Dancing Around Elephants podcast

Redefining the Standard of Dance I continue Part #2 of our conversation with Tamisha Guy. We chat about her thoughts on the thing essential for dancer's success including the use of cross training. We also chat about changes that are necessary in the dance world regarding pay equity, opportunity and racial equity, and the economic realities of being a dancer and how it affects our choices. Instagram: @tamishaguy www.tamishaguy.com Tamishaguy@yahoo.com

Claiming Dance as a part of my life In this Episode, we get an introduction to Dance Magazine’s 25 Top Dancers to Watch List in 2016 dancer Tamisha Guy. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, she also won the 2016 Princess Grace Award, and in 2017, she was named one of the Best Dancer's of the Year by Dance Europe. Tamisha talks about her entry into dance world, her experience with injuries and her unusual form of cross training: boxing! Instagram: @tamishaguy

Dancing Outside of the Box We continue our conversation with Kel as she talks more about her work with Freed of London . We chat about her entry into the company, her work with producing the 1st line of pointe shoes for dancer of color from a 90 year old company, and her role in creating a movement where dancers of colors can perform in the skin they live in. We also touch on the reluctance of industry leaders and dancers to embrace this product, and her vision for creating spaces for people that don’t have access to dance in her hometown of Guyana, a place close to her heart and her heritage @kjonesdance @ms_k.jones

Success is where opportunity meets preparation I talk with Kel Jones, The Head of Marketing of Freed of London, USA, and first woman of color to hold a major position at the 90 year old pointe shoe company. I talk to Kel about her introduction to dance, her first injury, and how an injury changed her approach to using her voice in the dance world to create positive change. @kjonesdance @ms_k.jones

This Artform is mine I continue my conversation with Cassa Pancho, Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Black. We talk about the role Ballet Black’s dancers played in creating the Bronze line for Freed of London, the first line of pointe shoes for dancers of color with this 90 year old company. We also chat about the importance of representation in the need for ballet to evolve, and the need to change performative activism in the dance world. Website: https://balletblack.co.uk/ Instagram: @originalballetblack

Creating space for Black Dancers in Ballet In the first episode of Season 3, I talk with Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Black, Cassa Pancho. Cassa talks about her introduction to the dance world, and launches into an intellectually inquisitive examination of the British Ballet world through the lens of race. Cassa talks about her process of creating a space for black dancers in Britain, highlighting the struggles and the successes. We also talk about her thoughts of breaking the stereotypes of black bodies in dance thru her work with the company. Website: https://balletblack.co.uk/ Instagram: @originalballetblack

Here's the intro to Season 3.  New times, new conversations to be had. I'm talking about all the Elephants in the room this season. Tune in!

We have our last convo with Terry Hyde, Pyschotherapist for dancers based in London. We talk about approaches to handling the stresses of dance, changes due to Covid-19, and tools for dancers to combat their issues, and how he is helping the dance world cope and move forward during this difficult time.  www.counsellingfordancers.com Instagram:@counsellingfordancers Link for the SF-36 - https://www.rand.org/health-care/surveys_tools/mos/36-item-short-form/survey-instrument.html

On this podcast, we talk a lot about physical injuries, but what about our thoughts, and how we feel? In this episode, I talk with Psychotherapist Terry Hyde, about how he has created a niche practice offering mental health services for dancers . Terry talks about his dancer journey and how he has created a practice that helps dancers with their mental health.  www.counsellingfordancers.com Instagram:@counsellingfordancers

We continue our conversation with Dr. Amanda Olson, a pelvic floor physical therapist. We talk about her thoughts on the relationship of the medical world and patients regarding pelvic floor issues, how dancers can look for a pelvic floor physical therapist,  and things dancers should be aware of regarding pelvic floor injuries and issues.  Instagram: @intimaterose Website: www.intimaterose.com

In this episode I chat with Dr. Amanda Olson, a pelvic floor physical therapist that has found her calling  and passion through her own personal experience. We chat about the challenging events that lead her to explore pelvic floor physical therapy, and how this applies to dancers. Instagram: @intimaterose Website: www.intimaterose.com

Felicia Avalos joins us for Part 2. We talk about the necessary evolution that dancers go through to evolve. We talk about her honest take on skin color in dance and her acceptance of that with race relations. We also chat about the the intersection of self acceptance, using our unique voice and stepping into the world as an artist. We end with Felicia’s sage advice on being true to yourself in your dance journey. Instagram: @chicana.artista www.feliciabavalos.wordpress.com

Felicia Avalos joins us for part 1. We talk about her first injury with heel pain, and the importance of changing your training and self care as your body ages. We chat about her use of MuayTai and Brazilian Jujitsu to complement her dance and artistry. Unafraid to embrace the unconventional, Felicia talks about using her father’s Mexican heritage to shine light on difficult issues on immigration to the US, and other social justice issues. Instagram: @chicana.artista www.feliciabavalos.wordpress.co