5.6.7.EIGHT

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Chase Johnsey, award-winning dancer and Artistic Director at Ballet de Barcelona, who is using his influence in the ballet world to advocate for LGBTQ+ gender issues. Johnsey has danced for some high-profile ballet companies, including a lengthy stint with the world renown Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo and the English National Ballet. While at the latter, Chase was nominated by the UK's National Dance Awards for Best Male Performance and Best Male Dancer, ultimately winning the latter.

Chase's story is one of perseverance and determination. Being the first gender fluid dancer to dance in a conventional ballet company, Chase's journey to ballet prominence was "the road less traveled," and he experienced a degree of pushback and adversity that very few experience. However, even in the face of the odds, Chase pressed on and achieved great heights in the ballet world, including founding his own ballet company. On the podcast, Chase retells his whole story and shares some wise words around tuning out the haters and walking your own path.

Moving Quotes:

"You can't give up on yourself."

"My favorite word in the English language is 'perseverance.' There's always a way — nothing is impossible."

"I'm really proud that, in my ballet company, my self-acceptance has filtered into my dancers' self-acceptance."

"Never let your ego stop your progress… Every day, you go and make a tiny bit of progress. And after 365 days, you'll have a lot of progress. Keep going forward. Keep getting better."

"I wasn't going to let anyone else decide my life — what I'm capable of, what I'm going to do."

"I want to make works that challenge. I don't want fairy tale, land of the sweets. I want to make art that really is current — that addresses real issues — that not only kids can relate to but also adults."

"I'm a stubborn person, and I knew that there was a place for me in the ballet world. And it was a decision that I made. I told myself, 'I will find a place for myself in the ballet world, no matter what anyone else tells me.'"

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:28: Johnsey explains why he decided to move to Barcelona from the United States and how his ballet company — Ballet de Barcelona — came to be.

5:18: Chase discusses a dark time in his life prior to starting his own ballet company and what ultimately helped him overcome this hardship.

9:53: Chase shares the overarching vision for his ballet company — to establish an inclusive environment that uses its art to discuss real world issues.

12:36: Johnsey retells his ballet journey — what introduced him to and kept him in the ballet and how one of his earliest teachers was particularly influential in getting him where he is today.

15:15: Johnsey describes his experience dancing for the world renown Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo.

17:17: Chase discusses the adversity he has had to overcome in his career — how the odds were always against him — yet how grit and determination has helped him achieve the unthinkable.

21:42: Chase describes the emotion of being nominated for two of the United Kingdom's top arts awards and ultimately winning one of them.

24:36: Chase shares some of his most proud moments, including a notable event from his dance company and his involvement some incredible humanitarian efforts.

27:52: Johnsey gives some advice to aspiring dance professionals around staying humble and authentic.

30:46: Chase discusses some personal and professional goals he'd like to achieve within the next 5 years.

Bullet List of Resources –

Chase Johnsey

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Ballet de Barcelona

• Company Websi.te
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Antonio Carmena, an international dance teacher and adjunct ballet professor who, prior to teaching, spent 19 years as a professional dancer, mostly as a soloist. Born and raised in Spain, Carmena spent no time making a splash in the dance community, winning a scholarship at the Prix de Lausanne to attend the School of American Ballet. After finishing, Antonio began performing with the New York City Ballet, where he spent the majority of his 19-year career before retiring in 2017.

On the podcast, Antonio and Aleksandra discuss a wide array of topics, including what drove Antonio to ballet, how the core of ballet is about the dancers, why older students are easier to teach than younger students, and how learning is a way of life. Specifically, Antonio brings up his own past experiences to encourage dancers to take care of their bodies and get ahead of injuries. According to Antonio, listening to your body is the key to keeping joy in dance and consistently delivering your best performances.

Moving Quotes:

"No one enjoys dancing with pain… [When injured,] you don't look your 100 percent best, which is how everyone should perform."

"If there's something in your body that feels a little weird, don't wait until it hurts — treat it before it reaches that point."

"I think dance helps you [mature faster as a person]. This discipline always matures people much faster than other disciplines."

"Not everyone needs to be the dancer. Go and find your place… You can always be surrounded by ballet if ballet is your passion."

"You can go see ballets over and over and, if you catch different people performing the roles, they're going to transfer to you a whole different emotion or story. You can feel something that I might not feel and vice versa."

"When you get older but haven't yet started performing for a company, you still have the passion of someone who wants to [dance]."

"[Whatever you do,] keep learning. I believe we're all students of the world."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:32: Antonio discusses his earliest ballet memories and what drove him to pursue ballet at a professional level.

5:14: Antonio reflects on the emotions felt as he — a young 17-year-old — packed his bags and moved halfway across the world to attend New York City's School of American Ballet.

9:51: Antonio discusses some of his favorite roles while at the School of American Ballet and spends some time comparing ballet to abstract art.

12:42: Carmena explains his current role as an adjunct professor and discusses the benefits of teaching older students versus younger students.

14:47: Carmena describes the value of humility when working for a dance company and how working with a company taught him to listen and manage his body.

16:35: Antonio discusses the pride he feels when considering how far he has come in his career, since his days in Spain.

18:15: Antonio reflects on a time when an injury robbed him of joy while dancing and how surgery, while he was out of dance for a few months, made ballet enjoyable again.

21:40: Carmena tells the hilarious story of how a theme park roller coaster made for one of the most memorable dances he's ever performed.

24:41: Antonio speaks to the value of a college degree for those looking to pursue dance professionally.

26:23: Carmena discusses his future plans, which include always learning and being open to what the universe has for him.

Bullet List of Resources –

Antonio Carmena

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Carmena on Pointe Magazine

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Heather Iler, ballet director for the internationally recognized Cary Ballet Conservatory (CBC), associate artistic director for the non-profit Cary Ballet Company and lead faculty member of CBC's professional training program. In all of her roles, Heather brings her 20 plus years of teaching experience to the table, giving Cary Ballet an edge unlike many others. Over the past three years, Cary Ballet has earned three outstanding school awards from the Youth America Grand Prix and two outstanding school awards from the ADC Youth International Ballet Competition.

On the podcast, Heather unveils the secret to her achievements — the fundamental idea that true success is found in the long game, rather than the quick wins — and describes how this philosophy is the foundation of Cary Ballet Conservatory. Iler also spends time discussing what brings her most joy as a ballet director and teacher and shares some advice for both teachers and students that she's picked up in her seasoned tenure as a ballet professional.

Moving Quotes:

"Ballet is such a slow process, but there's such a reward in taking that process and watching it grow slowly every year — every moment."

"I think ballet has every single life skill you could ever need. It has resilience, goal setting, discipline, respect, and something that nurtures the soul."

"I don't think that most people enter any type of the arts thinking they're going to become a professional in it. [The arts] give people such a different outlook on life — a sense of discipline and a sense of accomplishment, especially in today's immediate gratification society."

"We feel very fortunate and grateful for all of the accolades that [our dance school] has received, but that's never the goal. The goal is about making sure that the kids are first."

"Success isn't getting first place — that is fleeting. Success is knowing that you have achieved something."

"You don't know how long your road is to getting to where you need to be… So be patient with yourself. Work hard but be patient for the journey that you're on. Because all of this is what is making you more interesting as an artist. You need this journey to make you an artist."

"Once dance students hit middle school or high school, dance is such a part of who they are. Allowing them to build that identity and giving them that confidence influences them when they move forward into whatever career they choose."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:34: Heather describes Cary Ballet Conservatory, her history with the conservatory, and her various roles within the conservatory.

5:50: Heather discusses the evolution she has seen at Cary Ballet throughout her 9-year tenure and the friction of wanting to expand her school without too much growth.

7:36: Iler explains the importance of dance in modern society and how dance teaches the value of hard, persistent work in an instant gratification culture.

11:32: Heather gives examples of how she has seen her dancers get an advantage by applying lessons learned in dance to non-dance situations.

12:40: Iler shares some words to parents who may be contemplating the value of dance, given that their children may very well not be professional dancers one day.

13:59: Heather explains the satisfaction of witnessing students achieve their goals and attain belief in themselves.

15:01: Heather shares two hilarious stories from her ballet journey, proving the idea that you must always be ready for anything during performances.

18:21: Iler gives some quality advice for teachers around preparing students for competitions and how the best competition results usually accompany a perspective shift.

22:45: Heather also shares some advice for students who are preparing for competitions and encourages students to be patient on their unique dance journeys.

25:48: Heather discusses what's next for her, both personally and professionally, and what's next for Cary Ballet Conservatory.

Bullet List of Resources –

Heather Iler

• LinkedIn

Cary Ballet Conservatory

• Company Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Melissa Thodos, owner of Thodos Dance Chicago — a dance company who, for over a quarter of a century, has performed in over 25 states and 6 different continents. Her school not only trains dancers but also nurtures these dancers to eventually become choreographers and educators, handing down dance expertise from generation to generation. Through Thodos Dance Chicago, Melissa has collaborated with notable artists such as Ann Reinking, Yoko Ono, and Jeanne Gang, to name a few.

On the podcast, Melissa retails the incredible 27-year history of her company, including her company's inception, how her incredible partnership with Ann Reinking came to be, and what makes her company unique from many others. Additionally, Melissa spends time sharing some incredible wisdom around the importance of being challenged as a company founder, the importance of building a resilient dance company, and how to strategically select members of a nonprofit board, to name a few.

Moving Quotes:

"If you're the founder [of a company], you want to find new things that challenge you as an artist."

"I think it's important to have a board that all comes together in agreement on one thing — the artform that you're providing."

"The women in my life — my mother, my aunts — were all amazing role models for me to figure out how to make something that I loved work. There's no blueprint, but because they did it, I thought to myself, 'I can do it.'"

"Knowledge is so important, especially in difficult times."

"Having diversity on your board creates a potential for sustainability, which is really important in the ebbs and flows and changes of our times."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:14: Melissa discusses how Thodos Dance Chicago began when one door closed and another door opened.

5:23: Melissa describes how her company's board was initially formed and the balancing act of acting strategically as the company's founder while also being a dancer.

7:55: Thodos explains what makes her company unique — featuring and nurturing the American voice of dance.

10:04: Melissa retells how partnering with a Broadway legend opened the door to some incredible, large scale projects and performances.

17:31: Thodos gives some practical advice around preparing a company to go on tour.

21:36: Thodos shares an incredible story of how her company's versatility helped resolve what could have been a catastrophe, just hours before the opening performance.

24:18: Melissa discusses who she would consider her mentors, including persons both in and out of the dance world.

26:04: Melissa shares a story about a difficult time in her company's past and how this trying season ended up pulling her team closer together.

29:44: Thodos gives some practical advice around choosing board members and diversifying the skillsets of those sitting on your board

33:10: Melissa casts some vision for the next 3 to 5 years and discusses her desire to give young choreographers a platform to show off their skills.

Bullet List of Resources –

Melissa Thodos

• LinkedIn

Thodos Dance Chicago

• Company Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Candy Tong — dancer, model, and social media influencer who is using her platform to help young dancers overcome self-doubt. Tong, a former Miss Dance of California, has gained accolades both on- and off-stage, including awards from the most esteemed dance competitions and various off-stage recognitions, such as being named one of the top ten most inspiring dancers to follow on Instagram. Candy is currently modeling for some of the world's top brands and is touring with Complexions Ballet out of New York City.

Candy, whose muscular body type doesn't match the typical ballerina stereotype, is using her platform for good, encouraging younger dancers to take pride in their physique. On the podcast, Candy discusses why she's so passionate about that mission and shares some other advice for dancers, such as how to best prepare for competitions, how to stay fit while traveling, how to find your own stage "voice," and more.

Moving Quotes:

"It's 2019 — almost 2020. Dancers shouldn't be afraid of having muscles on their bodies, instead of being the typical skinny ballerina that's been the aesthetic for so many years. I'm not afraid of lifting weights. I think it's good for you."

"[Through my social media accounts,] I want to break the norm that ballerinas don't just have to be in tutus, tiaras, and pink tights. You can be a girl who's a little edgy — who embraces their feminine qualities — and shows that bold confidence."

"Explore every option possible and don't be narrow minded."

"[When competing,] the thing that got me most was comparing myself to other dancers. I realized that, once I stopped watching other dancers until after I was done performing, I performed much better."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:03: Candy shares some tips on staying sharp as a dancer while undergoing the travel requirements of working with a touring company.

7:36: Candy discusses some workouts that dancers may find valuable and encourages listeners with nontraditional dance bodies to take pride in their physique.

11:07: Tong describes the pros and cons of social media and how it can be a great tool for establishing a dancer's personal brand.

13:12: Candy, who is an inspirational figure in her own right, shares where she personally receives inspiration for her life and career.

14:56: Tong explains how younger dancers can best find their "voice" on stage.

17:05: Candy, who recently ventured into modeling, describes how she got plugged into this industry and how she recently landed her first gig with huge brand.

19:15: Candy discusses why she loves participating in competitions and gives some tips for dancers that are preparing to compete.

22:05: Tong shares some ways that she, personally, is helping young dancers overcome self-doubt.

24:16: Candy discusses her long-term goals and dreams, which includes opening up her own dance school, and describes what that dance school could potentially look like.

26:53: Candy shares about her current tour and tells listeners where they can catch her next season.

Bullet List of Resources –

Candy Tong

• Personal Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

Complexions Ballet

• Company Website

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Derrick Agnoletti, an accomplished dancer who is a veteran with the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, going on his 17th season. Derrick is a "student of the game," having studied at the San Francisco Ballet, the School of American Ballet, and various other international exchange programs. Derrick is also an accomplished athlete, having competed at a collegiate level in competitive swimming at the University of California at Irvine.

By combining his athletic and artistic abilities, Derrick brings a high degree of energy into his work and is able to embrace multiple styles of dance. But Derrick understands that the key differentiator that makes ballet more than athletic competition — that truly makes ballet an art — is the vulnerability found in the movements. On the podcast, Derrick highlights his own story, shares his perspective the state of ballet in 2019, and speaks to how vulnerability is integral to the art that we all love.

Moving Quotes:

"To dance is a vulnerable thing. When you dance, you're going up and beyond yourself and are pushing your ego aside… It's what makes it an art and a discipline and not a sport."

"As a young dancer, you want to see the 'wham bam' excitement, and you forget about the small transitions, which are what make the story tell itself through the movement."

"I always had something else that kept me from being 'dance obsessed.' I am very obsessive, and that's what makes me love dance so much. I know that I have to have separation from it, so that it doesn't take over me. Because it will."

"[To succeed in the dance world], introduce yourself to people. Learn how to speak. Talking, communication, networking — it's absolutely everything. It's like a Business 101 class."

"Watch dance. You have to watch everybody."

"You can make it happen if you want it… Whatever your dreams are, you have to work to make them happen."

"I think we're really shaped by our failures because they are where we learn the most."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:34: Derrick describes his first interest in ballet and how being involved in other non-ballet activities keeps him from an unhealthy obsession with the art.

9:13: Derrick retells his entire journey in ballet, from his first class as an 8-year-old to his current run with the Joffrey Ballet.

12:16: Agnoletti discloses his role models, who range from his parents to his college teachers to his very own colleagues and discusses the importance of watching as much dance as possible.

17:02: Derrick speaks to the current state of males in ballet and how responding to critics with grace is nothing more than a matter of perspective.

21:04: Agnoletti shares some rich advice for anyone that is looking to make a career in the dance industry and speaks to the importance of mastering the little things.

24:15: Derrick discusses the value of a college education for dancers, rather than jumping straight into a company from high school.

26:05: Derrick tells a story about a huge misstep in the middle of a dance and how he managed to compose himself and complete the performance.

27:59: Agnoletti describes the two biggest hurdles that he's had to overcome in his ballet career.

29:34: Derrick discusses some upcoming and exciting events at the Joffrey Ballet.

Bullet List of Resources –

Derrick Agnoletti

• On the Joffrey Ballet website
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra sits down with Casey Herd, a former principal dancer and now the founder and director of a documentary film series — Ballet Rising — about the rise in popularity of classical ballet around the world. Originally from Utah, Casey danced for a number of well-known ballet companies before becoming a principal dancer for the Dutch National Ballet. His exceptional performances captured the attention of dance publications such as Dance Europe, who once ranked Herd 19th of the top 100 international dancers who have made outstanding achievements.

Herd's passion for ballet is unmatched and has pushed him to find ways to better unite the global ballet community, yet even he admits that there are things he could have done better early in his career. On the podcast, Casey outlines all of the ways he's celebrating the art of ballet across the world, discusses the importance of how you react to successes and failures, and explains why today is a particularly exciting time for the international artform of ballet.

Moving Quotes:

"All of a sudden, people are saying, 'Oh, ballet represents me too. It's not something for white people in Europe anymore. There are black dancers, Indian dancers — there's everybody now. It really represents everybody.'"

"Understand that not everything is going to go your way. You'll have many moments when things don't turn out the way you think — or don't turn out at all. And it's how you deal with those moments — how you conduct yourself as a professional and a person — that really are going to define you."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:24: Casey describes his current documentary film project — Ballet Rising — where he travels the world, finding love of ballet in the most unlikely of places.

5:48: Casey discusses some of the filmed locales for Ballet Rising and recounts inspirational stories from two of these locations.

14:20: Herd reflects on his professional dance career and how he ended up at the Dutch National Ballet after spending some of the best years of his life with Seattle's Pacific Northwest Ballet.

17:09: Casey discusses the incredible rise of male ballet dancers and how the demographic shifts happening within ballet are improving the art.

20:54: Herd shares some advice for young, aspiring dancers, including the importance of leaving a good impression through your behavior and actions, regardless of circumstance.

24:08: Casey discusses some of his ongoing projects and goals, all in an effort to bring the global ballet community closer together.

Bullet List of Resources –

Casey Herd

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Ballet Rising

• Company Website

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Megan Reilly, the Chief Operating Officer at Tippi Toes — a children's dance business that has been featured on ABC's Shark Tank and whose original music has made a splash on both Billboard and iTunes music charts. For over 20 years, Megan has found joy in introducing young children to dance through her company, and since its founding, Tippi Toes has established 30 franchises around the US, with plans to go international.

Megan understands that entrepreneurship is difficult, and for those that choose to venture down this alternate path, having a passion for your art is key to success. On the podcast, Megan describes why she believes in the mission of her company, how Tippi Toes started with only a dream (and very limited funding), and how other entrepreneurs can find success from day one of their businesses.

Moving Quotes:

"If we can get kids to love dance when they're little and have a positive experience, then it can hopefully be a part of their life for a long time."

"If you have a [business] framework that you set early on before there's any emotion involved, it's going to save you so much in the long run."

"Find yourself. Find your value. Find the places that you really shine. And be as true to that as you can, and you will find success… There's always a place for you if you're being original and true to who you are."

"There's opportunity for everyone if you're hustling to find it."

"[In entrepreneurship], you have to really care about or enjoy the work that you're about to do. Because if you're going to be an entrepreneur, there's going to be work."

"If you try to think too far down the road, you're going to get lost. Sometimes you just have to think, 'What is the best thing that I can do today?'"

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:57: Megan explains how dance was engrained in her from a very young age and how teaching dance eventually became her day job.

5:39: Megan describes her company — Tippi Toes — and the philosophy behind her company.

7:56: Reilly speaks to some of the lessons that Tippi Toes attendees gather from their dance classes and how these lessons carry over into non-dance aspects of life.

14:22: Megan reflects on the early days of entrepreneurship and shares a couple of practical ways that business owners can succeed.

17:49: Reilly shares her favorite and least favorite aspects of entrepreneurship.

20:04: Reilly discusses what could be next for Tippi Toes, including a few ways to achieve her goal of becoming a household name.

23:11: Reilly describes being featured on the hit reality show Shark Tank and the true story behind the deal she reached with Mark Cuban.

26:53: Megan names some of her role models and how, in a way, books and podcasts have served as role models for her in entrepreneurship.

30:04: Megan gives some practical advice around being in business with close friends and family members.

32:17: Megan shares some encouraging wisdom for those dancers who may not have progressed onto a professional level.

Bullet List of Resources –

Megan Reilly

• LinkedIn

Tippi Toes

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Tippi Toes Music

• iTunes

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra chats with Jessica Marino, a serial dance entrepreneur who, over the past decade, has acted as a booking agent, producer, performer, project manager, community builder, and arts advocate. In 2017, Marino founded JAMpress Management, which provides support services for the performing arts industry, with a focus on dance. These services include event producing, promotion, project management, booking, tour management, consulting, and more.

Though Marino's talents are wide-reaching, she'd be the first to tell you that her mentors have helped her become strong in areas of weakness. On the podcast, Marino discusses a wide array of topics surrounding dance and entrepreneurship and focuses much of the conversation on the humility required to succeed as an entrepreneur — humility to admit that you can't be an expert in everything and that there's nothing wrong in requesting help from your network and community.

Moving Quotes:

"Mentorship is all about letting [your mentors] help you understand what you're capable of. And trusting them enough to believe them."

"Don't be afraid to admit that you're not the expert in everything. Find someone who knows more than you in certain fields — someone who you trust."

"[To fight low confidence and negativity], I can't underscore enough the need for presence and trying to expose yourself to new ideas constantly. That way, you never get stuck in one place for too long without having the influence of other ideas to make sure you're where you really want to be and not just where you happen to end up in that moment."

"If you have vision and a good team, the world is your oyster."

"Completely changing my environment and having to restart, if you will, was a big-time game-changer for me."

"A lot of us are in that position where you're dancing and creating your art, but you need to have a side hustle somehow."

"I've never met anyone inside of the dance industry that's not a full-fledged dance addict."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:50: Jessica describes her many dance-related endeavors, including her talent management company JAMpress Management.

7:25: Jessica discusses the origins of her business knowledge and how her business smarts came about out of a necessity to fuel her true passion — dance.

12:12: Marino explains how mentors have played a huge role in her life and how they're valuable to validate your strengths and elevate your weaknesses.

17:42: Marino discusses some ways to fight low confidence amongst women in life and business.

21:26: Jessica describes a time where a huge decision completely changed the course of her life.

24:56: Jessica speaks to some of the most challenging aspects of being an entrepreneur.

26:40: Jessica discusses the importance of humility for young entrepreneurs — being willing to lean into experts whose strengths complement their weaknesses.

28:35: Marino describes the inspiration she feels from seeing diversity throughout the current landscape of CEOs and notable decision makers.

30:22: Jessica shares her vision for her business which includes international expansion.

Bullet List of Resources –

Jessica Marino

• LinkedIn

JAMpress Management

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Leda Ghannad, a primary care sports medicine physician at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush with a special interest in treating dancers, performing artists, and adolescent athletes. Midwest Orthopaedics has been recognized as one of the top 10 national leaders in orthopedic medicine and spine care and is the official provider for the Chicago Bulls, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Fire, the DePaul University Blue Demons and — last but certainly not least — the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago.

On the podcast, Leda shares about her own journey into orthopedic medicine and how her love of helping people and being "hands-on" drove her in this direction. Perhaps most notably, Leda spends time sharing a wealth of advice for dancers and athletes on eating well, preparing for performances, recovering from injuries, having a healthy mindset, and much more. However, all listeners will benefit from hearing Ghannad's story about finding her own way and finding pleasure in helping other people achieve their goals.

Moving Quotes:

"A huge part of any injury is having a positive attitude, persevering, and understanding that the body needs time to heal. I think that definitely helps you heal faster."

"Taking time for yourself is important for mental health, and in the end, you end up doing better. There's no such thing as lost time in my mind."

"Medicine is a phenomenal field because it's always changing. So it's really a field where you're constantly learning and constantly challenging yourself."

"Missing your period is not normal, and good nutrition is important for your overall health. But it's also good for performance. I think you'll perform better and avoid injury if your body is well fed."

"In order to be a surgeon, you have to love being in the operating room. And that's not something that I enjoyed."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:21: Leda describes her job as a medical professional and explains where her love of dance originated.

5:14: Leda discusses common injuries she sees in dancers versus non-dancers and offers some tips for preventing injuries.

8:29: Ghannad shares some advice for dancers or athletes on making smart judgment calls on the severity of injuries.

11:46: Leda discusses her perspective on the importance of having a healthy mindset when recovering from injuries.

12:48: Ghannad speaks at length on the importance of diet for dancers and athletes.

19:13: Leda shares why she decided to pursue a career as an orthopedist and how she finds fulfillment in helping people achieve their athletic goals.

21:58: Leda describes a typical day and week in her life and shares the favorite thing about her chosen career.

24:23: Leda explains why she decided to work at larger hospital, as opposed to joining a smaller clinic or opening a private practice.

28:15: Ghannad gives some solid advice for someone interested in pursuing a career in the medical field.

31:04: Leda revisits a difficult time in her life pre-career and explains how she was able to navigate this experience by taking time for herself.

Bullet List of Resources –

Rush Orthopedic

• Company Website
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube