and Dance’ : https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org https://www.instagram.com/alexandrabellerdances/ Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/214 Episode Breakdown: 01:14 Meet Alexandra Bellar 03:22 Navigating Transitions and Choices in Your Dance Career 16:18 The Importance of Body Awareness and Authenticity 24:24 Handling the Inner Critic and Building Confidence 39:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Passion for Dance, host Dr. Chelsea interviews Julie Opiel, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Body Traffic, an LA-based contemporary dance company. They discuss overcoming career challenges, the importance of community engagement, and the benefits of experienced teachers working with beginners. Julie shares insights on Body Traffic's whole dancer approach, which nurtures dancers as artists and humans, and talks about finding a balance between rigor and compassion in our training. Learn More About Body Traffic: https://www.bodytraffic.com/ Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/213 Episode Breakdown 00:09 Introducing Julie Opiel and Body Traffic 01:36 Julie's Dance Journey 02:50 Overcoming Career Challenges 07:41 The Importance of Teaching Beginners 11:40 Finding Passion and Motivation 16:04 The Power of Community in Dance 17:33 Measuring Growth in Dance 19:34 Empowering Dancers with Leadership Opportunities 21:14 The Whole Dancer Concept 24:36 Balancing Rigor and Compassion in Dance 30:09 Practical Curriculum for Whole Dancer Approach 35:54 Advice for Dance Educators 38:16 Conclusion and Resources
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea speaks with Lesley Logan, a mindset and breathwork coach, and co-founder of onlinepilatesclasses.com. They discuss the connections between dance and Pilates, emphasizing the importance of mind-body connection, dealing with imposter syndrome, and embracing the beginner mindset. Lesley shares insights from her own journey and offers valuable teaching strategies for addressing varying skill levels in classes. This conversation provides practical advice for dancers seeking to build confidence and cultivate a supportive learning environment. Connect with Lesley: https://lesleylogan.co/ https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/ https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Try Lesley's Free Class: Full Body in 15 Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/212 Episode Breakdown: 01:41 Meet Lesley Logan: From Athlete to Pilates Instructor 03:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 06:13 The Importance of Being a Beginner 09:06 Building Confidence Through Action 23:11 Mind-Body Connection in Pilates and Dance 26:16 Adapting Self-Care to Your Body's Needs 26:38 The Importance of Mind-Body Connection for Dancers 27:01 Learning Through Feeling, Not Just Seeing 32:40 Understanding and Overcoming Fear in Learning 38:35 Effective Teaching Strategies for Dance Instructors 45:53 Starting a Pilates Practice for Dancers 47:41 Where to Find More Resources and Classes
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea tackles the pervasive issue of favoritism in dance studios and teams. She explains what favoritism looks like, why it happens, and how it impacts dancers emotionally and socially. Dr. Chelsea also shares actionable strategies to mitigate favoritism, including advice for teachers on creating a fair and inclusive environment, tips for dancers on how to handle perceived favoritism and seek constructive feedback, and guidance for parents on supporting their children and empowering them to advocate for themselves. Tune in for a comprehensive guide to creating a positive, equitable dance culture. New Listener Resource Leave a review or ask a question! https://chelseapierotti.com/211 Episode Breakdown: 00:37 Understanding Favoritism in Dance 01:26 Forms and Impact of Favoritism 06:14 Addressing Favoritism: Strategies for Teachers 07:47 Advice for Dancers and Parents 15:47 Conclusion and Community Engagement
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea interviews Rhee Gold, an esteemed dance professional with over four decades of experience. Rhee shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of mental toughness, resilience, and staying true to one’s values in the dance industry. He discusses the evolution of his career, the significance of community and passion, and offers practical advice for dance studio owners and teachers on building a successful dance business. The conversation also touches on the challenges and changes in today's dance world, the importance of adaptability, and fostering a supportive environment for all dancers. Connect with Rhee Gold: https://rheegold.com Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/210 Episode Breakdown: 00:07 Meet Rhee Gold: A Dance Industry Pioneer 02:28 Rhee's Early Entrepreneurial Journey 03:03 Building a Dance Business with Mental Toughness 08:49 The Evolution of Dance Competitions 11:03 Creating a Legacy and Community in Dance 15:41 Adapting to Modern Dance Education Challenges 18:54 Fostering a Positive Studio Culture 23:06 Reflecting on Personal and Business Values 26:21 The Magazine Business and Instincts 27:10 Trusting Your Instincts in Business 30:42 Adapting to Change and Avoiding Burnout 32:26 Balancing Family and Business 35:49 Defining Success and Overcoming Challenges 44:07 Final Thoughts and Advice
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses the common issue of performance slumps in dancers. She explores the causes, including physical, environmental, and psychological factors, and provides evidence-based strategies for overcoming them. Dr. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of realistic goal setting, maintaining an optimistic mindset, utilizing social support, and employing mental skills like imagery and reflection. Listeners will learn actionable steps to bounce back from a drop in performance and continue their journey towards becoming happier, more successful dancers. Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/209 New Listener Resource Episode Breakdown: 00:59 Understanding Performance Slumps 03:10 Causes of Performance Slumps 06:02 The Emotional Toll of Slumps 08:00 Overcoming Performance Slumps 11:20 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
In this episode of 'Passion for Dance,' host Dr. Chelsea talks with high-performance coach Amber Fahey about the benefits of integrating meditation, breath work, and journaling into dance practices. Amber, who has worked with nationally ranked dance teams, shares practical strategies for dancers to maintain focus and confidence during high-pressure moments. They explore specific visualization techniques, breathing exercises, and journaling prompts that can transform a dancer's mental fitness. Amber also introduces accessible methods for competitive teams to adopt these practices and shares a guided breathing exercise for confidence and positivity at the end of the episode. Tune in for actionable insights to create happier, more successful dancers. Connect with Amber: @shiftwithamber https://shiftwithamber.com Episode Breakdown: 00:11 Meet Amber Fahey: Meditation and High Performance Coach 05:53 Understanding Mindfulness vs. Meditation 11:27 Integrating Meditation into Dance Practice 17:08 Mindfulness Techniques for Competitions 25:15 The Power of Visualization in Dance 25:42 Guided Meditation for Competitions 29:12 The Importance of Mental Rehearsal 34:44 Breath Work Techniques for Dancers 39:48 Journaling for Personal Growth 42:06 Mindfulness Programs for Dance Teams 46:11 Confidence and Positivity Guided Meditation
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea addresses jealousy and teammate tension. She discusses the common causes of jealousy, including social relationship threats, competitive environments lacking emotional support, and low self-esteem among dancers. Dr. Chelsea offers three actionable strategies to manage jealousy: fostering deep friendships, creating a positive team culture, and building individual self-esteem. Tune in to learn how to shield yourself from jealous feelings, and handle it when they inevitably come up.. Grab the Confidence Checklist: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/cheklist Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/207 Episode Breakdown: 00:46 Understanding Jealousy in Dance Teams 01:51 Common Causes of Jealousy 06:37 Strategies to Overcome Jealousy 09:41 Building Self-Esteem and Confidence 11:04 Conclusion and Call to Action
In this special episode of 'Passion for Dance,' host Dr. Chelsea reveals her proven process for cultivating a dance team with a strong sense of purpose and lasting motivation. Joined by guest Coach Ali James, they discuss setting team values and goals at the beginning of the season and how this practice fosters accountability and peak performance. Coach Ali shares her hands-on experiences in implementing these strategies, including the success of her team's unique 2-1-2 mantra. Dr. Chelsea also introduces her 'Dance Team Catalyst' course designed to guide coaches in building motivated and cohesive teams. Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiring stories that can transform your dance team. Get the Course: DANCE TEAM CATALYST Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/206 Episode Breakdown: 00:10 Building a Team with Purpose and Motivation 01:46 The Importance of Setting Team Values and Goals 03:35 Coach Ali's Journey and Experience 04:33 The Process of Setting Team Values 07:44 Implementing and Upholding Team Values 17:25 A Unique Season: The Story of 2 1 2 23:43 Team Values and Season Goals 24:58 Overcoming Challenges with Team Values 26:18 Resetting and Reinforcing Values 29:03 The Importance of Smaller Goals 34:24 Handling Different Athlete Needs 37:09 The Power of Repetition: Three is Key 41:14 Final Thoughts on Values and Goals
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea explores the evolving landscape of leadership within dance teams in both school and studio settings. She highlights how the traditional role of a team captain is changing, with a shift towards shared leadership models where multiple dancers contribute to leadership roles. Dr. Chelsea discusses five key trends in athlete leadership, emphasizing the importance of both formal and informal leaders. This episode is for coaches and studio teachers who will both gain valuable insights into fostering positive team culture and effective leadership among dancers. Leadership Training Course: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/courses Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/205 Episode Breakdown: 00:40 The Role of Captains in Dance Culture 02:33 Evolving Leadership Models in Dance 03:14 Shared and Distributed Leadership 05:25 The Decline of Traditional Captains 07:24 The Rise of Informal Leaders 10:08 Leadership Training for Modern Athletes
In 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. Share the Episode: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/204 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