DanceWell Podcast is dedicated to exploring 360-degrees of health and wellness for dancers. We believe that health and wellness isn’t just about physical well-being, but encompasses the whole self. From this belief, we bring you bi-monthly episodes in which we talk with all sorts of practitioners including: dietitians, body-workers, medical doctors, athletic trainers, physical therapists, conditioning experts, psychologists and more. We hope these conversations bring you enhanced understandi ...
…
continue reading
In this episode, we speak with interfaith minister, Reverend Nafisa Sharriff, about spirituality. What is spirituality, how does it look or feel, and why does it matter? Plus, we touch on how spirituality interacts with the life experiences of a dancer. This thoughtful and warm interview is DanceWell's first exploring spirituality as a facet of hol…
…
continue reading
Traveling the world is a joy, but dancing on a cruise ship also brings a unique set of challenges from unfamiliar sleep situations, to limited food choices, to mechanical stages, not to mention that the theater itself is in continuous motion!! On Episode 95: Dancing at Sea, Yenwen Kuo interviews physiotherapist (and former performer) Alexander McKi…
…
continue reading
When the dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater came back to the studio in September 2020 after the Covid-19 shutdown, everyone knew there was a lot of work to be done to get the dancers back into performance shape. In the year leading up to their first in-person season since the start of the pandemic, the dancers engaged in various form…
…
continue reading
Join our first DanceWell Podcast guest host, Gregory Youdan, MA, MS, as he interviews returning guest, Elizabeth (Betsy) Coker, EdD! These two dance scientists will discuss the necessity of measurement in dance and go on to discuss the utility of portable tech, balance, their research and more.Learn more about Betsy Coker at: www.betsycoker.com.Lea…
…
continue reading
During the pandemic, Registered Dietitian Kristin Koskinen has found that many dancers are interested in learning how they can help combat some of the stress and anxiety in our current world climate with the foods or eating behaviors they choose. In this episode, Kristin explains some of the ways that food influences our mood, and how these affects…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 91: NDI: Bringing positivity, empowerment and collaboration into every studio
43:10
43:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:10
National Dance Institute (NDI) was founded in 1976 by former NYCB principal dancer Jacques d'Amboise with the mission to "use dance as a catalyst to engage children and motivate them toward excellence" (http://nationaldance.org/NDI_at_a_Glance.pdf). Nearly 50 years later, NDI serves thousands of children each week, hosts teacher trainings and works…
…
continue reading
Resilience is a bit of a buzz word in the popular media, but what does it really mean, how can we acquire it, and why do dancers need it? On Episode 90: Resilience, Michelle Dwarka answers these questions and many others. We discuss the existing literature and ideas for future research.Email Michelle at: mi.dwarika@gmail.comFollow her on Instagram:…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 89: Quitting Dance, Transitioning from Expert to Novice
59:40
59:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:40
Leaving dance is often a complicated process. There are many many concerns and questions that can arise. For some, managing the transition from expert to novice may be one of the complicated experiences that materializes. Having achieved a high level of skill, the mere thought of shifting focus to anything else can be scary, sad, frustrating, and d…
…
continue reading
Did you know that:- Pain is not biomedical, it is biopsychosocial. - Tissue damage and pain aren’t correlated.- Critical to pain management is getting in touch with bodies and emotions.- Mental health practitioners are an integral part of a patient’s pain management team.Learn this and so much more on DanceWell Podcast’s 88th Episode: On Pain with …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 87: Competition, Jealousy, and Rejection
1:01:28
1:01:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:28
All people experience a range of emotions in life, including dancers. However, training and professional practice often ask dancers to be hardworking, perseverant, and positive—sometimes even demanding that they smile no matter how they feel. As Kate Wilson LICSW and Miriam Rowan PsyD explain, dancers can become emotionally disoriented when they do…
…
continue reading
We know well that turnout is an integral part of the Western dance aesthetic. This month, we dedicate an episode to taking a deep dive on the very subject. Join us as physiotherapist Lisa Howell discusses where turnout comes from and what can limit it, the repercussions of forcing turnout, the subtleties of maximizing the range that you inherently …
…
continue reading
Historically, screenings were a method of gate keeping, and in many places today, they still are. Early selection for flexibility and certain proportions were used to determine who could dance at the Kirov and who could not, for example. In this already exclusive field, how many potentially great careers were dismissed too early on in a screening p…
…
continue reading
In January 2021, Mirriam-Webster Dictionary added a handful of new words to its pages. Among them was the new definition for the word 'bubble.' Thanks to the pandemic, a bubble can be 'an area within which sports teams stay isolated from the general public... so as to prevent exposure to disease and that includes accommodations, amenities, and the …
…
continue reading
In this episode, Dr Antonio Ocana discusses addiction in dance. He shares information about the rates of addiction in our field, the nature of these addictions, and their causes—at both a biochemical level and a cultural level.To learn more about Dr Ocana:https://www.epiphany360.io/about-us-1 Contact him:aocana@epiphany360.ioWant to contribute to D…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 82: COVID-19: The Dancer's Perspective
45:41
45:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:41
We've heard from the dance medicine and science community on a variety of topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. On this episode, we turn our attention to our dancers to ask how they've been doing during this past year as the dance world has been put on pause. Thank you to Alexandra Carter @alliegcarter, Jennifer Sydor @jensydor, Sofia Blasco @th…
…
continue reading
What is hormone health? How do you know when your hormones are not in balance? What can we do to support hormone health? These are the introductory questions Dr. Nicky Keay answers in this episode. We then move on to specifics like, hormone fluctuations throughout life, calcium, Vitamin D, cortisol, RED-D, and a bit more.To learn more about Dr Keay…
…
continue reading
Senior career counselor Patch Schwadron says that, prior to covid, dancers used to come in to her office at the Career Center at the Actors Fund only after getting the idea in their head that it was time to move on from dance. Now though, the pandemic has given her a chance to change that paradigm. She wants dancers to come in at all stages of thei…
…
continue reading
In Episode 79, Jess Spinner talks to us about motivation. In the midst of this pandemic, dancers globally are faced with very unfamiliar training practices and uncertain futures, and for many, it’s hard to connect with their passion and remember why they're dancing. How can dancers stay motivated under these stressful and restrictive circumstances …
…
continue reading
Effective attention and focus are known components of a successful artistic performance. As audience members, we know how powerful it can be to see a dancer who is supremely focused in the present moment. And as dancers, we know that an inability to maintain our attention on the task at hand can result in poor performance or even yield disastrous o…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 78: Eating Healthfully on a Budget
44:09
44:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:09
Eating well doesn’t have to be about expensive smoothies and supplements. This episode highlights how our dancers who are living on a budget or perhaps in a dorm room without blenders or extensive kitchen equipment can still eat healthfully. Take a listen as dietician Dafna Tsadok-Hai talks about staples dancers should keep in their pantries and si…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 76: Returning to Dance Postpartum
1:03:15
1:03:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:15
What happens after your OB clears you to return to activity after approximately 6 weeks postpartum? Is it wise to take your first ballet class the day after clearance? As it turns out, things like prolapse, incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction and pain are more common than we realize postpartum and require some attention in order to return to act…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 75: Specificity in Dance Training
1:06:59
1:06:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:06:59
In Episode 75: Specificity in Dance Training, Nico Kolokythas, ASSC, PhD explains the training principle of “specificity” and how it applies to dance, from many angles. We discuss general fitness parameters, why they matter and whether dancers typically meet standard benchmarks. Then, Nico explains a bit about early specialization and also diversif…
…
continue reading
There is no doubt about it, we need sleep! But just how much do we need and why is it so important? Join us as Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, DPT, OCS, CFMT educates on oh why sleep matters!Connect with Dr. Sheyi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsheyipt/?hl=enSupport DanceWell Podcast by donating - https://gf.me/u/yxv25pHost: Marissa Schaeffer Co-H…
…
continue reading
The human body is host to an inconceivable number of microbes, and while some can cause us problems, we enjoy a symbiotic relationship with most of them. In fact, as our community of bodily microbes eat, reproduce, "breathe" and digest, it affects everything from bone health to immune function. In Episode 73: A Dancer's Microbiome, Drs Hoaglin and …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 72: COVID-19 - Returning to the studio
49:02
49:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:02
As the world shut down in the wake of COVD-19, the performing arts world changed. Shows were cancelled, rehearsals suspended and training took on a different form. Many began dancing - and even rehearsing - indoors. Hallways became dance floors, mantle pieces became ballet barres, and somehow we kept going. Due to space constraints, hard floors and…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 71: Virtual Class, Friend or Foe?
1:03:19
1:03:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:19
In 2020, dancers all around the world experienced a new phenomenon, virtual class. In Episode 71, Caitlin Trainor, MFA and Danelle Dickson, DPT discuss the potential risks and limitations to this educational structure, as well as the potential benefits and advantages. Ultimately, we all conclude that while virtual dance class is no replacement for …
…
continue reading
Perhaps while quarantined, you or a dancer you know, was anxious about maintaining jump skills, then came across people hopping on and off boxes on Instagram and thought, “Should I do that?” Enter, plyometrics. In this episode, I speak to Rob Tsai, DPT, about plyometrics and he explains the relevance and value of this form of resistance training fo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 69: Unlocking the Sacroiliac Joint
49:20
49:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:20
Does the sacrum move and get stuck? Why might I feel pain at my sacroiliac joint (SIJ)? These are questions we’ve asked ourselves before, but maybe never gotten the answer to. Join us on this episode as Dr. Liz Henry PT, DSc, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT, CCTT brings her wisdom and four decades of clinical practice to help us understand this complex joint. G…
…
continue reading
Imagery is a free and accessible form of mental practice that can be used to enhance performance, confidence, skills and more. In Episode 68: Motor Imagery, Betsy Coker EdD, explains what motor imagery is and how it works, as well as why, when, and how dancers use imagery. She talks about applying her research on imagery to her teaching practice, a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 67: More on Hypermobility - Common Presentations of EDS
1:03:52
1:03:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:52
Joint hypermobility, whether it affects few or many joints, falls under the umbrella of hypermobility disorders. On episode 67: More on Hypermobiltiy - Common Presentations of EDS, we invite Dr. Linda Bluestein, the hypermobility MD, to discuss Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a particular type of hypermobility disorder with some unique characteristic…
…
continue reading
Trauma is a complex experience that varies from individual to individual. Research suggests that dancers experience PTSD at higher rates than athletes or the general population. In this episode, dance-movement therapist, Erica Hornthal, explains a bit about her field, and we discuss ways in which the body houses trauma as well as how dance can be b…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 65: You're injured. Should you speak up?
1:01:29
1:01:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:29
We open this episode with a question: You’re injured. You know that performing certain steps or dancing full-out will make your injury worse and will prolong healing. Do you feel comfortable advocating for yourself in the studio and speaking up for your injury? In episode 65, we chat candidly with three groups -two pre-professional dancers, two sea…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 64: Dancing through Covid-19
1:07:34
1:07:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:07:34
Everyone around the world is thinking about the pandemic, covid-19, and dancers have been affected by this crisis in unique and specific ways. Exploring how this complex situation is manifesting in the dance community, Episode 64: Dancing through covid-19, includes interviews with five different practitioners: Dr. Selina Shah (physician), Amanda Do…
…
continue reading
Finding the right pointe shoe is a dynamic process that depends on a number of factors. Fitters look at the shape of your foot, your technique, your strength and consider your personal preferences and feedback from your dance teachers and medical providers. All of these elements can evolve with time and affect your shoe choice. Pointe shoe fitter, …
…
continue reading
Even in a largely taciturn art form, language is everywhere and it influences how we see and experience the world. In this episode, Monika Saigal, MS, RD, CEDRD-S, CDN, enlightens us on how the words we choose can influence eating behaviors and mindsets. She explains how some conversations that may seem commonplace in a dance setting, are in fact p…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 61: Strategies to Improve Flexibility and Mobility
31:27
31:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:27
Flexibility can feel like a constant struggle. Sometimes we feel like it's because we don't stretch enough, or because our bone structure is off, or because we've been dealt a bad genetic hand. But what if there are other factors that we didn't even know to consider? Join us on this episode of DanceWell Podcast as Dr. Alexis Sams, PT, DPT helps to …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 60: Non-Surgical Care for Dance Injuries
41:06
41:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:06
From bulging discs, to os trigonum, to labral tears, research is showing that surgery isn't always the best answer. However, there are still times when the miracle of modern medicine is necessary, or at minimum, advantageous. How do we know if we need surgery? What are the risks, and who should we see if we're hoping to avoid an invasive procedure?…
…
continue reading
On this episode of DanceWell Podcast, we are joined by Elizabeth Barchi, MD. Dr. Barchi shares her wealth of knowledge about imaging like x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and more. Have you ever wondered what different types of imaging can tell us or why your doctor may or may not order imaging for your injury or condition? If so, join us! This episode is fo…
…
continue reading
Many dancers worry about money, no news there. However, despite living with this powerful stressor, it seems like a lot dancers are unaware of how to improve their financial outlook, or feel that a life of debt and poverty is just inevitable. In this episode, Rebecca Selkowe, a financial counselor at The Actors Fund, explains that these mindsets an…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 57: Pathologizing Movement and Coaching Variety
32:28
32:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:28
It’s been shown in a smattering of conditions that healthy individuals have access to a greater variety of movement patterns and have superior control of their bodies. As conditioning specialists and health care professionals it should therefore be our duty to coach movement variety. Yet when it comes down to it, we often find ourselves looking for…
…
continue reading
In Episode 56: Shame, Dr. Paula Thomson shares research that she and Dr. Victoria Jacque have conducted on shame, a complex emotion that dancers appear to experience more than the average population. Dr. Thomson explains why dancers might be particularly vulnerable to shame as well as how to leverage shame into functional outcomes and avoid downwar…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 55: The Art and Practice of Kinesio Taping
26:45
26:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:45
In the 1970s, Dr. Kenzo Kase invented Kinesio Tape as a way to facilitate the body’s natural healing process and prolong the benefits of his treatment. On this episode, Kinesio tape certified practitioner Dr. Dionne Vernon illustrates some of this modalities incredible uses from facilitating muscle function, to decreasing swelling, and inhibiting t…
…
continue reading
Marissa and I went to Montreal for the annual meeting of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS). We presented our recent research on dancers' perceptions of their own well-being and connected with tons of friends and colleagues. We also got to meet some of our past guests face-to-face for the first time, as well as seve…
…
continue reading
Janine Cappello-Bryant's PhD has focused on the aging process and how it affects dancers' spinal range of motion. While professional dance is often considered the domaine of the young and fit, the truth is that many people dance in a variety of capacities at all stages of life. However, very little research has been done on the topic of how dancers…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 52: On the Subject of Vaccination
55:32
55:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:32
“Our life expectancy from the 20s to the current day increased by over 50 years for three reasons: public health, toilets and vaccines.” - Dr. Vincent Racaniello Ph.DThe subject of vaccination can be a touchy one to say the least. Join us as Columbia Professor and virologist, Dr. Vincent Racaniello, teaches us about how vaccines work, discusses som…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 51: Dance with the body that you have--Bringing kinesiology into the studio
49:57
49:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:57
Gayanne Grossman PT, BFA, MEd, FIADMS is a dancer, a dance medicine expert, and a dance educator, all in quite equal parts, which uniquely positions her to reflect on the multifaceted field of dance science--its research and its application--with keen judgement and critical thought. In Episode 51: Dance with the body that you have--Bringing kinesio…
…
continue reading
Emergencies happen whether or not you’re ready for them. They happen in otherwise safe situations to healthy individuals. They happen both on- and off-stage and can range from heat stroke to broken bones to cardiac arrest. Are you ready to respond to emergencies in your space? Tune in to listen to Lauren McIntyre, ATC, clinical specialist and emerg…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
Episode 49: Differentiating and Developing a Voice within a Rigorous Dance Training Program
46:54
46:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:54
We end DanceWell's second season by chatting with two former ballerinas turned mental health practitioners: Dr. Miriam Rowan, PsyD and Katherine (Kate) Wilson, LICSW. These women discuss identity development in the young pre-professional ballet dancer, the importance of maintaining a diversity of relationships, finding a voice and unique identity, …
…
continue reading
DanceWell has a few projects in the making!Want to participate in our IRB approved research on dancer well-being? Click here: https://hofstra.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eDNl3AGhnHDjUKp.Do you love DanceWell as much as well do? Show your support by contributing to our 3rd season. Click here to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dancewell-season-t…
…
continue reading
Posture is an interesting topic that is addressed in wide-spanning areas from etiquette, to aesthetics, to science. A dancer’s posture is often revered, but it can also present some complicated inefficiencies and risks. In Episode 48: Posture of Choice, Adele Nickel, MFA, introduces the Alexander Technique and illuminates the unique phenomenon of a…
…
continue reading