M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy

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In Part 2 of this Episode, Eileen and Amy's conversation explores the impact of trauma on dancers and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in dance classes. It emphasizes that trauma is not just what happens to a person, but also what happens inside them as a result. The discussion highlights the need for dancers to build resilience and capacity to handle stress and challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy and being an empathetic witness for others. The conversation touches on the concepts of optimism and the role it plays in resilience and healing.

Be sure to listen to Part 3 where they cover the 5 Trauma Responses and how they can show up in the dance world.

Resource:
Episode 6 Slideshow

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

In Part 1 of this Episode, Eileen and Amy discuss the nervous system and how survival mode affects the body. They explore different lenses through which they view the nervous system, such as the somatic, energetic, traumatic, emotional, and physiological lenses. They explain that survival mode is a physiological and psychological response that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by stress, and it activates the body's stress response systems. They discuss the fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and flop trauma responses, as well as the importance of finding balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. They also touch on the role of cortisol and glucose in the body's stress response.

Be sure to listen to Part 2 where they cover how stress and trauma inform each other and the reframing of what it means to be resilient and optimistic.

Resource:
Episode 6 Slideshow

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

Guest: Nichol Lazenby

• Owner of Grateful Body Pilates
• CSUS Dance Faculty 
• Choreographer
• Movement Artist

In this conversation, Eileen, Amy and Nichol talk about the challenges of finding their voice and identity in the dance world, the importance of being seen and connecting with others through movement, and the power of vulnerability and authenticity in performance. They also touch on the need for dancers to create spaces where they feel safe to show up as their true selves. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique journey and finding a place in the dance world. In this conversation, Nichol discusses the importance of dance as a form of self-expression and connection to the body emphasizing that anyone can dance, regardless of their experience or rhythm. She shares her insights on the importance of cross-training, particularly through Pilates, for injury prevention and rehabilitation and highlights the need for dancers to prioritize their mental, emotional, and spiritual health, including practices such as meditation. Nichol reflects on her own experiences with injuries and the lessons she has learned about self-care and acceptance calling for greater emphasis on injury prevention and mental health support in dance training and the industry as a whole.

Nichol (she/her) is a dance artist, educator, choreographer, and Pilates instructor who has taught throughout the country for over 15 years. Originally from Southern California, she received a B.F.A. in Dance from California State University of Long Beach, and MFA degree in Dance/Choreography with an additional Certificate in College Teaching from The University of Arizona. Her interests in injury prevention, functional cross training, movement efficiency and longevity drew her to acquire a Pilates certification with an emphasis in dance conditioning through Body Arts and Science International (BASI) and a personal training certification through International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Throughout Nichol’s dance career...learn more here.

Follow / Learn More:
IG: @nichol.mason.lazenby / @gratefulbodypilates
Mentions:
Doug Varone
Bartenieff Fundamentals

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

Today's episode talks about just how common injuries in dance are, with 86% of dancers experiencing one or more injuries in their career. We also debunk the traditional injury protocol of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) that is now being challenged as it can prolong the healing process and hinder recovery. A new approach called PEACE (Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatory substances, Compression, Educate) and LOVE (Load, Optimism, Vascularization, Exercise) is being advocated, focusing on protecting the injured area, promoting fluid movement, avoiding anti-inflammatory measures, providing compression or massage, and educating oneself about the body. Injuries in dance are not just physical but also have psychological and emotional components that need to be addressed; mental stress can manifest as physical tension and affect performance. Integrating the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of dance is crucial for injury prevention and recovery. Dance programs and institutions need to prioritize the holistic well-being of dancers and provide resources for physical and mental health support.

Note: When Eileen discusses "beliefs" during this episode, she is referring specifically to embodied beliefs (not just the conscious beliefs we hold, but the energetic beliefs our body has somatically developed). 

Resources / Studies / Articles / References:

• R.I.C.E. Debunked
• R.I.C.E. Method
• P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. Protocol
• 80% dancers versus 20% rugby and football players will have a career affecting injury.

*Be sure to check out S2E2 Injury Mini Series: What even IS an injury?'s episode description for more resources / studies / articles / references.

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

Guest: Julia Harnett
Performer / Producer / Coach / Educator

This beautiful conversation covers a range of topics including the influence of ballet training on other dance styles, the importance of lead and follow in dance, the therapeutic nature of movement, and the impact of stagnation on the body. Julia Harnett shares her personal journey through the dance industry, from transitioning out of ballroom dancing to pursuing acting, yoga, and musical theater. She discusses the challenges of shifting from a dancer to an actor and the impact of body image on her career. The conversation also delves into the Eurocentric aesthetic in dance and covers everything from the impact of different dance styles to the importance of self-care and mental well-being to the importance of rest and the need for new work in the industry to aging and the empowerment of dancers to advocate for change with an emphasis on the significance of storytelling and the need for celebration and recognition of dancers at all stages of their careers.

Julia (she/her) is a dynamic triple threat who began performing at the age of four. Early training consisted of exclusively ballet (Royal Academy of Dance), whilst later adding jazz (Jack Cole/ Fosse), Scottish highland dance, musical theatre, contemporary, and competitive dancesport (ballroom and latin). ​
Never one to shy away from her emotions, Julia was also involved heavily in the drama department of her high school and local theatre community, and went on to work for theatres across Canada and the United States, with principal and ensemble roles in Guys & Dolls (Kennedy Center), A Christmas Story (Center Theatre Group -The Ahmanson), Chicago (The Fulton Theatre), and In the Heights (Arts Club Theatre - Vancouver).
It wasn’t long before the television and film industry started calling her name, and Julia soon began working national television commercial spots as a principal actor, choreographer, and dancer for Glade, Hershey’s, Scotiabank, Lexus, Nikon, Party City, Del Taco, and Time Warner Cable...read more here.

Follow / Learn More:
IG: @juliaharnett
Website: IMDB / Jack Cole Dancers
Mentions:
Misty Copeland
Article: Regrets of the Dying

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

In the first of many Mini Series episodes, Eileen and Amy discuss the topic of injury in dance. They explore the definition of an injury and the different types of injuries, including acute and chronic, overuse and traumatic. They emphasize the importance of recovery and the need for dancers to train intentionally and balance their bodies. They also touch on the psychological and emotional aspects of injuries and the prevalence of injuries in the dance industry. The conversation aims to provide education, perspective, and support for dancers dealing with injuries. They discuss the interconnectedness of the body and the importance of understanding the root causes of pain and injury and emphasize the need for a holistic approach to healing and the importance of listening to and believing in one's own body. The limitations of traditional medical professionals and the need for a diverse range of resources and perspectives in the field of healthcare is also discussed. They go on to highlight the responsibility of dance teachers and other professionals to create a safe and supportive environment for dancers to explore and understand their bodies.

Edit:
There is a moment Amy mentions the 10 muscles that insert into the shoulder girdle--there are actually 8. Amy got excited and included the muscles of the rotator cuff in her muscle estimation.

Resources / Studies / Articles / References:

• Preventing Dance Injuries: A Current Perspective
• Injury Incidence
• Detailed Injury Epidemiology in Contemporary Dance
• Epidemiology of Injuries Connected with Dance: A Critical Review on Epidemiolog
• Injuries in Professional Modern Dancers
• Common Dance Injuries
• Rehearsal and Performance Volume in Professional Ballter: A Five-Season Cohort Study

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

Guest: Erin Kei
Actor
In Erin's words: "This changes daily. Today it's 'Actor'."

In Season 2's Premiere Episode, Erin shares her journey and experiences in the dance world; discussing how she became aware of her body during puberty and the pressure she felt to conform to societal ideals. She opens up about her struggles with body dysmorphia and the constant need to be seen and validated by others. This conversation highlights the disconnection between the internal and external experience of the body in the dance industry and the importance of body image and self-expression. The episode also explores the need for dancers to focus on how they feel in their bodies rather than conforming to societal expectations, the impact of patriarchy and binary thinking on dancers' self-perception and the pressure to maintain a certain aesthetic. The need for more spaces and time for dancers to develop a sense of self and build a healthy relationship with their bodies is highlighted as well as the importance of intention and storytelling in dance and the need for greater representation and inclusivity in the industry.

*Activation Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics. Please take care of your body.*

Erin (she/her) is a New York artist, originally from TX. Erin has performed in NY, Regionally, on National Tours, in Commercials, and Film/TV. Along with performing, Erin finds joy facilitating other artists and choreographers, as well as teaching students of all ages to find their artistic voice. Erin currently serves as the Associate Artistic Director for Thistle Dance. Huge thank you to Eileen and Amy for creating a safe space for movement artists to speak to their experiences. Thank you for listening!

Follow:
IG: @erinnish & @thistle_dance

Resource / Mention:
Human Design Test

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

We're back...Season 2 is here!

Check out our Teaser Episode where Eileen + Amy reveal how Season 2 will be focusing on expanding the concept of showing up fully embodied within the dance world. Find out what they both have been up to since Season 1 wrapped back in December 2023 and what changes you can expect this season.

They discuss their excitement surrounding various guests and introduce a new mini-series focus that will include topics like pregnancy, injury, disordered eating, anatomy and physiology, the process of art-making, and grief (just to name a few). Emphasizing the importance of widening the perspective of the human experience and normalizing all experiences within the dance community, the hosts will also be inviting audience participation; continuing their aim to create a space where dancers and movement artists can feel less alone in their journey.

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

It is officially Episode 12, our Season 1 Finale. What an incredible journey it has been. In this episode, Eileen and Amy discuss some themes they weren’t able to cover in Episode 9 that came up in their conversation with Jonathan Kim (they even include a clip they weren’t able to include in that week’s episode because it would have been way too long). They also get to ask some questions they had wanted to ask each other in previous episodes and they expand on their personal and professional relationship. 

Their conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity in dance and the need for dancers to embrace their natural skill sets; discussing the need for individuality in choreography and the importance of allowing dancers to bring their unique artistry to the performance. 

They explore the importance of collaboration, integration, and empowerment within the dance industry, taking a moment to highlight the various roles that have been compartmentalized and the need for creative alignment and collaborative co-creation. Their conversation also addresses the dehumanization of dancers and the need for equity and value in the industry; emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for dancers to advocate for themselves and express their needs.

Finally, Eileen and Amy discuss Amy's transition into the role of Artistic Director of TwoPoint4 Dance and the challenges she faced surrounding her edge of growth as well as Eileen's edge of growth in the somatic work she's bringing into the dance world. They share their motivations and how they have changed, focusing more on authenticity and less on external validation; as well as the importance of boundaries and self-acceptance. Be sure to listen to hear what they are leaving behind and what they're taking with them. Thank you for an incredible first season!

Support Us / Learn More:
-Kaia Evolutions
Website: https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/
***In the month of December, all of Eileen's H.O.P.E. Coaching sessions purchased in December are 22% OFF in honor of her 37th birthday, the age her sister was when she took her life. Check out her website for more info.***

-TwoPoint4 Dance Theatre
Website: https://www.twopoint4dance.org/
***Be sure to donate to their GoFundMe to help them travel to LA for a performance.***
https://www.gofundme.com/f/twopoint4-dance-theatre-goes-to-la

Episode Mentions Here:
Misty Copeland in Swan Lake (notice the comments section - devastating)

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.

Send a text

Guest: Eileen Kielty 

• Creator & Founder of Kaia Evolutions
• Multi-disciplinary Artist, Teacher, Performer
• Movement Alchemist & Facilitator
• Co-Host of M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy

In Episode 11, we get to learn more about Eileen, her and Amy's relationship, how she has been re-identifying herself in regards to the titles she's claiming and the importance of bridging the gap between seemingly separate disciplines. They talk about introception and internal sense and its use in honoring our authenticities and intuition as well as why trauma-informed instruction is necessary within the dance space. 

Eileen (she / her) is a queer multi-disciplinary artist, teacher & performer as well as a clairsentient intuitive movement coach. She has degrees in both dance & psychology as well as extensive training in somatic integration, embodiment & intimacy practices & is passionate about consent-driven spaces with an emphasis on social justice. Eileen has held countless positions within the arts, fitness, wellness & educational space. She recognizes the importance of illuminating the darker, often hidden, parts of the human experience through sharing openly & authentically as we’re not meant to do this alone. She is the creator & founder of Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of her life’s work & a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019. Eileen believes in the power of creative expression & its ability to reveal the unspoken language of being alive; the body always knows & movement is our direct connection to our deepest truth.

Follow & Learn More:
IG: @ekielty & @kaia.evolutions
Website: https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/
***In the month of December, all of Eileen's H.O.P.E. Coaching sessions purchased in December are 22% OFF in honor of her 37th birthday, the age her sister was when she took her life. Check out her website for more info.***

Episode Mentions / Resources Here:
Queer Healers: https://www.queerhealers.com/
RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network: https://centers.rainn.org/
AFSP - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: https://afsp.org/about-afsp/
NIMH - National Institute of Mental Health (Eating Disorder info):

Support the show

M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at [email protected]

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.