What behaviors and attitudes ensure freelance dancers' career longevity? Does compassion help?

Episode 2. Overcoming Burnout and Thriving: A Conversation with Crystal Nichols


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"If I'm only focused on dance, then if my career isn't going the way I want it to go, then I feel like a failure as a person. Whereas if I have taken the time to create relationships and nurture the relationships that I want, or I've taken the time to develop hobbies and communities outside of dance, then even if my career isn't going according to plan...I don't necessarily feel like a failure as a human being."


In this episode, we dive into an insightful conversation with Crystal Nichols, a health and performance coach who specialises in helping performers thrive both on and off stage. Crystal shares her journey from being a professional dancer to becoming a coach, her experience with burnout, and how she helps performers build healthy, sustainable careers.


Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and background of Crystal Nichols
  • 00:27 - Crystal's work with performers
  • 00:56 - Journey from Barbados to professional dancing
  • 01:25 - Experience with Princess Cruises and The Lion King
  • 03:18 - Struggling with burnout and discovering health and wellness
  • 04:38 - Transition to health and performance coaching
  • 05:06 - Developing a coaching program during the pandemic
  • 06:26 - Collaborations with organizations like Applause for Thought
  • 07:50 - Typical clients and their challenges
  • 09:46 - Crystal's approach to wellbeing and performance
  • 13:25 - The importance of being a healthy human for peak performance
  • 16:11 - Transformation through focusing on basic needs
  • 19:57 - Career satisfaction and success
  • 21:47 - Importance of knowing your strengths
  • 24:37 - The balance between dedication and having a life outside of performing
  • 29:47 - Strategies for achieving balance and wellbeing
  • 33:40 - Emotional intelligence and its role in wellbeing
  • 41:20 - Impact of emotional awareness on coaching
  • 44:14 - Final thoughts and creating a stress toolkit
  • Resources & Links:

    • Applause for Thought
    • Susan David's Emotional Agility
    • Stress Container Concept
    • https://www.instagram.com/crystal_nicholls/
    • ...more
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      What behaviors and attitudes ensure freelance dancers' career longevity? Does compassion help?By Rachel