“The clearer the image we have of our body, the more easeful and effective we can move.”

In this episode we speak Emily Schweitzer on all things Franklin Method. We discuss her journey of healing her own injury, key concepts behind the Franklin Method, what embodiment means to her, and more! 

About our Guest: Emily is a Social Work Fellow at the Danielsen Institute, a psychodynamically oriented clinic with a focus on spirituality and religion. She holds a masters in social work from Boston College School of Social Work. She is a certified Gyrotonic instructor, pilates mat instructor, and Franklin Method Level 2 Educator. She also completed a 20 hour training from the Trauma Center on Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Emily brings together psychotherapy and movement in her somatic work, and strongly believes that cultivating curiosity and compassion toward oneself can lead to greater freedom, adaptability, and interconnectedness. She is passionate about the mind-body connection and engaging in empowering movement.

Emily's Instagram

 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

"The company I am starting is the company I wish there had been.”

In this episode we speak with Elizabeth Mochizuki. We discuss her path as a professional freelance ballet dancer and dance educator, inspirations for starting an Asian American ballet company, challenges faced in this new endeavor,  and more!

Elizabeth is a dance educator and artistic director based in Boston, MA. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Tufts University. Elizabeth has danced for a variety of companies including Festival Ballet Providence, State Street Ballet, Ithaca Ballet, and Jose Mateo Ballet Theater. She is currently the ballet division coordinator at Tony Williams Dance Center and Artistic Director of Asian American Ballet Project.

Asian American Ballet Project Website
Asian American Ballet Project Instagram

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

“If you are really passionate about doing something, look up the options, and see what is available to you, and go for it!"

In this episode we speak with Sarah Parker. We discuss her path to becoming a dance writer,  highlighting important topics through writing, how to pitch an article, choosing a  journalism program, and more.

About Sarah: Sarah Parker is a NYC based dancer and choreographer. She holds a BA in Dance from Hofstra University and master’s in American Journalism from NYU. Sarah is currently working as the Associate Choreographer of the Broadway revival of Camelot and has had an extensive career performing on Broadway and in National Tours, contemporary dance companies, and TV/Film. Additionally, she is a freelance writer for Dance Magazine, Theater Mania, and Observer. 

Sarah's Instagram
Sarah's Website

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

“Becoming a mother has made me more aware of the range of what you can feel as a human.”

In this episode we speak with Leslie Frye Maietta. We discuss finding the balance between work and being a mother, the creation of her wellness practice BodyHouse, self care practices that help to ground her, and more.

About Leslie: Leslie earned her BFA from The University of the Arts and an MFA from Hollins University | The American Dance Festival. She is also deeply invested in the Somatic Arts and is currently a Pilates and Gyrotonic® practitioner. Leslie's creative and somatic work lives under the umbrella, B O D Y | H O U S E the collective- a project based collective and B O D Y | H O U S E wellness - private somatic training and wellness consultation. Leslie currently serves as Guest Artist/Assistant Professor at Connecticut College and Adjunct Professor at The University of Hartford, Hartt School Dance Division. Most recently, she has become a board member of the Connecticut Dance Alliance. 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

"Eat foods that are good for your body and also good for your soul."

In this episode we speak with Kate Daley. We discuss finding food freedom as an athlete, fueling to meet nutrient needs, meal prepping/grocery shopping tips while living on a budget and more!

About Kate: Kate Daley is an eating disorder and sports dietitian based out of Denver, Colorado. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Connecticut and is currently working towards her Master’s in Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver. At DU, Kate is a member of the Bodies, Eating, and Emotions Lab where she studies weight stigma, trauma, and disordered eating in marginalized populations. While at UConn, she competed in both cross country and track and field. She has worked at EDCare Denver, is a mentor through the Eating Disorder Foundation, and is a writer for Voice in Sport™. Her passion lies in helping those with eating disorders relearn to trust their bodies and find food freedom while continuing to compete in the sport they love.

Kate's Instagram
Email Kate: [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

"See the bigger picture of where you are in your life, and then I think everything kind of makes sense."

In this episode we speak with Amane Takaishi. We discuss her path to becoming a choreographer, teaching at the collegiate level, specific challenges faced during her career, and finding balance through prioritization.

About Amane: Amane Takaishi is a dancer, educator, choreographer, and Pilates instructor based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is currently a company member with City Ballet of Boston and on faculty at both Boston College and Boston University. Amane has danced professionally with Eugene Ballet, Ballet Tucson, and A&A Ballet. She holds a BA with Honors in Dance and Performance Studies from Kent University and her masters in education from Bath University.

Amane's Instagram! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

“I feel incredibly lucky to be on this journey with people as they inhabit their bodies a little more easily.” 

In this episode we speak with David Lobenstine. We discuss the various benefits of massage therapy for dancers, finding a mindful approach to at home muscular skeletal relief, therapeutic applications of breath work, and more.

About David:  David Lobenstine is a licensed massage therapist, continuing education teacher, freelance writer, and course creator based in NYC. He is a graduate of Vassar College and the Swedish Institute of Health Sciences. David has worked with a variety of performers and athletes. He teaches continuing education courses both around the country and online, at bodybrainbreath.com. David is the co-author of Third Edition of the Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy and has his own private practice, Full Breath Massage.

David's Website
David's Continuing Education Courses 
Follow David on Instagram! 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

"Giving people agency is what I feel like is the power in a somatic teaching experience.”

In this interview we speak with Emily Relyea-Spivack. We discuss how a series of injuries led her to begin a Pilates practice, challenges faced as a freelance artist,  the creation of her online Pilates platform, and more!

About Emily: Emily is a professional Dancer and Pilates Instructor currently based in the greater Albany area. Emily was introduced to the Pilates method as a means of rehabilitation after undergoing bilateral knee surgeries. Emily completed her first comprehensive Pilates certification with Polestar Pilates in 2015 and then bridged with Alycea Ungaro's Real Pilates Teacher Training certification in 2020. She has also completed many continuing education courses including Pilates Adaptations for People with Scoliosis, Pilates for Hip & Knee Pathologies, Pre & Post Natal Pilates Workshops, as well as industry-specific forums. Emily is currently in her 2nd season with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company in addition to running her online Pilates platform, Emily RS Pilates.

Emily's Website

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

“I would like to see a lot of these healing modalities as part of our healthcare system. I would like see healthcare being more accessible.”

In this episode we speak with Megan Guinta. We discuss the benefits of the Gyrotonic ® method for both dancers and athletes, self care practices, how we can make movement more accessible, and goals for both the future of movement and healthcare. We also dive into finding balance and overcoming challenges as a dancer and fitness professional.

About Megan: Megan, a New Jersey native, was dancing as soon as she could walk and has been passionate about movement ever since.  She was introduced to GYROTONIC® and Pilates exercise at age 13, which was crucial cross-training for her as an aspiring dancer.  These methods built strength and flexibility, helped manage and prevent injuries, and enabled her to earn a BFA in dance at SUNY Purchase, one of the nation’s top dance programs. Megan also studied at Beijing Dance Academy in China and has toured in Canada, Sri Lanka, and all over the United States. She teaches Gyrotonic ®, Gyrokinesis ®, and mat Pilates throughout NYC.

Megan's Website
Megan's Instagram

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com

“Dance has always been something I have gravitated to, to understand the world around me.”

In this episode we speak with Lauren Cox. We discuss what inspired her to begin a career in commercial dance, how she built a schedule as a freelance dance artist, and cultivating healthy relationships in the field. We also talk about her transition from freelance artist to jazz professor.

About Lauren: Lauren is an accomplished poet, story-teller, and professor of Jazz Dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from San Francisco State University. Lauren has been on faculty at Joffrey Ballet School Jazz & Contemporary, The Ailey School Junior Division, and the co-creator and lead choreographer for Kaimera Productions’ SPACES. Her choreography has been commissioned by many institutions such as LaGuardia Performing Arts Center and Harlem Arts Festival. As a professional performer, she has taken part in a wide variety of commercial and contemporary works both live and on television. 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rachelmarchica12.substack.com