Dancewell Podcast

Tour life is intense, exhausting, and strangely predictable—but coming home can be even harder. In this episode, licensed mental health counselor and former touring vocalist Daniel Rinaldi joins DanceWell to unpack why the “landing” after tour can feel so destabilizing. We talk about controlled chaos, nervous system overload, identity shifts, and what happens when the structure, adrenaline, and tour family suddenly disappear. Whether you’re a performer, crew member, or creative professional, this conversation offers insight into what’s happening in your body and brain post-tour—and practical ways to make the transition home a little smoother

Aki Kawasaki, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at the Houston Ballet Academy speaks to Ellie about his journey helping dancers understand the value of cross-training, daily maintenance routines, a balanced lifestyle, and wellness. Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.co Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Workers’ compensation is a vital resource for performers, providing access to the care they need when injured on the job. Yet, the system can be difficult to fully understand and navigate. In this episode, Dr. Matthew Grierson walks us through the essentials of workers’ compensation and offers guidance on how performers can better access and utilize this important benefit. A must-listen for anyone in the performing arts community. Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.co Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Dancers are more likely to have scoliosis than the general population, and while dance can be supportive to an asymmetrical spine, is can also be a frustrating endeavor for a dancer whose spine is different from the norm. In Episode 98, Ellie speaks to Suzanne Koucheravy, a pilates teacher who has devoted her work to supporting dancers with scoliosis through comprehensive, conscientious, educational, and empowering sessions. Together they touch on the basics of scoliosis, how Suzanne understands asymmetrical spines, and many other social elements and emerging perspectives on this complex topic. Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.co Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

On this episode of DanceWell Podcast, co-host Marissa Schaeffer speaks with dance and pelvic floor physical therapist Ami Kirollos, PT, DPT, CSCS. Ami unpacks how issues in the pelvic floor can present as hip or back pain, and offers tools for clinicians and patients to recognize red flags, especially in high-performing athletes and dancers. Whether you're a movement professional or simply pelvic floor curious, this episode offers insight, clarity and practical guidance. Link to the Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Protocol: https://www.pelvicptrising.com/screen Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.co Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

DanceWell Podcast is BACK! Join us, Ellie and Marissa, as we relaunch our favorite passion project. New website: www.dancewellpodcast.co

In this episode, we speak with interfaith minister, Reverend Nafisa Sharriff, about spirituality. What is spirituality, how does it look or feel, and why does it matter? Plus, we touch on how spirituality interacts with the life experiences of a dancer. This thoughtful and warm interview is DanceWell's first exploring spirituality as a facet of holistic dancer wellness. To learn more about Reverend Nafisa Sharriff visit: www.ethoh.org Follow her on Instagram: @enteringtheholyofholies Or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nafisa.sharriff Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Founders: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Web Image: Katie Dean

Traveling the world is a joy, but dancing on a cruise ship also brings a unique set of challenges from unfamiliar sleep situations, to limited food choices, to mechanical stages, not to mention that the theater itself is in continuous motion!! On Episode 95: Dancing at Sea, Yenwen Kuo interviews physiotherapist (and former performer) Alexander McKinven. These experienced cruise ship workers discuss the culture, injury risks, and health concerns associated with ship life. McKinven offers several helpful tips for how to stay well while dancing on the high seas. Learn more about Alexander McKinven at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-mckinven-560a79a8/?originalSubdomain=uk Tweet Alexander McKivnen: @ACPSEMdance Learn more about Yenwen Kuo at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yenwenkuo/ Host: Yenwen Kuo Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

When the dancers of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater came back to the studio in September 2020 after the Covid-19 shutdown, everyone knew there was a lot of work to be done to get the dancers back into performance shape. In the year leading up to their first in-person season since the start of the pandemic, the dancers engaged in various forms of cross-training curated by artistic staff, the physical therapy department and others in the Ailey community. In the fall of 2021, there was one more big push to get the dancers ready for stage. Listen as Mr. Matthew Rushing, Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi, Dr. Marissa Schaeffer, Andrew Schaeffer and Antoine Simmons detail that final push and discuss the logistics, challenges and triumphs of packing cross-training into a busy season. Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Join our first DanceWell Podcast guest host, Gregory Youdan, MA, MS, as he interviews returning guest, Elizabeth (Betsy) Coker, EdD! These two dance scientists will discuss the necessity of measurement in dance and go on to discuss the utility of portable tech, balance, their research and more. Learn more about Betsy Coker at: www.betsycoker.com. Learn more about Gregory Youdan at: http://www.gregoryyoudan.com/ Host: Gregory Youdan Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

During the pandemic, Registered Dietitian Kristin Koskinen has found that many dancers are interested in learning how they can help combat some of the stress and anxiety in our current world climate with the foods or eating behaviors they choose. In this episode, Kristin explains some of the ways that food influences our mood, and how these affects may vary depending on an individual’s preferences, genetics, or past experiences. We caution again obsessive thinking surrounding food and mood, and we discuss a fan favorite topic: what should you eat before a show? Email Kristin at: kristin@eatwellpros.com Follow her on Instagram: @kristin_koskinen_rdn Learn more at her Website: www.eatwellpros.com Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

National Dance Institute (NDI) was founded in 1976 by former NYCB principal dancer Jacques d'Amboise with the mission to "use dance as a catalyst to engage children and motivate them toward excellence" (http://nationaldance.org/NDI_at_a_Glance.pdf). Nearly 50 years later, NDI serves thousands of children each week, hosts teacher trainings and workshops both nationally and internationally to further this mission. In this episode of DanceWell Podcast, Emily Meisner, Director of NDI Collaborative for Teaching & Learning, talks about how NDI can help every dancer teacher to bring positivity, empowerment and collaboration into the dance classroom. Learn more about NDI by visiting www.nationaldance.org or www.NDIcollaborative.org Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Resilience is a bit of a buzz word in the popular media, but what does it really mean, how can we acquire it, and why do dancers need it? On Episode 90: Resilience, Michelle Dwarka answers these questions and many others. We discuss the existing literature and ideas for future research. Contact Michelle at: Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie Visual Image: Katie Dean

Leaving dance is often a complicated process. There are many many concerns and questions that can arise. For some, managing the transition from expert to novice may be one of the complicated experiences that materializes. Having achieved a high level of skill, the mere thought of shifting focus to anything else can be scary, sad, frustrating, and discouraging, but it can also be revitalizing, promising, exciting, and thrilling. In Episode 89: Quitting Dance, Transitioning from Expert to Novice, Leigh Svarla shares her insights on the nuances of mastery and the value of connecting to a beginners’ mind. Contact Dr. Leigh Skvarla at leigh.skvarla@gmail.com Want to contribute to DanceWell Podcast? Follow this link to donate: www.gofundme.com/dancewell-podcas…son-4-fundraiser Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Did you know that: - Pain is not biomedical, it is biopsychosocial. - Tissue damage and pain aren’t correlated. - Critical to pain management is getting in touch with bodies and emotions. - Mental health practitioners are an integral part of a patient’s pain management team. Learn this and so much more on DanceWell Podcast’s 88th Episode: On Pain with pain psychologist, Dr. Rachel Zoffness, PhD. Get in touch with Dr. Zoffness: The Pain Management Workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Management-Workbook-Powerful-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B084JJ926N/ref=nodl_ Website: www.Zoffness.com Twitter: @drzoffness Instagram: @therealdoczoff Support DanceWell Podcast by donating - gf.me/u/yxv25p Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

All people experience a range of emotions in life, including dancers. However, training and professional practice often ask dancers to be hardworking, perseverant, and positive—sometimes even demanding that they smile no matter how they feel. As Kate Wilson LICSW and Miriam Rowan PsyD explain, dancers can become emotionally disoriented when they don’t acknowledge their true feelings. Our guests explain the risks that come from repressing difficult feelings, and they offer insights on how to reconnect to your emotional compass. Contact Kate Wilson LICSW at kate@bostonbmedicine.com And Dr. Miriam Rowan, PsyD at dr.miriamrowan@gmail.com Want to contribute to DanceWell Podcast? Follow this link to donate: www.gofundme.com/dancewell-podcas…son-4-fundraiser Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

We know well that turnout is an integral part of the Western dance aesthetic. This month, we dedicate an episode to taking a deep dive on the very subject. Join us as physiotherapist Lisa Howell discusses where turnout comes from and what can limit it, the repercussions of forcing turnout, the subtleties of maximizing the range that you inherently have and much more. To learn more about Lisa or to see her class offerings, visit: www.theballetblog.com Support DanceWell Podcast by donating - gf.me/u/yxv25p Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie

Historically, screenings were a method of gate keeping, and in many places today, they still are. Early selection for flexibility and certain proportions were used to determine who could dance at the Kirov and who could not, for example. In this already exclusive field, how many potentially great careers were dismissed too early on in a screening process? How many creative, innovations of dusty traditions were discouraged? In addition to thinking about who gets to wear pointe shoes, our guest, Jacqui Greene Haas, also touches on who constitutes a “Dance Educator”, and of course, the missing data in screenings, the importance of lower leg strength and a lot more that you may or may not expect!! Contact Jacqui Greene Haas: jacquigh5954@gmail.com Want to contribute to DanceWell Podcast? Follow this link to donate: www.gofundme.com/dancewell-podcas…son-4-fundraiser Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction S

In January 2021, Mirriam-Webster Dictionary added a handful of new words to its pages. Among them was the new definition for the word 'bubble.' Thanks to the pandemic, a bubble can be 'an area within which sports teams stay isolated from the general public... so as to prevent exposure to disease and that includes accommodations, amenities, and the location at which the games are held'. Bubbles, and the generous foundations and donors who support them, have been partially responsible for keeping dance companies creating and dancing. Logistically, there's a lot that goes into forming a bubble and to keeping it air-tight. On this episode of DanceWell Podcast, we invited Alison Delegate, MS, ATC and Will Zinser, MS, ATC of NYU Langone's Harkness Center for Dance Injuries to tell us all about what it takes to form a successful bubble. Support DanceWell Podcast by donating - gf.me/u/yxv25p Host: Marissa Schaeffer Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellP

In this episode, Dr Antonio Ocana discusses addiction in dance. He shares information about the rates of addiction in our field, the nature of these addictions, and their causes—at both a biochemical level and a cultural level. To learn more about Dr Ocana: https://www.epiphany360.io/about-us-1 Contact him: aocana@epiphany360.io Want to contribute to DanceWell Podcast? Follow this link to donate: https://www.gofundme.com/dancewell-podcast-season-4-fundraiser Host: Ellie Kusner Co-Hosts: Ellie Kusner and Marissa Schaeffer Website: www.dancewellpodcast.com Email: DanceWellPodcast@gmail.com Introduction Soundscape: Brendan Berry and Dylan Ezzie