In this episode, Allison talks with Michelle Loucadoux and Kristin Deiss, co-founders of Danscend, a company dedicated to supporting the mental wellness of dancers, educators, and organizations.

Born out of the pandemic, Danscend began when Michelle and Kristin realized that while dance often nurtures emotional expression, there were few accessible tools to care for the mental health of the people behind the movement.

Together, they unpack what it really means to be resilient—how to bounce back from setbacks, learn from failure, and redefine success on your own terms. They share honest stories about career pivots, creative burnout, and the healing power of community.

·      Redefining success after rejection or transition

·      Building resilience through vulnerability and connection

·      Tools for managing creative blocks and burnout

·      Rest and distance as creative resets

·      Building community and asking for support

·      Redefining success beyond linear achievement

·      Facing discomfort as a form of growth

“Resilience is staying in the discomfort long enough to understand how to move through it, instead of away from it.” – Michelle Loucadoux

"Talent will get you into the room, resilience will keep you in the room" -Kristin Deiss

🔗 Connect with Danscend

Discovery Keywords:

dance, dancer wellness, resilience, mental health, creativity, burnout, recovery, Danscend, performance anxiety, artistic growth, creative process, self-care, overcoming rejection, reinvention, mindfulness, dance education, artists, well-being, balance, creativity and mental health