In this episode, we speak with interfaith minister, Reverend Nafisa Sharriff, about spirituality. What is spirituality, how does it look or feel, and why does it matter? Plus, we touch on how spirituality interacts with the life experiences of a dancer. This thoughtful and warm interview is DanceWell's first exploring spirituality as a facet of holistic dancer wellness. To learn more about Reverend Nafisa Sharriff visit: www.ethoh.org Follow her on Instagram: @enteringtheholyofholies Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nafisa.sharriff Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Founders: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Web Image: Katie Dean

Traveling the world is a joy, but dancing on a cruise ship also brings a unique set of challenges from unfamiliar sleep situations, to limited food choices, to mechanical stages, not to mention that the theater itself is in continuous motion!! On Episode 95: Dancing at Sea, Yenwen Kuo interviews physiotherapist (and former performer) Alexander McKinven. These experienced cruise ship workers discuss the culture, injury risks, and health concerns associated with ship life. McKinven offers several helpful tips for how to stay well while dancing on the high seas. Learn more about Alexander McKinven at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-mckinven-560a79a8/?originalSubdomain=uk Tweet Alexander McKivnen: @ACPSEMdance Learn more about Yenwen Kuo at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yenwenkuo/ Host: Yenwen Kuo Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

When the dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater came back to the studio in September 2020 after the Covid-19 shutdown, everyone knew there was a lot of work to be done to get the dancers back into performance shape. In the year leading up to their first in-person season since the start of the pandemic, the dancers engaged in various forms of cross-training curated by artistic staff, the physical therapy department and others in the Ailey community. In the fall of 2021, there was one more big push to get the dancers ready for stage. Listen as Mr. Matthew Rushing, Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, Dr. Marissa Schaeffer, Andrew Schaeffer and Antoine Simmons detail that final push and discuss the logistics, challenges and triumphs of packing cross-training into a busy season. Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Join our first DanceWell Podcast guest host, Gregory Youdan, MA, MS, as he interviews returning guest, Elizabeth (Betsy) Coker, EdD! These two dance scientists will discuss the necessity of measurement in dance and go on to discuss the utility of portable tech, balance, their research and more. Learn more about Betsy Coker at: www.betsycoker.com. Learn more about Gregory Youdan at: http://www.gregoryyoudan.com/ Host: Gregory Youdan Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

During the pandemic, Registered Dietitian Kristin Koskinen has found that many dancers are interested in learning how they can help combat some of the stress and anxiety in our current world climate with the foods or eating behaviors they choose. In this episode, Kristin explains some of the ways that food influences our mood, and how these affects may vary depending on an individual’s preferences, genetics, or past experiences. We caution again obsessive thinking surrounding food and mood, and we discuss a fan favorite topic: what should you eat before a show? Email Kristin at: [email protected] Follow her on Instagram: @kristin_koskinen_rdn Learn more at her Website: www.eatwellpros.com Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

National Dance Institute (NDI) was founded in 1976 by former NYCB principal dancer Jacques d'Amboise with the mission to "use dance as a catalyst to engage children and motivate them toward excellence" (http://nationaldance.org/NDI_at_a_Glance.pdf). Nearly 50 years later, NDI serves thousands of children each week, hosts teacher trainings and workshops both nationally and internationally to further this mission. In this episode of DanceWell Podcast, Emily Meisner, Director of NDI Collaborative for Teaching & Learning, talks about how NDI can help every dancer teacher to bring positivity, empowerment and collaboration into the dance classroom. Learn more about NDI by visiting www.nationaldance.org or www.NDIcollaborative.org Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Resilience is a bit of a buzz word in the popular media, but what does it really mean, how can we acquire it, and why do dancers need it? On Episode 90: Resilience, Michelle Dwarka answers these questions and many others. We discuss the existing literature and ideas for future research. Email Michelle at: [email protected] Follow her on Instagram: @sleekingprima Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-schachtler-dwarika-92527723 Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Leaving dance is often a complicated process. There are many many concerns and questions that can arise. For some, managing the transition from expert to novice may be one of the complicated experiences that materializes. Having achieved a high level of skill, the mere thought of shifting focus to anything else can be scary, sad, frustrating, and discouraging, but it can also be revitalizing, promising, exciting, and thrilling. In Episode 89: Quitting Dance, Transitioning from Expert to Novice, Leigh Svarla shares her insights on the nuances of mastery and the value of connecting to a beginners’ mind. Contact Dr. Leigh Skvarla at [email protected] Want to contribute to DanceWell Podcast? Follow this link to donate: www.gofundme.com/dancewell-podcas…son-4-fundraiser Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Did you know that: - Pain is not biomedical, it is biopsychosocial. - Tissue damage and pain aren’t correlated. - Critical to pain management is getting in touch with bodies and emotions. - Mental health practitioners are an integral part of a patient’s pain management team. Learn this and so much more on DanceWell Podcast’s 88th Episode: On Pain with pain psychologist, Dr. Rachel Zoffness, PhD. Get in touch with Dr. Zoffness: The Pain Management Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Management-Workbook-Powerful-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B084JJ926N/ref=nodl_ Website: www.Zoffness.com Twitter: @drzoffness Instagram: @therealdoczoff Support DanceWell Podcast by donating - gf.me/u/yxv25p Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

All people experience a range of emotions in life, including dancers. However, training and professional practice often ask dancers to be hardworking, perseverant, and positive—sometimes even demanding that they smile no matter how they feel. As Kate Wilson LICSW and Miriam Rowan PsyD explain, dancers can become emotionally disoriented when they don’t acknowledge their true feelings. Our guests explain the risks that come from repressing difficult feelings, and they offer insights on how to reconnect to your emotional compass. Contact Kate Wilson LICSW at [email protected] And Dr. Miriam Rowan, PsyD at [email protected] Want to contribute to DanceWell Podcast? Follow this link to donate: www.gofundme.com/dancewell-podcas…son-4-fundraiser Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

We know well that turnout is an integral part of the Western dance aesthetic. This month, we dedicate an episode to taking a deep dive on the very subject. Join us as physiotherapist Lisa Howell discusses where turnout comes from and what can limit it, the repercussions of forcing turnout, the subtleties of maximizing the range that you inherently have and much more. To learn more about Lisa or to see her class offerings, visit: www.theballetblog.com Support DanceWell Podcast by donating - gf.me/u/yxv25p Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: [email protected] Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie