Lead & Create

Neus Gil Cortes
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Performing Arts
  • Updated Weekly

Lead & Create is a podcast for choreographers who are figuring it out as they go — leading projects, navigating uncertainty, and trying to stay creatively and emotionally afloat in freelance life. Hosted by Neus Gil Cortes — choreographer, dramaturg, and leadership coach — this series explores the real challenges of making work with others: fear, power, value, conflict, burnout, boundaries, and the invisible labour of leading. Some episodes are solo reflections, some are honest conversations with artists and thinkers. All of them ask: how can we lead with more care, more clarity, and less self-doubt? If you’ve ever felt like leadership was something you were expected to do without being taught — you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.

  1. Sep 22

    S3E1 A chat with Lea Tirabasso — Leadership, Vulnerability & the Creative Juggle

    Choreographer, dancer, teacher, and mother of three, Lea Tirabasso joins host Neus Gil Cortes for a rich conversation about what it really takes to lead in the dance world — and in life.Lea shares how her years as a dancer in German companies shaped her understanding of leadership, from the physical rollercoaster of a day in the studio to the profound importance of creating safe, caring spaces where collaborators feel genuinely held. She opens up about the lessons motherhood taught her about care, structure, and vulnerability, and why she believes saying "I don't know" to your team is one of the most powerful acts of trust a leader can offer.Together, Neus and Lea dig into the challenges of receiving unrequested feedback, the sting of harsh criticism, and how the right creative team can lift you up when you need it most. Lea also traces the evolution of her distinctive, animal-inspired physicality — from early bird experiments to studying the Catherine Clouzot method with Gabrielle Moleta — and reveals how philosophy, mortality, and the ephemeral nature of live performance underpin her choreographic work.The conversation closes with a candid look at the realities of juggling motherhood and a freelance creative career: visible parenting in the studio, building support networks, the guilt of being away, and the sleepless nights that come with it. Neus also announces the return of the Leadership Training for Independent Choreographers and a new Trip Space residency for mother choreographers in London.Topics covered:Leadership lessons from a dancer's perspective. Safety, care, and group dynamics in the studio. Pay, structure, and professional standards. Vulnerability, trust, and not pretending. Giving and receiving feedback in creative processes. Handling unrequested feedback and gatekeepers. Building and choosing your creative team. Animal work, physicality, and the Catherine Clouzot method. Philosophy, mortality, and live performance. Motherhood and the creative juggle. Guilt, sleepless nights, and self-compassion. International funding models and networking. Trip Space residency for mothers- Apply by 10 OctoberLeadership training for choreographers- Book by 23 OctoberConnect with us! Subscribe to our newsletter Follow us on Instagram @leadandcreate

  2. 10/06/2025

    S2E8 On having more power than we think: Climate justice and independent artists — A conversation with Marla King

    In this episode of Lead & Create, I sit down with Marla King to talk about climate justice and what’s possible when independent artists realise they have more power than they think.We explore:- How climate justice connects with the arts and why it matters.- The myth that individual impact is too small to count — and how to challenge it.- The strength and energy that comes from artists joining forces.- Practical ways choreographers and independent artists can align their work with sustainability.- Why even small creative actions can ripple out into larger cultural change.This is a hopeful and empowering conversation for artists who want to engage with climate justice but aren’t sure where to start, or who feel their contribution might not make a difference.Links mentioned and further reading:Boycott Bloody Insurance The Carbon MapNo Climate Action Without UsCulture Declares EmergencyEquity for a Green New DealGreen Rider CampaignJulie’s BicycleSustainable Arts in LeedsTheatre Green BookThe Climate Psychology AllianceForce of Nature - The rise of eco anxiety reportDigital Carbon Footprint InfoSet Exchange - resource sharing for Theatre, TV, Film, Events, Exhibitions2nd hand materials hub - Rene MaterialsRestart - London based electronic repair events/advice/upskillingCostume Directory - We are AlbertPreworn - Online 2nd hand StoreBanking on climate chaosBooks recommended by Marla for further reading: It’s Not That Radical by Mikaela Loach Art Wash: Big Oil and the Arts by Mel Evans Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie BrownActive Hope by Joanna Macy and Chris JohnstoneBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall-KimmererIt’s Not Just You by Tori Tsui The Future We Choose by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-CarnacThis Changes Everything by Naomi KleinNature is a Human Right edited by Ellen Miles Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit Spinning Out by Charlie Hertzog Young  The Intersectional Environmentalist by Leah Thomas

  3. 09/23/2025

    S2E7 On being yourself in everything you do: A conversation with Sarah Blanc

    Sarah Blanc is one of those artists who brings her full self into everything she does—whether that’s creating punk gig-theatre for kids, making socially engaged performance, or showing up in her boldest fashion choices. Her work is funny, political, and always unapologetically her.In our chat, we talk about the real side of leadership: the moments when you can hold the space, and the moments when you need to step back and hand it over (including Sarah’s brilliant phrase, “time bitch”). We also touch on rejection, staying in your lane, and what it actually takes to keep showing up as yourself in this industry.And of course, we get into Punk Alley, her riotous kids’ show that gave young audiences permission to ask questions like “why is my brother smelly?” and “why aren’t trans rights taken seriously?”. It’s a reminder that children often see the world more clearly than we think—and that they’re not afraid to ask the difficult questions.This episode is equal parts funny, honest and thought-provoking—a true reflection of Sarah’s artistry and her way of leading.Check what Sarah's is up to following her IG account

  4. 09/09/2025

    S2 E6 This One’s for Teachers: Hidden Dynamics in Your Studio

    Why do some student groups feel more motivated, engaged, and willing to take creative risks than others — even when you’re teaching the same curriculum? And as teachers, how much influence do we really have over those hidden dynamics?In this episode of the Lead & Create Podcast (also available on YouTube), Neus Gil Cortés dives into the undercurrents that shape a classroom or studio:How group roles and unofficial “leaders” affect behaviourThe power of social norms and how to shift themWhy clear definitions of success and expectancy matterWhat teachers can do (and what’s beyond our control)Drawing on her experience teaching since 2009 — from NDC Wales to Hofesh Shechter Company to the National Centre for Circus Arts — Neus shares practical insights to help teachers better understand and influence the learning environment.If you’ve ever wondered whether group dynamics are fixed or whether you can actively shape them, this episode is for you.Links:Watch this podcast as a video hereDownload the slides to visualise the key ideas of the training here Sign up to our newsletter to get more free resources here

  5. 08/26/2025

    S2 E5 Curiosity, Conflict and Creativity in Circus: A conversation with Adrian Porter

    In this episode of Lead & Create, Neus is joined by Adrian Porter, Head of Higher Education at the National Centre for Circus Arts and former Cirque du Soleil coach and performer. Adrian shares his journey from childhood gymnastics to international touring, reflecting on how curiosity and play became the foundations of his practice as both an artist and a leader.The conversation dives into what leadership looks like in different contexts — from the rehearsal studio to higher education — and how expectations, motivation, and trust shape creative learning environments. Adrian and Neus discuss the challenges of conflict, how to approach difficult conversations without blame, and why documenting, reflecting, and reframing are essential tools for growth.Together, they touch on circus training as higher education, the influence of sports science, the importance of creativity and empathy in teaching, and what it really takes to keep both students and professionals motivated over the long run.

  6. 08/12/2025

    S2 E4 On Work Culture: A conversation with Theo Clinkard

    What does it take to create actual healthy workspaces in dance — not just the ones we talk about? In this episode, I speak with Theo Clinkard — choreographer, teacher, designer, and longtime advocate for respectful creative processes.We explore what happens when dancers are treated as collaborators rather than vessels, how fear shows up in the studio (in both subtle and obvious ways), and what it really means to lead from a place of clarity without collapsing into people-pleasing.Theo reflects on his journey from dancing in major UK companies to rethinking leadership and ethics in his own practice — from calling out outdated norms to sharing the mistakes and tensions of trying to do better. We also touch on the responsibility of funders and programmers, the pressure to produce “more of the same,” and what a slower, more intentional pace might make possible.This isn’t a conversation full of soundbites — it’s a generous, layered exploration of the systems we’re in and how we might shift them together.00:00 – Theo joins the podcast and reflects on challenging outdated practices early in his career.02:39 – We unpack the harm in seeing dancers as “instruments” and why dancer agency matters.06:40 – Theo shares experiences of toxic work culture and asks why we still tolerate it.12:50 – What does a truly healthy creative space look like — and how can we make one?25:09 – How can choreographers be better supported? What does a sustainable practice look like?30:08 – The pressure of being “a singular vision” and how it affects collaboration.33:24 – Who holds power in the sector? Theo shares thoughts on funders, programmers, and responsibility.40:22 – What happens when care and feedback are built into the process from the beginning?49:31 – The crossover between teaching and choreographing — and how they inform each other.56:50 – Final reflections on rest, ambition, identity, and staying open as an artist.🎧 Resources Mentioned in This Episode"As Technique" – Article by Theo ClinkardDownload hereBook: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel KahnemanView on Goodreads Book: The Ignorant Schoolmaster: Five Lessons in Intellectual Emancipation by Jacques RancièreLearn more on publisher siteInterested in the leadership for teachers course? Subscribe to our newsletter to know when bookings open in early September

  7. 07/29/2025

    S2 E3 Twelve Ways to Support Your Mental Health (That Go Beyond the Obvious)

    We know rest is important. We know we should see friends and take breaks from our screens. But even when we know what’s good for us… we often don’t do it. So what’s really going on?In this episode, Neus Gil Cortes explores twelve reflections to support your mental health as a choreographer — through the lens of four vital relationships: with yourself, with others, with the world, and with your purpose.These aren’t your typical wellbeing tips. Think of them more like perspective shifts — on sleep, loneliness, perfectionism, connection, boundaries, and how to stay grounded in an unpredictable freelance life.Plus: a few thoughts on why letting yourself feel joy might be part of how you keep showing up for others.🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:✨ Happiness as an act of resistance by Skye C. ClearyInspired this episode’s reflection on joy, resilience, and social responsibility — and referenced in connection with Simone de Beauvoir and Albert Camus.👉 Read here 📝 Download the free Mid-Year Check In: Vision, Value & ActionA reflective tool to help you check in with your wellbeing across the four areas — self, others, world, and purpose.👉 Download here 💬 Book a 1-to-1 SessionIf this episode stirred something and you want space to talk it through, you can book a personalised support session by filling this form

  8. 07/15/2025

    S2 E2 How to Deal with Fear

    What if being fearless isn't the goal? In this episode of Lead & Create, Neus Gil Cortes explores how fear shows up in the lives of choreographers and artist-leaders — and why it’s not something we need to eliminate, but something we need to understand.From funding uncertainty to creative vulnerability, Neus shares personal reflections, common fears in freelance life, and practical tools to help you lead with more awareness when fear arises.This is part of the “How To” series, offering grounded insights for creative leadership in the dance sector.🔗 Let us support you as a leader:FREE RESOURCE: Mid Year Check In- Vision, Value and Action for Freelance Choreographers.A reflective workbook to check in with yourself, realign and dream forward.👉 Get it hereLead & Create Leadership CoursesTraining for independent choreographers and teachers who want to navigate leadership with care, clarity and confidence.👉 https://leadandcreate.uk/leadership-training/1-to-1 Sessions with Neus Gil CortesBook a personalised session with me to reflect, untangle specific challenges or plan your next steps.👉 Fill in this formFollow Lead & Create on Instagram

See All (28)

About

Lead & Create is a podcast for choreographers who are figuring it out as they go — leading projects, navigating uncertainty, and trying to stay creatively and emotionally afloat in freelance life. Hosted by Neus Gil Cortes — choreographer, dramaturg, and leadership coach — this series explores the real challenges of making work with others: fear, power, value, conflict, burnout, boundaries, and the invisible labour of leading. Some episodes are solo reflections, some are honest conversations with artists and thinkers. All of them ask: how can we lead with more care, more clarity, and less self-doubt? If you’ve ever felt like leadership was something you were expected to do without being taught — you’re not alone. Let’s talk about it.

Information

  • Creator
    Neus Gil Cortes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Lead & Create