"Dance was my way of expressing myself and feeling safe."

"I value my wellbeing and inner peace more than pursuing a dream that may never come to fruition."

"The dance industry needs more genuine mentorship and community."

Christina Demetriou, a dancer with a rich multicultural background, shares her journey from South Africa to Cyprus and eventually to London. She discusses the challenges of navigating the freelance dance industry, the impact of social media on her career, and the importance of self-awareness and personal wellbeing. Christina emphasises the need for genuine mentorship and community support within the dance world to help dancers thrive amidst financial and competitive barriers.

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"Self-care isn’t just face masks and hot baths; it’s about removing stresses that aren’t helping you."

"Understanding your values is crucial for maintaining well-being and performance."

In this episode, we have the pleasure of talking with Manisha, a trainee sport and exercise psychologist pursuing her professional doctorate at John Moores University. Manisha shares her inspiring journey into the field of sport psychology, the unique challenges faced by dancers and athletes, and the importance of mental health and well-being in performance. We delve into her work with dancers, the impact of COVID-19 on recent graduates, and her ongoing research and projects.

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"Befriending rejection and closing the gap between setbacks and getting back on track is crucial."

"Meditation and energy therapy help me let go of fears and focus on what I truly desire."

"Balance depends on what's important to you in that moment and how you manage your time."

In this episode, Rachel interviews Frankie, a dancer, Pilates instructor, and mindset coach. They discuss Frankie's journey from a career-halting injury to becoming a multifaceted professional, the importance of mindset, and the role of energy therapy in overcoming fears. Frankie also shares insights on balancing a freelance dance career with personal well-being and the significance of community support.

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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.

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"Thinking positively can improve your mood, which then encourages productive actions, creating a positive cycle."

"Our brains evolved to ensure our survival in a very different environment from the one we live in today."

Rachel, an MA Dance Performance and Professional Practices student at the University of Salford, defines key terms crucial to her research on career longevity among freelance dancers. She explains that behaviours are the specific actions and routines of dancers, while attitudes are their mental approaches. Rachel discusses the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model and Paul Gilbert’s Three System Model to highlight the interconnectedness of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. She explores wellbeing through Ryff's Model, the Six Dimensions of Wellness, and Engel's Biopsychosocial Model, emphasising physical, mental, emotional, social, environmental, and existential health. Career longevity is defined as sustaining a professional dance career over time, balancing wellbeing and adaptability. Rachel introduces her sub-question on whether compassion can facilitate adaptive behaviours and attitudes, setting the stage for future episodes.

Resources & Links:

CBT Model of Emotions

Three System Model by Paul Gilbert

Ryff's Model of Psychological Wellbeing

Six Dimensions of Wellness

Precision Nutrition’s Deep Health Concept

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