Dancers are more likely to have scoliosis than the general population, and while dance can be supportive to an asymmetrical spine, is can also be a frustrating endeavor for a dancer whose spine is different from the norm. In Episode 98, Ellie speaks to Suzanne Koucheravy, a pilates teacher who has devoted her work to supporting dancers with scoliosis through comprehensive, conscientious, educational, and empowering sessions. Together they touch on the basics of scoliosis, how Suzanne understands asymmetrical spines, and many other social elements and emerging perspectives on this complex topic.

Host: Ellie Kusner

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.co

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean

On this episode of DanceWell Podcast, co-host Marissa Schaeffer speaks with dance and pelvic floor physical therapist Ami Kirollos, PT, DPT, CSCS. Ami unpacks how issues in the pelvic floor can present as hip or back pain, and offers tools for clinicians and patients to recognize red flags, especially in high-performing athletes and dancers. Whether you're a movement professional or simply pelvic floor curious, this episode offers insight, clarity and practical guidance.

Link to the Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Protocol: https://www.pelvicptrising.com/screen

Host: Marissa Schaeffer

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.co

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean

DanceWell Podcast is BACK! Join us, Ellie and Marissa, as we relaunch our favorite passion project.

New website: www.dancewellpodcast.co

In this episode, we speak with interfaith minister, Reverend Nafisa Sharriff, about spirituality. What is spirituality, how does it look or feel, and why does it matter? Plus, we touch on how spirituality interacts with the life experiences of a dancer. This thoughtful and warm interview is DanceWell's first exploring spirituality as a facet of holistic dancer wellness.

To learn more about Reverend Nafisa Sharriff visit: www.ethoh.org

Follow her on Instagram: @enteringtheholyofholies

Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nafisa.sharriff

Host: Ellie Kusner

Co-Founders: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Web Image: Katie Dean

Traveling the world is a joy, but dancing on a cruise ship also brings a unique set of challenges from unfamiliar sleep situations, to limited food choices, to mechanical stages, not to mention that the theater itself is in continuous motion!! On Episode 95: Dancing at Sea, Yenwen Kuo interviews physiotherapist (and former performer) Alexander McKinven. These experienced cruise ship workers discuss the culture, injury risks, and health concerns associated with ship life. McKinven offers several helpful tips for how to stay well while dancing on the high seas.

Learn more about Alexander McKinven at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-mckinven-560a79a8/?originalSubdomain=uk

Tweet Alexander McKivnen: @ACPSEMdance

Learn more about Yenwen Kuo at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yenwenkuo/

Host: Yenwen Kuo

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean

When the dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater came back to the studio in September 2020 after the Covid-19 shutdown, everyone knew there was a lot of work to be done to get the dancers back into performance shape. In the year leading up to their first in-person season since the start of the pandemic, the dancers engaged in various forms of cross-training curated by artistic staff, the physical therapy department and others in the Ailey community. In the fall of 2021, there was one more big push to get the dancers ready for stage. Listen as Mr. Matthew Rushing, Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, Dr. Marissa Schaeffer, Andrew Schaeffer and Antoine Simmons detail that final push and discuss the logistics, challenges and triumphs of packing cross-training into a busy season.

Host: Marissa Schaeffer

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean

Join our first DanceWell Podcast guest host, Gregory Youdan, MA, MS, as he interviews returning guest, Elizabeth (Betsy) Coker, EdD! These two dance scientists will discuss the necessity of measurement in dance and go on to discuss the utility of portable tech, balance, their research and more.

Learn more about Betsy Coker at: www.betsycoker.com.

Learn more about Gregory Youdan at: http://www.gregoryyoudan.com/

Host: Gregory Youdan

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean

During the pandemic, Registered Dietitian Kristin Koskinen has found that many dancers are interested in learning how they can help combat some of the stress and anxiety in our current world climate with the foods or eating behaviors they choose. In this episode, Kristin explains some of the ways that food influences our mood, and how these affects may vary depending on an individual’s preferences, genetics, or past experiences. We caution again obsessive thinking surrounding food and mood, and we discuss a fan favorite topic: what should you eat before a show?

Email Kristin at: [email protected]

Follow her on Instagram: @kristin_koskinen_rdn

Learn more at her Website: www.eatwellpros.com

Host: Ellie Kusner

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean

National Dance Institute (NDI) was founded in 1976 by former NYCB principal dancer Jacques d'Amboise with the mission to "use dance as a catalyst to engage children and motivate them toward excellence" (http://nationaldance.org/NDI_at_a_Glance.pdf). Nearly 50 years later, NDI serves thousands of children each week, hosts teacher trainings and workshops both nationally and internationally to further this mission. In this episode of DanceWell Podcast, Emily Meisner, Director of NDI Collaborative for Teaching & Learning, talks about how NDI can help every dancer teacher to bring positivity, empowerment and collaboration into the dance classroom.

Learn more about NDI by visiting www.nationaldance.org or www.NDIcollaborative.org

Host: Marissa Schaeffer

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean

Resilience is a bit of a buzz word in the popular media, but what does it really mean, how can we acquire it, and why do dancers need it? On Episode 90: Resilience, Michelle Dwarka answers these questions and many others. We discuss the existing literature and ideas for future research.

Email Michelle at: [email protected]

Follow her on Instagram: @sleekingprima

Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schachtler-dwarika-92527723

Host: Ellie Kusner

Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer

Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Visual Image: Katie Dean