Season 5 Ep:02 In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate speaks with Jess Spinner, founder of The Whole Dancer, about body image, food, perfectionism, and the psychological pressures many dancers quietly carry throughout training and professional life. Jess is a former professional dancer and holistic health coach who specialises in supporting dancers with nutrition, emotional eating, body image resilience, and sustainable performance habits. Drawing from both professional training and lived experience, Jess shares thoughtful insight into the emotional and cultural dynamics that often shape a dancer’s relationship with their body. Together, Kate and Jess explore: • How body image struggles often begin in dance training • The impact of comparison culture and social media • Perfectionism, shame, and identity in dancers • Puberty, body changes, and the pressure to stay “ideal” • Emotional eating and binge eating in high-pressure environments • The language teachers use in the studio and why it matters • How parents and educators can better support young dancers • Building body image resilience instead of chasing perfection • Creating healthier, sustainable relationships with food and performance This conversation is for dancers, teachers, parents, studio owners, and anyone interested in creating healthier dance environments without losing excellence, discipline, or artistry. About Jess Spinner: Jess Spinner is the founder of The Whole Dancer and works with dancers around the world through coaching, courses, and education focused on nutrition, mindset, emotional eating, and sustainable performance. Find Jess: Instagram: @thewholedancer Website: thewholedancer.com Connect with Kate Histon: Website: https://katehiston.com Instagram: @kate_histon @dance_real_podcast @master_dancer_mindset YouTube: @katehiston If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, sharing the episode, or leaving a review. It genuinely helps support the podcast and future conversations. Disclaimer: This episode explores body image, nutrition, emotional eating, and disordered eating patterns within dance culture. It is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or therapeutic support. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional. The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.
