Athletes and the Arts The Athletes and the Arts Coalition

Figure skating is similar to gymnastics and even dance, where there is an aesthetic and athletic component to competition. This is a sport where we see incredible displays of athleticism, as well as beauty and grace. So Yasi and Steven wanted to learn more about the life and training of a competitive figure skater by talking to one of the best in U.S. figure skating history, Todd Eldredge.  We are also joined by Athletes and the Arts founding member--and Todd's skating prodigy--Julie Kirchen.

For more about Todd, go to https://toddeldredge.co

For more on U.S. Figure Skating, go to https://www.usfigureskating.org

For resources and info on Athletes and the Arts, go to http://athletesandthearts.com

Bio:

Todd Eldredge: His World Championship title, six U.S. National Championship titles, six World Championship medals [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Eldredge] and having achieved three Olympic teams, are testament to his incredible technical skill, consistency, and intense work ethic.

Eldredge [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Todd_Eldredge], began skating at age of 5, winning his first U.S. Championship title (1990) at age 18 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_U.S._Figure_Skating_Championships]. He defended his title in 1991 and made his first appearance on the World podium that same year. For the next three seasons he struggled with injury. His return to the top of the U.S. podium in 1995 marked the first time a skater in U.S. history reclaimed the title of U.S. Champion after a 3-year absence from the podium.

On March 21, 1996, Todd Eldredge became the first American in 8 years to win the gold medal (since Brian Boitano) at the World Championships [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Figure_Skating_Championships].

After his third Olympics in 2002, Eldredge joined the renowned Stars [http://celebrityaccess.com/caarchive/ice-skater-todd-eldredge-joins-target-stars-on-ice/] on Ice tour where he entertained audiences across the U.S., Japan, and Canada for 11 years. In 2008, he was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame [http://www.worldskatingmuseum.org/USHallOfFame.html].

We shine our spotlight on the New Orleans Musician's Clinic, the only low or no-cost medical clinic in the United State dedicated to caring for performing artists. They have been a founding member of Athletes and the Arts since our launch 10 years ago, and their outreach includes preventing noise-induced hearing loss.  Joining Yasi and Steven on the show are Taylor Cohen, Public Health Director, Kalie Falls, Community Outreach, Ngoma Numu Jordan, New Orleans musician, and Dr. Marshall Chasin, director of research and chief audiologist of the Musicians' Clinics of Canada. 

For more information on the clinic, go to https://neworleansmusiciansclinic.org

For Dr Chasin's clinic, go to https://marshallchasinassociates.ca/index.htm

For Athletes and the Arts, go to https://www.athletesandthearts.com

To listen to Ngoma's 2021 album, "Ngoma Numu", go to https://music.apple.com/us/album/ngoma-numu/1578706106

Sponsored by School Health: https://www.schoolhealth.com

Yasi and Steven talk with Ryan Dusick, the founding drummer of Maroon 5 and now licensed therapist and life coach in Los Angeles.  He went from being a Little League baseball phenom to drummer for the world's hottest rock band before injuries and mental illness forced him out of music.  He spent a decade suffering from substance abuse and crippling anxiety.  How he recovered, found redemption, and discovered a new calling is detailed in his book "Harder To Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery."

Ryan's website is www.ryandusick.com

Ryan's instagram is @ryan_michael_dusick

Find Ryan's book here: www.amazon.com/Harder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery/dp/1637742339 [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHarder-Breathe-Memoir-Finding-Recovery%2Fdp%2F1637742339%2F&e=AT0rV4cncAZcViX5D41AeAHDZhbLxgTOUHfp9u5NiWX9skH2e0PsHaq_q4bjNIVfjuF7b9OXdYmgZ6s1Ocja4g4jRJ9nBr-XVwsIA8UPNEhP6eLuzJi6EQ]

Bio: Ryan Dusick is a registered associate marriage & family therapist and life coach with a BA from UCLA and an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Ryan brings his unique journey as a successful creative person in recovery, as well as his many years of education and professional experience, to clients seeking help with their personal challenges. Ryan prefers to think of his work as a collaboration, in which he and his client work together to discover creative ways of addressing their issues, tailoring therapy to the distinctive needs of each individual.

As a life coach, Ryan brings his background of success in the fields of music, literature, and mental health advocacy. His work both as an individual and in creative collaboration lends itself well to fostering the talents and ambitions of other creative people looking for help and advice in finding their way.

Ryan brings compassion to those suffering through their mental health challenges, and believes his very purpose in life is to offer support, insight, and helpful guidance to each of his clients on their journey from struggling to thriving. He looks forward to working with you as you begin your passage to a life of fulfillment and purpose.

Yasi and Steven talk with the incomparable Galit Friedlander, professional dancer, choreographer for the LA Sparks Dance Team, fitness coach, and host of the DanceSpeak podcast. She is also part of Doctors for Dancers, founded by our second guest, CEO Jennifer DePaola, who work to bring dance medicine specialists together to care for dancers of all ages and levels. Galit and Jennifer join us today to discuss their journeys to advocating health and wellness nationwide. Galit also discusses her personal battles, facing self-doubt, depression and rejection at a young age to assistant choreographing for Prince, dancing with Pharrell Williams and MC Lyte, and now working as a certified personal trainer and conditioning coach. Above all, Galit and Jennifer show us the power of telling yourself "Yes I Can". 

For Galit's website, go to https://www.gogalit.com

Galit's instagram is @gogalit

The DanceSpeak podcast instagram is @dancespeak

For Doctors for Dancers website, go to https://www.doctorsfordancers.com

DFD's instagram is @doctorsfordancers

For Athletes and the Arts website, go to https://www.athletesandthearts.com

Our instagram is @athletesandtheartspodcast

Bios:

GALIT FRIEDLANDER is a professional dancer, choreographer, coach, and host of the popular podcast DanceSpeak, now entering its 7th year.

Although Galit's training began in New York with Jazz, Ballet, Modern, and West African, she soon fell in love with the world of street dance, where she learned from the best of NYC's underground dancers. At the age of 14, she was accepted to LaGuardia High School, also known as the 'Fame' school, where she studied Theatre and each day  and then train in dance in the afternoons and evenings. Her unique ability to bring these two worlds together has contributed to her style of choreography and dance.

In 2011, Galit defied all odds when she worked as the Assistant Choreographer for PRINCE's Welcome 2 America Tour, choreographed the film A Reason To Sing, and began teaching workshops and classes throughout Los Angeles. Credits include Pharrell's record-breaking Happy video, choreographing and dancing in tours across the U.S. and China, MC Lyte (Cravin), and traveling to Guatemala as a 'Pepsi' dancer.

Recently, Galit has been brought on as Director for the LA SparKids (Dance Team for the National WNBA Champions, the LA Sparks) and continues to travel between Los Angeles, New York, and other cities sharing her love for dance in classes and workshops.

Galit is also a recurring host for the Doctors For Dancers online talk series. Galit's mission is to expand the knowledge and untapped gifts of others through dance, exercise, and intentional choreography.

JENNIFER DEPAOLA is the founder of Doctors For Dancers. She started dancing at the tender age of 2, starting with ballet and tap. As she grew, Jennifer developed a deep appreciation for various dance styles, particularly jazz and hip-hop. Her training encompassed prestigious establishments such as Plumb Dance Studio, under the guidance of Sheila and Lisa Plumb, and The Dance Source in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she had the privilege of learning from renowned instructors Judi and Brian Friedman. 

However, Jennifer's dance career faced setbacks due to persistent back pain. This personal struggle ignited her to establish Doctors For Dancers in 2019, dedicated to connecting dancers with specialized healthcare professionals when they require expert care. Her mission is to serve as a vital resource for dancers worldwide, bridging the gap between Dance Specialists and the dance community. Through educational initiatives, comprehensive resources, and community outreach programs, Jennifer strives to ensure that dancers receive the proper care and support they deserve.

The U.S. fitness industry is valued at almost $90 billion, ranging from health clubs to boutique studios, online platforms to digital home machines.  Yoga to HIIT, Pilates to barre, Tonal to Peloton...the fitness world is vast and diverse.  So how does it all work behind the scenes? If you're a performing artist, how do you break into the fitness industry? How do you stand out? Become a fitness celebrity? Develop your very own fitness brand?

Yasi and Steven sit down with someone who has LITERALLY done everything we just described in the fitness industry, Frances Flores.  A former professional dancer, she used her training and experience on cruise ships to move into the fitness industry, eventually becoming a nationally renowned yoga instructor, personal trainer & wellness coach.  She is a former coach and manager at various Equinox clubs in Los Angeles CA, a former coach on Tonal, and numerous online platforms like Sweat Factor. She is now focused on her own fitness brand, ShapedbyFrances.  Her journey is inspiring and instructive for understanding how performance and fitness are intertwined.

For Frances' website, go to www.ShapedByFrances.com [http://www.shapedbyfrances.com/]

Frances can be also found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/francesflores/

For read some of Frances' prior interviews, go to: 

http://voyagela.com/interview/meet-frances-flores-shaped-frances-los-angeles-online-workouts-accessible-anywhere-private-person-sessions-public-events-mostly-west-side-not-restricted/

https://www.oxygenmag.com/training-tips-for-women/sports-medicine-for-women/flexibility-and-mobility/10-tips-for-more-effective-stretching/

https://shoutoutla.com/meet-frances-flores/

https://www.marthastewart.com/8073988/is-yoga-really-exercise

For more from Athletes and the Arts, go to www.athletesandthearts.com or follow our Instagram @athletesandthearts.

Bio: 

Frances Flores: A Former Professional Dancer, Frances Has Quickly Made A Name For Herself As One Of The Most Sought-After Yoga, Fitness & Health Professionals In Los Angeles And Around The World. Bilingual Celebrity Trainer, Wellness Expert, Former Coach On Tonal, And Guest Coach On Multiple Platforms, Frances Combines Her Training In Dance, Yoga, Strength Training, Overall Fitness And Nutrition, In A Balanced Approach To Well-Being.

Born And Raised In The Beautiful Island Of Enchantment: Puerto Rico. This Fiery Latina Is Known To Bring Her Positive Energy, Humor, Creativity, And Her Infectious & Bubbly Personality To Everything She Does. After Witnessing The Transformative Effect That Her Coaching And Training Has In Many Of Her Clients, She Felt Inspired To Create The #SHAPEDBYFRANCES Movement. 

Yasi and Steven explore college dance education at one of the largest performing arts programs in the country, the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Specifically, we talk about adapting to a rapidly evolving post-COVID educational environment, the effects of the Michigan State University shooting on students and faculty, integrating Black activism into one's artistic journey, the effects of competition dance on college dance education, and mental health.

Our guests on this exploration are Jillian Hopper, assistant professor of dance at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and Brooke Taylor, senior dance major at SMTD and founder of Black Scholars in Dance.

For more about University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, go to https://smtd.umich.edu/

For Brooke Taylor's dance reel, go to youtu.be/wUAZJUmmHBQ [https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FwUAZJUmmHBQ&e=AT3t1K_wqxuq_p5OLBjPwKRz9n8BiAsbQaE6ZFPu-m4vnLwO1nDrP44-99XP2y8zdwx1_f4lqVzEGpqWxyZA851SfBZ5zz-EEB64qDxCamzzX8UtRwYEYg]

For more information on Jillian's Dance Legacy Project at the University of Michigan, go to https://smtd.umich.edu/the-dance-legacy-project/

Brooke's Instagram is @brooke.alexandria.taylor

Jillian's instagram is @hopperjillian

For more about Athletes and the Arts or to find resources, go to http://athletesandthearts.com/

Bios:

Jillian Hopper: Jillian Hopper is an assistant professor of dance at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance and is the Artistic Director of The Dance Legacy Project at Michigan alongside creative partner Prof. Christian Matijas-Mecca. She specializes in the dance technique of Doris Humphrey with the aim of preserving the technique for future generations as a Trustee of the Doris Humphrey Foundation, UK (England). Hopper also focuses her physical practice on methods of embodiment for the purpose of increasing empathy and sensitivity in practice and performance. These skills have assisted Hopper as a director of the DLP and within her own choreography. Her latest project Mirror Ritual: a chamber ballet in three tableaus premiered on Feb 2, 2023, at the Power Center for Performing Arts in Ann Arbor, MI, and is a collaboration with composer Griffin Candey. She has taught professionally for Hillsdale College, Eastern Michigan University, Middlesex University (London, UK) The Place (London, UK), and Northern School of Contemporary Dance (Leeds, UK). As rehearsal director for U-M, Hopper has had the pleasure of rehearsing guest works by Ohad Naharin, Richard Alston, Lucinda Childs, Urban Bush Women, Alessio Silvestrin, and Shannon Gillen (Vim Vigor) among others. 

Hopper received her BA (Hons) choreography from Middlesex University London, UK (2007) and her MFA Dance Performance from the University of Michigan (2012). She is on the board of directors for ConteXture Dance Detroit. In her own work, Hopper explores ritualistic movement concepts with an emphasis on nature's powerful spirituality. She has performed in works by Doris Humphrey, Peter Sparling, Monica Bill Barnes, Sidra Bell, Danny T. Reid, Tracy Halloran, and many of her own compositions throughout the Midwest and Europe.

Brooke Taylor: Brooke Taylor is a senior at the University of Michigan pursuing Dance and a minor in Education for Empowerment. As a 17 year trained dancer in ballet, modern, tap, and jazz, her passion is the intersection of art and activism. This new found passion has led Taylor in creating work that fo