Ballet Help Desk

Latest Episodes:

Facebook Ballet Parent Groups: Moderators Unplugged (and Unfiltered) Sep 25, 2024

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Sometimes you just need to talk to other ballet parents! In this episode, we chat with three moderators of large Facebook groups for parents and caregivers of dancers as they spill the tea on what really goes on behind the scenes (hint: it's sometimes a delicate dance). In our wide-ranging conversation, they share their experiences navigating the challenges and rewards of moderating large communities of dance parents, along with some unexpected situations that left them saying, "Did that really just happen?" Join us for a candid conversation about how these moderators are keeping the support and engagement flowing among ballet parents—because sometimes, a little community goes a long way!

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Jaimie Tapper, Head of Performance Coaching at The Royal Ballet: Shaping the Future of Ballet Sep 18, 2024

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In this episode we sit down with Jaimie Tapper, Head of Performance Coaching at The Royal Ballet, to explore the significant changes she's witnessed in ballet schools since her own dancing days. Jaimie discusses key challenges today's ballet students face and questions whether schools are being asked to take on responsibilities they may not be equipped for. She also underscores the importance of cultivating interests outside of ballet. While acknowledging that there's still much progress to be made, Jaimie remains optimistic about the future of the art form.

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Rachel Bar on Building Healthy Dancers: Inside Canada's National Ballet School's Wellness Program Sep 11, 2024

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In this episode we talk with Rachel Bar, Director of Research and Health at Canada's National Ballet School, about the comprehensive wellness program designed to support the physical and mental health of ballet students. Rachel shares how the school integrates science-based practices to promote long-term dancer health, foster resilience, and create a positive training environment. Learn more about Canada's National Ballet School on their website

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Kathleen Gaines, Founder, We Are Minding the Gap: Mental Health Advocacy in Ballet Sep 04, 2024

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Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BalletHelpDesk In 2017, Kathleen Gaines shared her experience with depression in a Dance Magazine article titled "Why Are We Still So Bad at Addressing Dancers' Mental Health?" The article quickly went viral, becoming one of the most-read in the magazine's history, and inspired the creation of her organization, We Are Minding the Gap.

In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen to discuss the challenges dancers face in the ballet world, from the pressures of perfectionism to the stigma surrounding mental health. She shares her journey from dancer to advocate, emphasizing the urgent need for change. We explore how her organization is breaking the silence and fostering a culture of wellness in ballet schools, and even why she believes teachers can become powerful allies in creating a healthier, more supportive environment for their students.

Learn more about We Are Minding the Gap on their website

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Social Media's Impact on Ballet: A Double Edged Sword Aug 28, 2024

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In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux, Founders of Danscend, to explore the good, the bad and the in-between of social media in the ballet world. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer dancers unprecedented opportunities to showcase their artistry, build communities, and gain visibility, they also bring challenges like unrealistic beauty standards, comparison culture, and mental health pressures. Join us as we discuss the positive and negative impacts of social media on ballet, including insights on how to navigate these digital landscapes while maintaining a healthy relationship with the art form.

Learn more about Danscend on their website: https://danscend.com/

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Lauren Richter's Path to Recovery: Overcoming An Eating Disorder Aug 21, 2024

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This week's special guest is Lauren Richter, a former professional dancer and current Principal of the Tulsa Ballet Center for Dance Education. Lauren reached out to us because she thought it was important to let dancers hear her story. Join us as she recounts her journey through a years-long eating disorder, now in long-term recovery, as both a warning and a message of hope for aspiring dancers.

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Additional Resources for Eating Disorder Support

Podcasts — Gaudiani Clinic Eating Disorder Recovery for Adults Dance Nutritionist Rachel Fine | To The Pointe Nutrition The Eating Disorder Foundation (Free Support) Books Sick Enough by Jennifer L. Gaudiani Rehabilitate, Rewire, Recover: Anorexia Recovery for the Determined Adult by Tabitha Farrar Intuitive Eating, A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Monika Saigal: Nourishing the Dancer - Insights on Nutrition and Eating Disorders Aug 14, 2024

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We sit down with Monika Saigal, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and former professional dancer, who works with professional ballet dancers and ballet students. Monika shares her expertise on the important role of nutrition in a dancer's life and offers valuable insights into the nuances of language surrounding food and how it impacts dancers' perceptions and behaviors. Monika discusses the myth of perfect eating and the importance of embracing a balanced approach. We also explore the practices around weighing ballet students, the contagious nature of disordered eating, and practical strategies for preparing nutritious meals despite a hectic schedule.

Tune in to her Monika's advice on how to support dancers in maintaining a healthy relationship with food while fostering a positive and sustainable approach to their nutrition.

Learn more about Monika:

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Dawn Smith-Theodore on Ballet Wellness Programs and the Role Trust and Shame Play in Eating Disorders Amongst Dancers Aug 07, 2024

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In this episode, we sit down with Dawn Smith-Theodore, a licensed therapist and author of the book Tutu Thin: A Guide To Dancing Without An Eating Disorder. In our conversation about ballet wellness programs, Dawn talks about the crucial role that teachers play in ensuring the success of these programs in ballet schools. During our conversation we explore the importance of trust and open communication in fostering a healthy environment where ballet students can truly thrive. Dawn also sheds light on the differing impacts of eating disorders on girls versus boys and discusses the pervasive role of shame in these struggles. Join us for a compelling conversation on how schools can continue working toward creating supportive and nurturing spaces within the world of ballet.

Learn more about Dawn:

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Jennifer Fraser, PhD. On What Bullying Does to the Human Brain Jul 31, 2024

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Why do we claim to have zero tolerance for bullying when it remains pervasive in society? In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Fraser to discuss the profound impact of bullying on the human brain. Jennifer uses scientific evidence to illustrate how bullying hurts not just youths' self-esteem and emotions, it has a physical impact on their growing brains. We also discuss the notion of how tough love, old school and other terms continue to be used to excuse toxic behavior, along with how ballet training can begin to heal from past trauma and create a healthier environment for dancers. Tune in for this wide-ranging conversation where the sole focus is on what's most important -- the health and well-being of our kids.

Learn more about Jennifer:

Website
Books
Instagram: @BulliedBrain

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Shane Wuerthner On What It Will Take For Ballet Schools To Change Jul 16, 2024

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Join us for a candid conversation with Shane Wuerthner, former professional ballet dancer and current master trainer and teacher to hear him talk about how wellness programs in ballet schools have evolved since he was in training. Shane also weighs in on what he thinks of coded language, the power imbalance that exists in ballet as well as how improving diversity in ballet really needs to start with increasing diversity in ballet schools. Tune in to hear all of this and much more!

Learn more about Shane: