Athletistry Ballet Evolution with Shane Wuerthner Shane Wuerthner

Summary



In this conversation, Shane Wuerthner shares his dream of creating a 21st century training institute for ballet in Australia. He envisions three pathways: pre-professional elite education, education for young dancers who have a love for ballet but may not want a professional career, and a space for adults to develop an understanding of dance. Shane believes that by expanding access to dance and creating a future generation of respect and love for the art form, ballet can remain relevant and valued in society. He invites others to join him in creating this space and fostering open conversations.



Takeaways



Shane's dream is to create a 21st century training institute for ballet in Australia.

He envisions three pathways: pre-professional elite education, education for young dancers who have a love for ballet but may not want a professional career, and a space for adults to develop an understanding of dance.

By expanding access to dance and creating a future generation of respect and love for the art form, ballet can remain relevant and valued in society.

Shane invites others to join him in creating this space and fostering open conversations.



Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Background

03:47 Three Pathways for Dance Education

06:12 Expanding Access to Dance

07:01 Understanding the History and Culture of Ballet

09:24 Creating Respect and Love for Ballet

11:49 Building a Community for Deeper Conversations

13:17 The Vision for the Future

14:39 Conclusion and Call to Action

Summary



In this episode, Shane Wuerthner discusses the confusion surrounding the concept of performing class. He shares his personal experiences and the feedback he received from teachers and choreographers. Shane emphasises the importance of precision and discipline in dance, both in the studio and on stage. He highlights the idea that performance is the culmination of the work done in the studio and that dancers need to approach their classwork with clarity and intention. Shane also explores the challenge of balancing technique and artistry, emphasizing the need for dancers to master their technical skills in order to fully express themselves artistically.



Takeaways



Performing class requires precision and discipline.

Precision in technique is essential for effective storytelling and artistry.

Classwork is the foundation for performance.

Balancing technique and artistry is a challenge that requires consistent practice and discipline.



Chapters



00:00 Introduction

00:28 The Confusion of Performing Class

01:26 The Importance of Precision and Discipline

04:14 The Challenge of Balancing Technique and Artistry

07:00 The Importance of Precision in Performance

07:59 Performing Class: Precision and Discipline

09:14 Utilising Precision to Enhance Artistry

09:44 Conclusion

Summary



In this episode, Shane explores the power of dance as a physical representation of music and its connection to the universe. He discusses the language of dance and its ability to communicate emotions and desires on a deep level. Shane emphasizes the importance of authentic expression in dance and the role it plays in connecting with the vibrations of the universe. He also highlights the communicative responsibility of dance and the need for emotional expression in performances. Ultimately, Shane encourages dancers to embrace dance as a vehicle for expressing the harmonic resonance of the universe.



Takeaways



Dance is a powerful physical representation of music and a connection to the universe.

Authentic expression in dance allows for a deeper connection with the vibrations of the universe.

Dance communicates emotions and desires on a non-verbal level, surpassing spoken language.

Dance has a communicative responsibility to fulfill the emotional desires of the audience and connect with the harmonic resonance of the universe.



Chapters



00:00 The Power of Dance and Music

06:06 The Language of Dance

09:16 Authentic Expression in Dance

12:09 Connecting with the Universe through Dance

13:09 The Communicative Responsibility of Dance

16:27 Dance as a Vehicle for Expression

*Please be aware this podcast includes discussion of eating disorders and body dysmorphia. Listener discretion is advised.*



Summary

In this conversation, Lucy Christodoulou and Shane Wuerthner discuss the impact of body image on dancers and the need for comprehensive support in dance education. They highlight the contradictory aesthetic expectations for male and female dancers and the importance of performance psychology and proper training. They emphasize the role of collaboration and advocacy in the dance industry and the importance of balancing dance and personal development. Lucy shares her own experiences with eating disorders and how she has used her journey to empower and support other dancers. They encourage dancers to seek support and prioritize their overall well-being. In this conversation, Shane and Lucy discuss the importance of mental health, common mental health challenges, seeking help and support, stigma and misconceptions, and self-care and coping strategies. They emphasize the need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of seeking professional help when needed. The conversation highlights the impact of stigma on individuals seeking help and provides practical tips for self-care and managing mental health.



Takeaways



The focus on body image in dance can lead to unhealthy behaviours and eating disorders. It is important to prioritise overall well-being and seek support.

The contradictory aesthetic expectations for male and female dancers can create body image issues and impact their mental and physical health.

Comprehensive support, including performance psychology and proper training, is essential for dancers' success and well-being.

Collaboration and advocacy are crucial in improving the dance industry and providing dancers with the support they need.

Dancers should prioritise personal development and balance their lives outside of dance to enhance their overall performance and happiness. Mental health is important and should be cared for

Common mental health challenges include anxiety, depression, and stress.

Seeking help and support is crucial for managing mental health.

Stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health can prevent individuals from seeking help.

Self-care and coping strategies are essential for maintaining good mental health.



Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 The Impact of Body Image on Dancers

11:36 The Contradictory Aesthetic Expectations for Male and Female Dancers

20:18 The Need for Comprehensive Support in Dance Education

25:09 The Importance of Performance Psychology and Proper Training

28:57 The Role of Collaboration and Advocacy in the Dance Industry

39:02 The Importance of Balancing Dance and Personal Development

42:32 Connecting with Lucy Christodoulou

02:30 The Importance of Mental Health

10:15 Common Mental Health Challenges

20:45 Seeking Help and Support

30:10 Stigma and Misconceptions

38:20 Self-Care and Coping Strategies

44:02 Conclusion



Find out more about Lucy on Instagram and on her website

Summary



In this episode, Caitlin Sloan shares her journey from classical ballet to contemporary ballet and how she found her true passion. She discusses the challenges of transitioning to a different path and the importance of taking risks and trusting your gut. Caitlin also talks about her transition to coaching and mentoring dancers, offering advice for those looking to pursue professional careers. She provides insights on how to get into company class auditions and encourages dancers to ask for help and make personal connections. To learn more about Caitlin and her mentoring services, visit her website or follow her on social media.



Takeaways



Transitioning from classical ballet to a different style can be challenging but ultimately rewarding.

It's important to trust your instincts and pursue what truly makes you happy, even if it means deviating from your original plan.

Asking for help and making personal connections can greatly enhance your chances of success in the dance industry.

When reaching out to companies for auditions, personalize your communication and show genuine interest in their work.



Chapters



00:00 Introduction and Background

01:00 Transition from Classical to Contemporary Ballet

04:00 Challenges of Pursuing a Different Path

08:32 Taking Risks and Trusting Your Gut

17:42 Transition to Coaching and Mentoring

21:28 Advice for Dancers Transitioning to Professional Careers

23:27 Getting into Company Class Auditions

31:57 Contacting Caitlin Sloan for Mentoring

Summary

In this conversation, Shane Wuerthner interviews Jessica Spinner from The Whole Dancer. They discuss the importance of balance and self-care in the dance world, the challenges of transitioning out of dance, and the benefits of having a life outside of dance. They also touch on the limitations of identifying solely as a dancer and the need for a holistic approach to dance training. Jessica shares her coaching approach for dancers and offers advice for young dancers in training and dancers in transition. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, self-compassion, and seeking outside support in the dance journey.

Takeaways


Balance and self-care are crucial in the dance world to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being.
Transitioning out of dance can be challenging, but it is an opportunity for self-discovery and finding new passions.
Identifying solely as a dancer can limit personal growth and artistic expression.
Having a life outside of dance, pursuing other interests, and maintaining a support system are essential for a fulfilling dance career.
Seeking outside support, such as coaching, can provide guidance and help dancers navigate challenges and transitions.

Chapters

00:00Introduction and Storytelling

02:24The Impact of Self-Criticism in Dance

05:30The Importance of Balance and Enjoyment in Dance

06:23Transitioning Out of Dance

08:46The Limitations of Identifying Solely as a Dancer

10:12Expanding Skillsets and Rediscovering Yourself

13:28The Importance of a Holistic Approach to Dance

15:26The Benefits of Having a Life Outside of Dance

17:26The Coaching Approach for Dancers

20:41The Challenges of Full-Time Dance Programs

23:21Finding Balance in Intense Training Environments

26:41Making Hard Choices and Seeking Outside Support

29:31Choosing the Right Dance School

35:32Advice for Young Dancers in Training

38:55Advice for Dancers in Transition

42:08How to Connect with Jessica Spinner



Follow Jessica on Instagram at @thewholedancer

Find out more about her work with dancers on her website www.thewholedancer.com