Wow, it's been a minute (2 years ...).

There's so much that's changed inside our world, and with bringing the podcast back, I felt like we needed a re-introduction!

At the Dance Teachers Training Academy, our ethos is about training dancers like athletes - using strategies and principles that high performing athletes and Olympic coaches use because ... well, our dancers are ATHLETIC ARTISTS.

Over the coming months, expect useful resources, actionable content and cracking conversations with our guests as we look through the Athletic Artist lens ...

Please subscribe to the podcast and tag @danceteacherstrainingacademy on socials ♥️

WEBSITE LINK HERE

STUDIO ESSENTIALS MEMBERSHIP

In today's episode, we help you stop making common mistakes that dancers often make that are hindering their progress!

1. Bouncing from A > B

2. Balancing hard work and burnout

3. Complexity over consistency

Remember to subscribe and tag me in your instagram stories @nicthomsonfit

Join me as we chat with the incredible Charlotte, a Scottish dancer, now living in London! From performing with Ellie Goulding at the BRITS to performing in Fast & Furious, Charlotte shares how her secret is to keep being a beginner.

We explore the transition from Scotland to London, both personally and professionally, uncovering the emotions and practical hurdles of this transition. Charlotte shares her insights on navigating the professional dance world, from building a support network to being represented by an agent.

In this episode, we cover:

• Charlotte's Dance Journey
• The London Transition
• Quick-Fire London Survival Guide
• Life as a Professional Dancer
• Advice for Aspiring Dancers

Charlotte is keen to give back to the Scottish dance community with her commercial intensive, Break The Barrier. The next intensive taking place in Glasgow is on 9th-11th April 2025. You might even see a familiar face on the faculty line-up ...

Email [email protected] or visit Charlotte at @btb_intensive to find out more details and/or book a space.

Speak to you in the next episode

Nic

Welcome to Athletic Artist: The Dancers Podcast!

This week, we're diving deep into a topic that's all too familiar for dancers: pain. The phrase "the show must go on" is often thrown around, but what happens when pushing through pain becomes the norm? We're unpacking the complex relationship between dancers and pain, exploring the difference between good pain and bad pain, and giving you the tools to understand your body better.

We'll start by differentiating between injury pain and performance pain. How do you know when you're pushing your limits versus putting yourself at risk? We'll discuss the common reasons why dancers experience pain, including:

• Body Awareness: Are you truly in tune with your body's signals?
• Achieving Physical Ideals: The pressure to conform to certain body types can lead to unhealthy practices.
• Doing Things Beyond Capability: Pushing too hard, too fast, can have serious consequences.
• Mechanical Misalignment: Proper alignment is crucial for injury prevention.
• Repetitive Movements: The nature of dance can put stress on certain joints and muscles.
• Overtraining: Rest and recovery are just as important as practice.

But what should you be feeling in your body? We'll explore the sensations that indicate healthy muscle engagement and the difference between discomfort and true pain. Crucially, we'll discuss how to know your limits and when it's time to take a step back. Ignoring pain can lead to long-term injuries, so understanding your body's signals is paramount.

Join us this week as we discuss how to prioritise your health and well-being whilst still pursuing your passion for dance. Don't forget to subscribe and share us on your instagram!

Nic -@nicthomsonfit

Tess - @tessdancescience

In this episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Nadia, from Iris, to delve into the complex factors influencing a dancer's relationship with food, exploring societal pressures, the unique demands of the dance world, and the common themes that emerge among dancers struggling with nutrition and body image. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing health alongside performance success and offer actionable steps dancers can take to improve their relationship with food, ensuring they're properly fueled for training and performance. This episode is a must-listen for dancers, dance parents, and anyone interested in the intersection of performance, nutrition, and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

Iris stands for I Rise, I Soar. They're an online clinic helping dancers with their relationship with food, exercise and body image. I truly wish there was a clinic like Iris about when I was a younger dancer. Go check them out on Instagram.

Follow us on Instagram @nicthomsonfit

Follow Iris on Instagram @irisclinicuk

In this episode, we are joined by photographer, Nathan McGregor, where we talk about how to create a versatile, diverse and employable portfolio.

We chat about;

- Communicating with your photographer

- Finding individuality

- Building confidence

- Preparation and improvisation

Let us know your thoughts and as always, share this episode if you found it helpful and tag us

Nic - @nicthomsonfit

Nathan - @nathanmcgregorphotography

Happy New Year! 🥂

This episode is your blueprint to mapping out your 2025 goals and dreams and making them a reality.

In this episode, Tess and I discuss how your teaching practices impact your students.

We chat about:

- The transition from dancer to teacher and the lack of teaching skills

- Things our teachers said to us

- How to prepare your students for the industry without breaking them

- How to communicate better with your students

- Finding a balance between being strict and being too soft

- How to better cue feedback

- Body image and feedback

- Tools you can use within your teaching practice

If you enjoyed this episode, pass it onto another teacher or dancer you think would enjoy or benefit from listening too!

Nic - https://www.instagram.com/nicthomsonfit/

Tess - https://www.instagram.com/tessdancescience/

As a performer do you feel you need to 'earn' your rest?

Do you feel overtraining is a badge of honour and means you're the hardest working in the room?

I did too, but it burnt me out!

In this episode, join me and my friend from university, Tess, as we discuss how to recover properly to keep you at the top of your game as a dancer.

Discussion Points;

- The signs and symptoms of not taking enough rest and recovery

- The risk of not prioritising recovery

- Strategies to use for mental well-being rest

- Strategies to use for physical recovery from dance

- How teachers can praise and encourage recovery to get the best out of their dancers

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and give us a follow!

Follow us on; https://www.instagram.com/athleticartist_/

Follow Tess at; https://www.instagram.com/tessdancescience/

Hello Athletic Artists, 

In this episode, I chat with my good friend, Mick, who has a wealth of knowledge in the industry from performing, choreographing and teaching. 

We chat about; 

- His journey from the construction site to the MOBO Awards 

- Having the humility to always be a learner 

- What it takes to survive in the industry

- Preparing for a casting (get your notepad ready)

- Audition prep as an ever-evolving process 

- Athleticism, technique and artistry 

- How he stays humble and driven in the industry 

Give Mick a follow on Instagram at ⁠mickaliss ⁠

And as always head to ⁠athleticartist_thedancerscoach ⁠for all things training for dancers 

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And connect and let me know who you'd like to hear on the podcast