5.6.7.EIGHT

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews David Leventhal, Program Director at Dance for PD — a part of the Mark Morris Dance Group. Through the program — which is on its 20th year — David teaches dance classes for people living with Parkinson's disease and trains other teaching artists to do the same. What started as a humble six-person dance class has now grown to serve 300 communities across 30 different countries. David has received numerous humanitarian awards for his work and has contributed to several books and peer-reviewed studies on dance and Parkinson's Disease.

David is a true believer in the healing power of dance and is proactively teaching others to also believe. There's a reason why his course has exploded over the past 20 years — the effect of dance on those with Parkinson's Disease is simply too great to deny. On the podcast, David gives a brief history of Dance for PD and explains why he believes music and movement has a profound impact on all people — but especially on those with Parkinson's.

Moving Quotes:

"It's that combination of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional — together, inseparable — that makes dance such a powerful tool to maintain wellbeing and quality of life for everybody. But, particularly, for people with Parkinson's."

"Dance and dancers have a significant role in maintaining and improving quality of life among our older neighbors — and, in our case, among people with Parkinson's."

"In our classes, we're not there to teach a therapy session. We're not there to talk about Parkinson's. We're there to address movement as dancers. And it's helpful for people with Parkinson's to think about movement the way that dancers do."

"Music is like a red carpet that rolls out in front of you. Dance and music together are a red carpet that provides a roadmap for people with Parkinson's to move."

"Keep your eyes open for opportunities that interest you."

"Follow your passions. Multiple passions. Sometimes dancers get trapped in that one passion. As much as you love dance and are committed to it, keep thinking about other things that interest you… Keep nurturing those other passions while you're still dancing."

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

2:49: David discusses the joy of leading a program that's going on its 20th year and the role of dance in helping those with Parkinson's Disease.

5:19: David gives a brief history of his program and details what's involved.

10:19: Leventhal explains the events that led to his company growing from a small 6-person class to a global network.

14:03: David describes the three distinct groups of people that have been integral to the program's growth.

18:30: Leventhal gives his theories on why music and movement are uniquely effective versus traditional therapy methods.

25:56: David describes how his Dance for PD courses are both similar and different from country-to-country.

31:25: Leventhal, who holds a nontraditional career in dance, gives some advice for anyone pursuing a career in dance that's away from the stage.

37:12: David discusses the future for Dance for PD and how he'd like the company to become more accessible in many different ways.

Bullet List of Resources –

David Leventhal

• LinkedIn

Dance for PD

• Company Website

• Twitter

• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Margeaux McCarthy, Owner of the Dance Xchange App, LLC. Margeaux is a former professional hip hop dancer with credits in commercials for some of the world's biggest brands. After she retired from the stage, McCarthy became a real estate sales advisor by day and a dance instructor by night. With a love for resale apps such as eBay, McCarthy saw a need to create a platform like Dance Xchange — a resell app for dancewear, created for dancers by dancers. For driven individuals like Margeaux, a career pivot is a relatively common occurrence — always looking for the next new challenge. Being willing to take that risk, with the hope of reward — whether intrinsic, external, or both. But this doesn't make a career pivot any less difficult. On the podcast, Margeaux discusses what drove her to take the plunge as a tech entrepreneur, shares advice she wishes she'd have known when she set out, gives some know-how on building an app and engaging with developers, and so much more.

Moving Quotes:

"If I could give my younger self advice, I'd say, 'Keep going.' You have that idea. Just keep going with it."

"[When starting a business,] you know that it's all going to pay off one day. You have your business plan. You have your structure. You just have to keep following through. And it will eventually pay off. It's just a matter of seeing that in the future."

"In my head I had always said, 'Somebody else is going to do [this idea] if you don't.' Everybody has an idea, so someone else is thinking this also. Whether or not you put your foot to the pedal — that's up to you."

"You learn better when you learn it yourself. You fall harder, but you get back up faster."

"It's so important to reach out to people who have gone before. Get a mentor. I personally did not have a mentor, and if I did, I feel like I would have been much better off."

"It's good to have [a mentor] who can remind you to do things locally and not on such a big scale... If you are good to your inner circle, they will be good to you."

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

3:00 Margeaux describes her digital dancewear marketplace platform — Dance Xchange — and explains how she ended up pursuing this idea while in real estate.

8:39 Margeaux describes how Dance Xchange is going so far and discusses her ultimate vision for the platform.

10:05 McCarthy outlines her journey as an entrepreneur in the tech space, having no background in tech prior to this experience.

14:37 Margeaux discusses her biggest challenge and her biggest surprise throughout the entire process with Dance Xchange.

17:09 McCarthy explains the demographic that she's generally targeting with Dance Xchange and discusses the nuances of marketing to these two distinct audiences.

20:29 McCarthy gives some important advice to her younger self.

23:54 Margeaux speaks to the importance of having a mentor, especially when navigating a new or unfamiliar space.

26:41 McCarthy discusses the Dance Xchange Scholarship Fund — a nonprofit effort she's launching in association with Dance Xchange.

29:05 Margeaux describes a second project she's been recently working on that combines her love for dance with her experience in real estate.

Bullet List of Resources –

Margeaux McCarthy

• Instagram

• YouTube

• LinkedIn

Dance Xchange

• Company Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Alisa Finney, Principal at The Gay Wightman School of Ballet, Artistic Director at The Melbourne Ballet Company, and a mentor through the Dance Studio Owners Association (DSOA). Alisa has also crafted a 13-level classical ballet system of training that is widely used by thousands of dancers across the globe. Through the pandemic, Alisa's reach has grown exponentially, as she has heavily used Zoom to expand the size of her dance classes.

Alisa is one who wears many hats, but at the end of the day, her passion is for the artform of ballet. And Alisa understands that the future of the artform is in the hands of studio owners, who are training the next generation of ballet dancers. In turn, Alisa invests large amounts of time and energy in developing studio owners so that they're well-equipped to be mentors, teachers, role models, and entrepreneurs. On the podcast, hear about all of Alisa's work and lessons learned in her own business growth.

Moving Quotes:

"I'm very passionate about the art form of ballet, and now that I have a little bit of experience behind me and am a bit older, I'm just really passionate about giving back to the industry and sharing what I've learned... It fills my cup to help people."

[On mentorship] "It's a hard job running a studio. And we wear 50 different hats, always. Trying to be everything to everyone. So it's important to have someone that we can go to that can support us. That can answer our questions and celebrate our wins and hold us accountable."

"The way you do anything is the way you do everything."

"As the studio owner, you need to be clear on things like: what is your mission? What are the core values of your studio? It's great to hash those things out with your team."

"I really like my goals to be big and quite scary. I think they should give you butterflies in your tummy. And then work backwards to figure out how you're going to make it happen."

[During the pandemic,] "I worked with a mindset coach once a week. I think that was a huge reason that I was able to stay so positive and be super positive with my team."

"If you're a business owner, you need to know your 'why.' What are your goals? What do you want to achieve financially?"

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

3:22: Alisa discusses how the pandemic actually caused her studio to grow exponentially.

7:48: Alisa explains how a positive mindset separates herself from many other studio owners and drove to her overwhelming success during the pandemic.

14:06: Alisa describes her passion for the artform of ballet and why she now finds joy sharing her knowledge with others.

16:09: Finney explains one of the most important things that a studio owner can do.

18:26: Finney describes her work with the Dance Studio Owner Association (DSOA).

20:45: Finney, who has worked with many global studio owners, discusses the one obstacle that she often sees inhibiting dance studio owners' success.

23:43: Alisa explains the importance of small businesses having clear and impactful mission statements.

27:30: Alisa describes her process when prioritizing tasks and setting goals.

28:12: Alisa discusses one tangible way that mentorship has impacted her life.

32:31: Finney, who works with a wide variety of international dance studios, discusses some unique differences between dance studio cultures country-to-country.

Bullet List of Resources –

Alisa Finney

• LinkedIn

The Gay Wightman School of Ballet

• Company Website

• Instagram

• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Angela Martindale, a female entrepreneur, public speaker, lifestyle expert, and influencer who is known globally for her fitness training techniques and methods, her inspirational public speaking, her lifestyle coaching, and her work with charitable organizations. Angela has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX affiliates and has worked with many A-list celebrities, Olympic athletes, and business moguls as their personal trainer and nutritionist.

Core to Angela's inspirational message is the idea of self-love. In fact, Angela believes that the one thing that separates those who win from those who fold is a healthy self-talk — a belief in yourself. A belief that you are enough. Angela, who was bullied as a child, learned very early that a healthy self-esteem can not only pull you out of the pit but can also set you on a path to success. On the podcast, Angela tells her inspiring story and discusses how her successful career has been paved with healthy, positive affirmations.

Moving Quotes:

"Self-talk is very important. Everything starts with 'I am.' 'I am Angela Martindale. I am beautiful. I am successful.' Those two words — 'I am' — are the two most important words you can say to yourself. And it radiates out into the universe."

"When starting a business, be authentic. Be true to yourself... It has to be about what you're about. And every single person has that niche. That something that they love."

"The mind and a healthy self-talk separates Olympic athletes from regular athletes."

"I always tell my young dancers — the less processed foods that you can consume, the better... This body requires fuel. Really good, top-level fuel every day."

"When starting a business, don't overextend yourself. With money. With time. With energy. Keep very steady — slow and steady. Businesses take time. People don't become famous overnight."

"If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, latch onto a mentor. Get someone who can help you through those first processes or marketing thoughts and ideas. Hire someone. Ask someone in your sphere of influence. Because you can't do business alone."

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

3:42: Angela discusses her current role and shares some advice on staying in shape.

8:05: Angela, a serial entrepreneur who has launched multiple successful brands, retells the origin stories of some of her brands.

12:00: Angela gives some advice for entrepreneurs looking to identify niche markets for their products.

13:32: Martindale, who was bullied as a young person, discusses how she was able to overcome negativity and lead a life of success.

17:40: Martindale shares some advice for small businesses on taking strategic plans and putting them into action.

21:55: Angela discusses the value of mentors and the importance of acting fast and avoiding procrastination.

24:14: Angela unveils the single characteristic that separates entrepreneurs who succeed from those who fold.

27:14: Martindale, who has established several product-based businesses, explains the common starting points for getting those businesses off the ground.

30:49: Martindale discusses the incredible power of vision boards and writing down goals and aspirations.

39:23: Angela shares what's next for her in her incredible life and career.

Bullet List of Resources –

Angela Martindale

• I Am Angela Martindale website

• Facebook

• LinkedIn

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Tony Bordonaro and Ingrid Kapteyn, Co-Artistic Directors at Welcome to Campfire — an experiential dance platform that merges dance and theater to immerse performers and audiences into incredible dystopian settings. Tony and Ingrid first met while performing in Sleep No More NYC in 2013. After a run of the show in Shanghai, the two went on to develop four evening-length immersive dance experiences that have spanned New York City and Shanghai. The company's name is derived from its first danceplay, titled CAMPFIRE.

Tony and Ingrid are addicted to the thrill of acting on an idea — of feeling an instinct, getting into a room, and putting skin on the bones. After all, their entire dance company started as an idea inspired by the raw reality of Shanghai — a novel idea that took an artform traditionally defined by a stage and dropped it into a nontraditional setting, effectively shattering the mythological "fourth wall." On the podcast, Tony and Ingrid retell the Welcome to Campfire origin story and hope it inspires others to act on ideas and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

Moving Quotes:

"Dancers can wear so many hats. And, as a dancer, when you have an idea, the idea tells you what to do. They key is to show up, go into the room, and do the work of making and dancing and doing. And everything else follows."

"[With Welcome to Campfire], people can expect to have an experience that's up close. An experience that definitely feels like they're an active participant... We invite audience members to be in the world with us. To experience that intimacy, one-on-one."

"With our most recent piece, we've asked, 'Have we bitten off more than we can chew?' And we've just had to trust in the work we were doing. I like to call it 'following charm.' To think, 'This is what feels right. This is what feels good. Let's go in this direction.' And, since COVID, we've learned to constantly redirect if things aren't working."

"When you don't know, you can listen to your body. It will tell you."

"When you're performing is the time in life that you can be the most present. Because you can't think about anything else. You can only do what you're doing."

"Something that happens so often when I see auditions that are successful is that it's the people who are the best at being themselves that travel far… Mindfulness is a tool to use in uncovering what it is that you do that no one else can do."

"Young dancers especially need to figure out a way to connect and take care of their spirits and their minds, as well as their physical bodies. So that they can deal with all of this craziness that comes with life as an artist."

"Dance has been a ticket to the world."

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

3:16: Tony and Ingrid describe their dance company — Welcome to Campfire — and how their name came to be.

5:32: The two explain how Shanghai served as an inspiration for their first piece that was choreographed inside of a post-apocalyptic, abandoned office building.

7:10: Welcome to Campfire, which started in Shanghai, has since moved back to Manhattan. Tony and Ingrid tell audiences what they can expect from its shows.

10:06: Tony and Ingrid discuss their newest project, Subject.

12:41: The duo each discuss their own individual journeys in dance.

18:19: Tony and Ingrid share some advice on how to stand out during auditions, and Tony gives a peak at his audition-day routine.

22:07: Ingrid explains how her choreography has historically come to life and how acting on ideas is key to making art.

25:38: The two discuss how COVID taught them some valuable lessons about flexibility and creativity.

31:07: Ingrid and Tony elaborate on their definitions of "success" and what a success for Welcome to Campfire would look like in five years.

34:40: Tony and Ingrid give some parting advice for any aspiring dancers who are listening to the podcast.

Bullet List of Resources –

Tony Bordonaro

• Personal Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Ingrid Kapteyn

• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Welcome to Campfire

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Joanna Wozniak, Senior Consultant at HBR Consulting and former ballerina with the Joffrey Ballet. Joanna, whose run with the Joffrey started as a seasonal artist in 2001, went on to enjoy a two-decades-long career with the esteemed Chicago dance company. In 2009, Point Magazine named one of her performances as one of their "12 favorite performances of 2009," and she can also be seen as a dancer in the feature film Save the Last Dance.

Outside of dance, Wozniak holds a bachelor's degree in business from Northwestern University and a master's degree in business analytics from the University of Chicago — two of the world's top universities. Having held accomplished careers both on and off the stage, Joanna holds a unique perspective on the value of the "Plan B" and how to navigate the pursuit of education, while juggling the responsibilities of professional dance. On the podcast, Joanna discusses all of this and more as she recounts her journey from the ballet to the board room.

Moving Quotes:

"Having additional passions and drives and not becoming siloed in dance is extremely critical... All of these things are only going to inspire you to be a better dancer."

"Don't dump a lot of money into education for an area that you don't actually want to go into... And I don't think a person is the same at 20 as they are at 35. You must be in line with what it is you're passionate about."

"Going to school while dancing is a huge transition... Your first few years in a company, you may just want to wait and adapt before going to school... Education today is a lot more fluid and flexible, with online and distance learning options."

"The past couple of years have been such a critical time for many people in the arts and in dance to reflect on what they're doing with their lives and where they're going. And what types of possibilities are open. It's a natural leverage that COVID has had on us."

"There are some characteristics that we, as dancers, carry as people. And that would be your drive and ambition. Your tenacity. Your willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve and accomplish your goals. Lots of people would love their employees to have these skills."

"Dance is not about the individual at all. It's all about the team and everyone who is collaborating with you. There is so much more going on than what is seen on stage."

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

3:41: Joanna starts the conversation by retelling some highlights from her accomplished dance career.

5:46: Joanna describes some skills attained through dance that have elevated her career as a consultant.

8:36: Wozniak explains how dance taught her to be a good team player — a skill she uses daily in her consulting career.

10:39: Joanna recounts some of her most memorable moments as a professional ballerina.

12:09: Wozniak briefly retells the story of being called upon to dance in the feature film Save the Last Dance.

13:30: Joanna – who received degrees from some of the world's top universities – discusses her decision to pursue higher education and the challenges of juggling school and dance.

18:03: Joanna gives some incredible practical advice around finding which degree is right for you when pursuing higher education.

21:55: Joanna reflects on the biggest surprises of the corporate world, after transitioning from the extremely active dance world.

26:20: Wozniak shares some tips on when to pursue more education while professionally dancing.

29:29: Joanna gives some advice for parents, encouraging their children to pursue their dance passions while also pushing for a "Plan B."

Bullet List of Resources –

Joanna Wozniak

• LinkedIn

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Elisabeth Motley, an award-winning, Brooklyn-based choreographer, scholar, and teacher, who is using her platform to make dance accessible to all. Motley — who holds a BFA from the Juilliard School and an MFA from Goddard College — has focused her work on neurodivergence, crip theory, and disability as choreographic sites. Elisabeth also currently teaches choreography at a New York City-based university, while pursuing her Ph.D. at a UK-based university.

Elisabeth's work has garnered vast amounts of praise — her work has won several awards and been featured in numerous dance and arts festivals. Elisabeth has focused her life on harnessing the inherent creativity in disability and bringing it to the stage. And her own story is just as inspiring as her world-changing work. On the podcast, Motley walks through her entire journey of peaks and valleys and helps audiences gain a new way of thinking about disability and the arts.

Moving Quotes:

"The world has been ready to embrace difference for a long time. People are thinking about the beauty of difference, and it's becoming more a part of our cultural discussion."

"First thought, best thought... Trust your instincts. Follow your intuition. Follow your passion and your desire."

"What is the inherent creativity that is a part of adversity? That is a part of challenge? Because it's there. And it's definitely there in the disabled community."

"Being told 'no' is not an invitation to stop."

"I'm hoping to impart new knowledge into the field of disability studies. I'm hoping to offer new models and procedures for creativity. But I'm not attempting to measure anything, specifically because measurement systems within the medical community can be really damaging for disabled people." "The dance field is not a straight upward trajectory. There are so many ups and downs. It's been helpful to think about how I'm charting my own unique path — my own unique journey."

"I've always believed that there's a meaning behind my experiences... There's been a sense of 'I need to make meaning of this situation' ... There's always been this mantra for me that I need to make my own meaning — to figure out how this is going to help me survive this disability. And integrating challenges and adversity into my life became important as well. How is this a part of who I am, rather than pushing it away."

"I don't like to think about Plan B. But, rather, multiplicity. I asked myself, 'How can I know a lot? How can I get lots of options?'"

"I think internships are really wonderful. Because you build community with people you wouldn't anticipate building community with. Which broadens your career potential, really."

"The dance field is not a straight upward trajectory. There are so many ups and downs. It's been helpful to think about how I'm charting my own unique path — my own unique journey."

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

3:21: Elisabeth discusses the PhD that she is pursuing and her research on disability and neurodivergence in dance.

4:55: Elisabeth explains how disability is an enabler of creativity and how her research is offering a new way of thinking about disability in the arts.

9:37: Motley shares her optimism at the broader acceptance of disability and difference in today's culture and society.

11:38: Motley walks through her dance career and educational choices and shares some advice on finding your own way.

15:51: Elisabeth, whose story is one of resilience, shares her thought process through all her journey's ups and downs.

21:41: Elisabeth discusses her decisions to pursue different types of degrees and internships and describes the value of diversifying skills.

25:53: Motley explains what she is most proud of.

27:32: Motley gives a sneak peak of some upcoming projects and what's next in her journey.

28:56: Elisabeth shares some sage advice that she constantly tells her students.

Bullet List of Resources –

Elisabeth Motley

• Personal Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Flor Aracama and Nico Busso of DuoRings. Flor and Nico's unique creation — DuoRings. — is a unique aerial rings duo which combines gymnastics athleticism and performance and, since 2016, has been regularly featured on tour with Cirque de Soleil. After spending a decade together on the Argentinian national gymnastics team, Flor and Nico got married and kickstarted their acrobatics duo. When not on tour or in residency with Cirque, Flor and Nico live in Rome, Italy.

Cirque du Soleil is one of the greatest arts achievements of the last century, and, this week, listeners get the unique treat of hearing how a pair of Cirque cast members landed their role and what the troupe is like behind-the-scenes. On the podcast, hear Flor and Nico's story of getting DuoRings off the ground (literally!), gain insight into the critical role of discipline in the performing arts, and discover how a pair of accomplished artists physically and mentally prepare before taking to the skies.

Moving Quotes:

"To develop as an artist, the first thing is just playing. Go to the park. Just start without competition. That's really how we learned to love what we do."

"Perseverance, determination, and hard work are the keys to achieving the goals and dreams that you set for yourself... Impossible is nothing. If you're passionate about something, you can get whatever you want in life."

"When auditioning, you must have an objective. 'Okay, I want to do that. I want to get that thing. I have an inspiration to do it.' That's the first part... Second, don't copy anybody. You are yourself. Move to your strengths."

"At some point, our performance career will finish. This is why it's important to take care of your body. If you take care of your body, you can grow and continue living."

"Every artist is different, and every artist knows what they need to give the best performance. You must be aware of everything you need to be 100 percent on the stage."

"You must never lose your character until you are in your dressing room."

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

3:34: Flor and Nico retell how they ended up together as an act and how their act made it to Cirque du Soleil.

8:17: Flor and Nico explain what audiences can expect from their DuoRings performance.

10:36: DuoRings shares some advice for performers preparing for auditions.

13:24: Nico discusses why he decided to branch out and pursue an alternate career in physical therapy and how being a dancer helps his physical therapy career (and vice versa).

16:45: Flor and Nico give a sneak peek at what it's like on the inside of Cirque du Soleil.

20:20: Flor and Nico discuss the importance of discipline in the creative world and how they, personally, must be disciplined as they perform.

22:59: DuoRings shares several tips on physically and mentally preparing for rehearsals and performances.

31:31: Flor discusses what's next for DuoRings and where audiences can expect to see them next.

33:24: Flor and Nico give some advice to anyone looking to get off the ground with a career in the arts.

Bullet List of Resources –

Flor Aracama

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Nico Busso

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

DuoRings

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Nico Kolokythas, Founder of strengthmotionmind and Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Birmingham Royal Ballet. Nico has an extensive two-decades-long background in elite sports, focusing predominately on judo, netball, basketball, football, taekwondo, and tennis. Nico eventually completed a PhD in injuries and the adolescent ballet dancer through the Elmhurst Ballet School in the UK. He now leads strengthmotionmind — a group focused on educating dancers and dance instructors on strength training and injury prevention.

Nico carries a unique perspective, having pivoted his research career from athletics to dance. Upon entering the arts, Nico was shocked by the lack of injury prevention research in dance — something that receives heavy investment in the sports world. Nico has since made curbing that trend his North Star. On the podcast, Nico discusses the work he's doing to forward the conversation about injury prevention in dance and gives some practical advice on makimg that goal a reality.

Moving Quotes:

"In sports, injury prevention was at the top of the list. Whereas, in dance, it felt like it was injury management."

"There's not enough evidence that the common workouts used on top of dance training has any effect on injury prevention. We need to move the intensity of the training a little bit higher to have an injury prevention effect. Low intensity training will give minimal change to the body."

"We know physical strength training can actually improve confidence. So, in a way, when we educate young dancers, we are improving their self-confidence and self-esteem."

"I am constantly getting feedback on what works and what doesn't. Because thinking you know what works and thinking that you're not going to make mistakes is probably your biggest mistake."

"You have to know your audience. There's different language you will use in front of researchers, and there's different language you'll use in front of dance teachers or dancers themselves."

"If you're a dancer that wants to help dancers, you already have a foot in the door. Because you know the discipline. You know the industry."

"One of the things we should be thinking when talking about youth dance development is that we want to be active for life. Therefore, giving the right tools at an early age, we have more chances for them to actually be active for life."

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

3:31: Nico describes his company — strengthmotionmind — and the work he's doing in educating both dancers and dance practitioners.

6:23: Nico, who founded his process on the idea of feedback and iteration, discusses the importance of receiving feedback and acting on that feedback.

9:15: Kolokythas gives more information on his strength and conditioning classes.

11:53: Nico discusses the lack of injury prevention information in dance and the actions he's taking to curb that trend.

19:13: Kolokythas, who has extensive experience in sports research, explains some lessons learned in athletics that he's carrying over to dance.

22:34: Nico explains why he believes injuries are so prevalent in dance and how dancers and dance instructors can move from injury management to injury prevention.

31:31: Nico discusses how dancers and non-dancers can prepare their bodies for decades-long active lifestyles.

37:00: Kolokythas gives some advice to any dancers looking to enter the field of dance research.

39:18: Nico explains what's next for him and how he's planning to extend the reach of his valuable research.

Bullet List of Resources –

Nico Kolokythas

• LinkedIn
• Twitter

strengthmotionmind

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Alexandra Damiani, Artistic Director at BJM-Les Ballets Jazz De Montréal. Alexandra was classically trained in dance in and around her home country of France. After winning the jeune ballet d'Aquitaine de Bordeaux competition in France, she received a scholarship to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in the US and has since danced at a variety of companies — including the company where she is now Artistic Director. Alexandra also has experience in the music and film industries, including an appearance in the acclaimed film Black Swan.

For Alexandra, some of her most formative years as an artist — and as a human — were her years in New York City. Upon landing in the United States, this city filled her with awe and curiosity around all areas of the arts and helped rid her of any anxiety and fear as a citizen in a foreign land. On the podcast, Alexandra discusses the modern dance industry and walks through her entire career but, most notably, shares why the "Big Apple" holds a special place in her heart.

Moving Quotes:

"Suddenly every conditioning I had, every expectation, every demand I was putting on my own body to be a dancer — all of that just exploded. In a moment, suddenly everything was possible. That was New York, for me."

"For the arts, the pandemic is a crucible. This is how we get clearer and stronger. And we can show what we're made of, in a way. There are huge opportunities, if we don't let fear paralyze us."

"Voice lessons and theater and, really, anything will add to your dance resumé. I think, more and more, choreographers want to have dancers who can really offer something."

"You can't be a contemporary dance company and not be a mirror of the society you are a part of."

"I feel very grateful that I have a voice and a platform so that I can be an example for my daughter — for my young dancers — and contribute in that way. At the same time, I don't have all the answers [for achieving female equality in dance leadership]. But we're at the start of a very long journey."

"Ultimately, leading this company is not about me. It's about me with the team, at the service of this dance company from Montreal. From Quebec. From Canada. And I like that challenge — that it will be a balancing act between just the right amount of history and innovation... It's a dance."

"For me, dance has no borders."

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

2:50: Alexandra, who previously danced for BJM-Les Ballets De Montréal, discusses what it's like to come back and now serve as artistic director.

3:57: Alexandra shares some lessons learned in her time as a performer that she hopes to implement as artistic director.

6:42: Damiani explains how she hopes to bring her own personality to her artistic direction, while maintaining the rich culture of BJM-Les Ballets De Montréal.

10:08: Damiani predicts her biggest challenge as she takes the reigns as artistic director.

14:02: Alexandra describes her excitement to be a woman in dance leadership, at this pivotal time when that male-centric culture is beginning to change.

18:37: Damiani, who has appeared in feature films like Black Swan, discusses her involvement in the music and film industry.

22:54: Alexandra retells stories from her life-changing years in New York City and how that time period came to define her as a dancer and as a person.

31:38: Alexandra imparts some advice to aspiring dancers who are hoping to succeed in the industry.

Bullet List of Resources –

Alexandra Damiani

• Company Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

BJM-Les Ballets Jazz De Montréal

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• YouTube