Bloodied Pointe Shoes and Coercive Control – Healing the Dance World with Kellie Rhea
In this transformative conversation, I’m joined by trauma specialist and cult-aware educator Kellie Rhea to explore how hidden systems of control quietly shape the dance world—and how we can heal from them.
Together, we unpack the subtle ways that “excellence” can mask unhealthy pressure, the intergenerational expectations dancers carry, and how the body stores the stress and fear that arise in performance-driven environments.
I share personal reflections from my own journey—including a pivotal moment confronting a coercive parent as a studio owner, the emotional impact of my early training, and the raw promise I made to my younger self during the hardest days of panic disorder.
Kellie offers powerful insights into how dancers, teachers, and parents can:
💛 Recognize harmful systems early
💛 Reclaim self-trust and autonomy
💛 Return to dance as a space for authentic expression and growth
This episode is a must-listen for dancers, teachers, parents—or anyone healing from toxic systems and seeking a healthier future for the next generation of performers.
Show Note from Kate: The letter I refer to in this episode was one I wrote to the principal of my first ballet school, addressing the emotional and physical harm I experienced there.
You’ll hear me get emotional in this episode. Even healed stories can carry weight. I share this not for sympathy, but to remind anyone listening—you’re not alone.”
💡 Red Flags of Coercive Systems – Ask yourself:
📚 Recommended Reading & Tools:
📎 Instagram: @iamkellierhea
🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com
📷 Instagram: @katehiston | @Dance_Real_Podcast | @Master_Dancer_Mindset
🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms
