Today’s episode is an absolute gift. We are still buzzing from our inspirational and healing talk with Shelby Elsbree and Jessica Cohen. If you’re ready to be seen, to address systemic problems in the performing arts industry, and to give your inner artist the biggest hug ever, please tune in. You’ll be so glad you did.

Shelby and Jessica are bright lights in our industry- and in the world! They both enjoyed incredible ballet and performance careers, dancing all over the world as well as on Broadway and National Tours. And in those years immersed in show business, they did two remarkable things: They noticed systemic problems, and followed their hearts to create change and heal our community.

Together they founded Artists Becoming, whose mission is to elevate the standards of well-being across the performing arts industry. They bring the gifts of yoga and meditation to artists of all kinds. Think of them as a full-service emotional support supplement in an often toxic environment. What started as a way to help individuals has now evolved to help institutions as a whole. And you don’t have to speak with Shelby and Jessica more than 30 seconds to know that these giant issues and difficult conversations are in the very best of hands. They care so much about artists and this broken industry we’ve all navigated for a variety of reasons, whether they be low self-worth or a scarcity mindset.

Our conversation with Shelby and Jessica covers a lot of ground, from the current state of our industry to dreams that no longer suit us and how to heal from that- we learned so much today. And what a gift that their words are recorded as a reminder to play again and again. We plan to sign up for one of their courses. How about you? Check out Artistsbecoming.com to learn more. And follow them on Instagram @artistsbecoming

This week’s Spotlight on Love comes to us from an anonymous listener:

What advice do you have for someone trying to transition out of dance?

Shelby made the decision to leave the ballet world on her own terms- not because the industry or an injury told her to retire. How about you? Have you ever walked away from an opportunity or dream knowing you still have something to give? Artists navigate so many complex chapters in their careers. Hundreds of tiny and enormous decisions. And they can feel very isolating, but they don’t have to be. We’re here and would absolutely love to hear your stories!

****

Follow us

Bret

Stephen

We are grateful to be a part of the Broadway Podcast Network. Thanks to David Dabbon for our theme music and to Sophie Kay Photography for our image.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices