In this episode of the Lead and Create podcast, Neus Gil Cortes chats with Stuart Waters about innovative leadership in the dance industry. With 24 years of experience, Stuart shares his journey through mental health challenges, addiction, and his approach to collaborative, inclusive practices. They discuss the significance of honesty, flexibility, and active listening in dance spaces, and explore how to bring marginalized communities into the fold. This conversation offers profound insights into creating healthier, more fulfilling artistic processes.

00:18 Introduction to the Lead and Create Podcast
00:48 Meet Stuart Waters: Performer and Choreographer
02:55 Stuart's Journey: From Success to Struggle
07:55 The Importance of Honesty in Dance
10:05 Balancing Process and Product in Dance
14:00 Collaborative and Inclusive Practices
16:20 Head On: Activism and Mental Health in Dance
19:02 Engaging Marginalised Audiences
23:09 What can we learn from working with Disability and Access Needs
29:52 Rethinking Leadership in Dance
44:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Welcome to Lead & Create with Neus Gil Cortes, a Spanish choreographer based in the UK. With over 30 years in the dance industry, I aim to equip independent choreographers with the tools for inclusive and respectful leadership.Today, I’m sharing personal mistakes I’ve made as a leader, including overlooking the importance of social interactions, rushing in choosing collaborators, and not being clear in my communication. 
By discussing these experiences, I hope to create a supportive environment where we can learn and grow from each other.Next week, join me and Stuart Waters as we explore “process over perfection” in leadership.

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In today’s episode, we delve into the importance of creating safe and calm spaces in the studio. We'll explore why such environments are crucial not just ethically, but also for encouraging risk-taking and creativity. We’ll discuss the often overlooked value of calmness in leadership, sharing practical tips for choreographers to stay grounded, organized, and efficient. From strategic communication to mindful scheduling and leveraging team strengths, we’ll cover actionable strategies to enhance productivity and well-being in the creative process.Tune in to discover how embracing a calm, mindful approach can transform your leadership style and studio environment. Let’s all make a conscious effort to be better leaders.Don't forget to check out the Rethinking Leadership conversation coming up on Friday, 21st June from 1-3pm online, and stay tuned for our 5-week online leadership training for independent choreographers launching in October.Hope you enjoy the episode!

Resources:Our last Rethinking Leadership conversation was on June 2024. Sign up to our mailing list to know about the next one
Download the guide "The 7 Steps to Finding the Collaborators That Are Right for You" here.

Music: Happy Day by Top-Flow

In the first episode of the 'Lead and Create' podcast, Neus Gil Cortes, an experienced dancer and choreographer, discusses the importance of recognising and embracing leadership roles within the dance industry. Neus shares insights from her 34-year career and emphasises the need for clarity in roles and responsibilities to foster productive and collaborative environments. She addresses common hesitations dancers and choreographers have about identifying as leaders, and offers strategies to overcome these challenges. Neus highlights the significance of naming roles accurately to ensure accountability and acknowledges the importance of vulnerability in leadership. The podcast aims to inspire better leadership in the dance world by encouraging open dialogue and preparation for effective collaboration.

Resources:

- 6 leadership styles- Leadership That Gets Results, by Daniel Goleman

- Download the guide The 7 steps to finding the collaborators that are right for you. 
- Our last Rethinking Leadership Conversation was on Friday 21st June 2024. Sign up to our mailing list to hear about the next one

Music: Happy Day by Top-Flow