Ep. 139 Spotlight Series: Mental Blocks, Anxiety, and Self-Talk with Dr. Leisha Strachan

Ep. 139 Spotlight Series: Mental Blocks, Anxiety, and Self-Talk with Dr. Leisha Strachan

When a student freezes on a skill they've done a hundred times, what do you do? Dr. Leisha Strachan, sports psychologist and dance teacher, joins us to talk about the mental side of skill development, from breaking through blocks to managing performance anxiety. She covers practical tools like affirmations, breathing techniques, thought stopping, simulated practice, and imagery scripts that teachers can actually use in class. This is a Spotlight Series re-release of one of our most listened-to episodes, and it's easy to see why. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-139-mental-blocks-anxiety-and-self-talk [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-139-mental-blocks-anxiety-and-self-talk] Sources Referenced MindShift [https://www.anxietycanada.com/resources/mindshift-cbt/]App AcroDance Resource Center [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/#/page/custom/0/96] Psyching for Sport - Terry Orlick [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1227816.Psyching_for_Sport] The Mental Athlete - Kay Porter [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1280128.The_Mental_Athlete] Sports Phsychology for Coaches [https://sportpsychologyforcoaches.ca/] www.projectscore.ca [https://www.projectscore.ca/] www.sportpsychologyforcoaches.ca [https://www.sportpsychologyforcoaches.ca/] About Dr. Leisha Stachan Dr. Leisha Strachan is a professor at the University of Manitoba [https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/kinrec/about/strachan.html] with a research focus on positive youth development through sport. She is also interested in research with coaches and parents in the deliberate delivery of positive sport experiences for children and youth. Research Areas * Positive youth development * Sport participation * Children * Youth * Sport psychology Education * Doctor of Philosopy - Sport Psychology, Queen's University (2008) * Master of Human Kinetics - Sport Psychology, University of Windsor (2004) * Bachelor of Education, University of Manitoba (1999) * Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Manitoba (1997) Leisha has been involved in sport and dance for the majority of her life. She began baton twirling at Crestview Community Club in Winnipeg at the age of 5 and continued for 18 years. She is a former Canadian Senior Freestyle Champion (1994), Grand National Solo and 2-Baton champion (1994), CBTF Senior Athlete and Overall Athlete of the Year (1994), and a 7-time Canadian Contingent member competing in freestyle (highest placing - 6th in 1994) and pair events garnering 2 world bronze medals for her efforts (with Kristin Macaraeg). In her time on the national team, she traveled to France, Japan, Holland, Italy, and Hawaii. Leisha is one of the founding coaches of Aerial Fusion Baton, which has been in existence for 25 years. In addition to being a Level 3 certified coach, she is also certified as a Module 1 teacher in Acrobatic Arts. She is also a certified M1, M2, M3, and Masters judge. She has had the opportunity to coach provincial and national team members and continues to choreograph for different athletes across Canada, England, and Scotland. IG @drls250 [https://www.instagram.com/drls250/] Previous Episodes Ep 4 Protecting Your Mental Health Dr Leisha Strachan [https://youtu.be/9RGVu44a21g] Ep 31 Overcoming Dancer Anxiety + Mental Blocks with Dr. Leisha Strachan [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-31-overcoming-dancer-anxiety-mental-blocks-with-dr-leisha-strachan] Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt 1 [https://youtu.be/UDmiz100Zt8?si=6eNbCwJvwt1xMzvF] Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt. 2 [https://youtu.be/gSV0PFwvBXk] Ep. 97 Mental Skills for Acro Success with Dr. Leisha Strachan [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-97-mental-skills-for-acro-success-with-dr-leisha-strachan] Ep. 117 The Four C's Every Teacher Needs with Dr. Leisha Strachan [https://youtu.be/2lOZC_49Cpw]

Ep. 138 Golden Buzzer - From the Studio to the Stage with Jill Ford

Jill Ford has been part of the Acrobatic Arts family from the very beginning. As a Course Conductor and owner of Supernova Acro Studio in Edmonton, she has spent years building something truly special. And then it happened. Jill, her daughters Zoe and Jada, and their entire Supernova crew took the stage on America's Got Talent as the Acro Canine Crew and Terry Crews ran straight to that golden buzzer. In this episode Loren and Jill go way back, and that history makes this conversation something really special. They get into the origin story of Supernova, Jill's deep commitment to Acrobatic Arts, how she kept the whole thing a secret with a studio full of young dancers and excited families, and yes, the dogs. They talk about what it actually felt like standing in those wings, the moment the golden buzzer went off, and what has changed since that confetti fell. This one is for every studio owner who has ever dreamed big for their students. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-38-golden-buzzer-from-the-studio-to-the-stage-with-jill-ford [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-38-golden-buzzer-from-the-studio-to-the-stage-with-jill-ford] About Jill Jill was originally from Regina, Saskatchewan where she danced competitively in the areas of ballet, jazz, tap, acrobatics and baton twirling for 17 years. She went on to teaching dance, baton and acrobatics in her home city and now resides in Edmonton, Alberta where she has opened her own studio specializing in Acrobatics and Baton Twirling. She completed her bachelor of Education (k-5) at the University of Regina which has furthered her expertise as an acrobatic and dance teacher. Jill has travelled the world as an athlete and coach representing Canada at 8 World Baton Twirling Championships and now continually is committed to keeping young children involved in the areas of acrobatics, dance and baton twirling. She is very happy and honoured to be part of the Acrobatic Arts staff and loves sharing her passion and knowledge with students and teachers! Jill's credentials include: Bachelor of Education, Canadian Dance Teachers Association Certified Teacher, Canadian Baton Twirling Association Level 2 Coach, Inductee of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Listen to other episodes with Jill Ford: Ep. 44 More Than You Think: The Benefits of Acro Exams with Jill Ford: https://youtu.be/Rh1gw-9674I [https://youtu.be/Rh1gw-9674I] Ep. 68 Top 3 Tips for Front Aerials with Jill Ford: https://youtu.be/GvzYonPFHH8 [https://youtu.be/GvzYonPFHH8] Ep. 86 Breaking Down the Handstand Forward Roll: Strategies with Jill Ford: https://youtu.be/xSAcCMtASpc [https://youtu.be/xSAcCMtASpc] If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] on YouTube. Subscribe Now [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfF2uNpOZqLJohIO4w-PjA]! Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]

Ep. 137 Spotlight Series: Common Dance Injuries with Tim Buckley

Physiotherapist Tim Buckley returns in this Spotlight Series episode to break down the most common dance injuries, how to spot the difference between normal soreness and actual injury, and why consistent training matters more than you think. From ankle sprains to shoulder issues, he explains what shows up most in different disciplines and shares prevention strategies that go beyond just "warm up better." If you've ever wondered when soreness crosses into injury territory, this one's for you. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-spotlight-series-common-dance-injuries-with-tim-buckley [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-spotlight-series-common-dance-injuries-with-tim-buckley] About Tim Tim Buckley is a Physiotherapist from Melbourne, Australia. He has worked exclusively with elite ballet dancers, circus artists and orchestral musicians during his 19 year career and has spoken twice at IADMS conferences in Australia and the USA. He was one of two full time physios with The Australian Ballet from 2006-2008 and toured Australia, China, England and France. He joined Cirque du Soleil in 2009 and toured Japan, South America and North America with ‘Corteo' and ‘Quidam', before settling in Montréal to work at Cirque's international headquarters as the Supervisor of Performance Medicine. Tim then toured again as the Head Physiotherapist on Cirque du Soleil's production, ‘Kurios – Cabinet of Curiosities' in 2014-15, before moving back to Melbourne in 2016. After another year at The Australian Ballet and completing a Masters of Sports Physiotherapy, Tim re-joined Cirque du Soleil where he worked as a ‘fly-in' Head Physiotherapist on several touring shows including Amaluna, Volta, Crystal and Twas The Night Before, as well as in Montreal on various creation projects. Tim is currently the Senior Advisor of Performance Medicine Operations for Cirque du Soleil, providing clinical support to the physical therapy teams on Cirque's global touring shows. Tim is a consultant Physiotherapist for Acrobatic Arts Inc, providing input on the continuing development of their syllabus and programs. Tim also co-owns The Academy, a circus training center in London Ontario, with his wife Meaghan Wegg. www.theacademycircus.com [https://www.theacademycircus.com] Facebook: The Academy Circus [https://www.facebook.com/theacademycircus] Instagram: @theacademycircus [https://www.instagram.com/theacademycircus/] Previous Acrobatic Arts Podcast Episodes: Ep 7 Acrobatic Arts Australia, New Zealand and Asia Division Managers Meaghan Wegg and Tim Buckley - https://youtu.be/_npmTPXgEtU Ep [https://youtu.be/_npmTPXgEtU Ep] Ep 28 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Dance Injuries, Pt 1 - https://youtu.be/IsaiS8OmebI [https://youtu.be/IsaiS8OmebI] Ep 29 Physiotherapist Tim Buckley - Listener Questions, Pt 2 - https://youtu.be/e9OPbP9LhXg [https://youtu.be/e9OPbP9LhXg] Ep 71 Student vs Professional Training with Tim Buckley & Meaghan Wegg - https://youtu.be/C4nuWxfBrTo [https://youtu.be/C4nuWxfBrTo] Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]

Ep. 136 Back Tucks & Back Layouts with Leah Holliday

What makes a back tuck clean? When is a dancer really ready? And why does the technique matter more than just getting over? Leah Holliday returns to break down two of acro's most sought-after skills: the back tuck and back layout. This conversation goes beyond the mechanics. We talk about the mental blocks that stop progress, the drills teachers skip (and shouldn't), the spotting mistakes that compromise safety, and what it actually looks like when these skills are done right. If you've ever felt pressure to push a student faster than they're ready, or wondered why some dancers can do all the drills but can't commit to the skill, this episode will give you clarity and a path forward. A full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-136-back-tucks-back-layouts-with-leah-holliday [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-136-back-tucks-back-layouts-with-leah-holliday] About Leah Leah has been teaching acro and dance for over 25 years. She was born and raised in Regina, SK and studied dance and baton twirling at the Martin School of Dance. Not only was she known as a well accomplished dancer but she represented Canada in Baton Twirling at numerous World Championships as a soloist and team member. Leah has been with Acrobatic Arts for 5 years. She is a course conductor and examiner. Leah teaches dance and acro in Calgary, AB and she teachers Master Classes for Acrobatic Arts. Previous episodes with Leah Holliday: Ep 88 How to Spot Side Aerials with Leah Holliday - https://youtu.be/FznbWVjQUQM [https://youtu.be/FznbWVjQUQM] Ep 111 Teaching the Heli Tips Every Teacher Needs with Leah Holliday - https://youtu.be/bDN7cLJ6_x8 [https://youtu.be/bDN7cLJ6_x8] If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] on YouTube. Subscribe Now [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfF2uNpOZqLJohIO4w-PjA]! Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]

Ep. 135 Spotlight Series: Building a Dance Business with Purpose with Paul Malek

Paul Malek has built a lot of things. A pre-professional dance training centre. A production company. A media company. A 180-seat theatre. A movement for fair dancer pay that went global. And through all of it, one question has driven him: what does it actually take to create sustainable artists in a world that keeps changing? In this Spotlight Series episode, Loren sits down with Paul Malek, Director, Choreographer, Educator, and founder of Transit Dance in Melbourne, Australia. Paul talks about why being a great dancer is no longer enough, what it means to train artists who can build careers that last, and why curiosity might be the most important skill a dancer can develop. He also gets into the mental health side of the arts, his three guides for living and teaching, and what he wishes more dance teachers understood about the human being standing in front of them. If you're a studio owner, a teacher, or someone building something in this industry, this one is for you. A full transcription of the podcast is here: https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-building-a-dance-business-with-purpose-with-paul-malek [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/blog/ep-135-building-a-dance-business-with-purpose-with-paul-malek] About Paul Paul Malek is a renowned Director, Choreographer, and Educator whose influence extends across theatre and stage in Australia and across the globe. With a fervent dedication to artistic ingenuity, he ignites the ambitions of individuals, businesses, and communities, inspiring them to reach their full potential. Having received formal training in Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School, Paul's early career as a dancer and global performer took him on tours across 5 continents, honing his skills and leadership as a dance captain, rehearsal director, and company manager by the age of 26. Returning to Australia in 2007, the spirit of entrepreneurship beckoned Paul to venture into creating enterprises such as Collaboration the Project (2008 – 2015), which produced ground-breaking events like UNDRGRND Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Immersed Melbourne Dance Industry Night, DANCE CHAT, DANCE CHAT LIVE, and Project Y (Youth Dance Company), in addition to steering over 16 professional production seasons and tours. This includes award-winning productions Yours Truly, Parkland Avenue and Unanswered. Paul's contributions to the artistic community manifest through his past roles as board member and President of Australian Teachers of Dancing International. A board member of Ausdance Victoria, and the inaugural Artistic Director of the Victorian Dance Festival. A founding member of Dancers Australia, MEAA, Paul champions fair pay for dancers across the industry which goes back to 2013 when he initiated the #paythedancers movement which reached global attention and has continued moving forward. Paul was the co-director of BOOM Media (2011 – 2015), a forward-thinking Marketing and Media Company dedicated to and led by dancers. During this time, he worked as a Videographer, Photographer and Film Editor along his choreographic and producing achievements. He was also the Director of Dance Architect choreographic award and the Dance Architect Education Summit. His choreographic proficiency shines through his work on television shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance Australia, alongside crafting captivating performances for numerous corporate events, award ceremonies, music videos and television commercials. A regular on the Dance Festival Circuit, Paul has taught and lectured at Australian Dance Festival, Victorian Dance Festival, MOVE IT London, Dance Summit New York, Come Together Dance Convention to name a few. In 2015, Paul founded Transit Dance, a ground-breaking endeavour that serves as a testament to his visionary leadership. As Artistic Director (2015 – 2024), he spearheaded a diverse spectrum of performance platforms and educational initiatives, housed within his innovative dance and performance precinct in Brunswick, Victoria. He currently continues his influence as Chairman of the Transit Dance Board of Directors. Beyond his instrumental role at Transit Dance, Paul stands as a prominent figure in the realm of motivational speaking, addressing audiences at corporate events, conventions, and festivals globally. As an avid dance photographer his artistic expression extends through his lens, capturing the essence of movement and grace, working alongside esteemed artists to bring their visions to life. Envisioning a world where art and inspiration intertwine seamlessly, Paul Malek strives to leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, shaping the future of dance and performance with his unparalleled vision and unwavering commitment to excellence. If you'd like more amazing content more tips and ideas check out our Acrobatic Arts Channel [https://www.youtube.com/c/AcrobaticartsCa] on YouTube. Subscribe Now [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbfF2uNpOZqLJohIO4w-PjA]! Connect with Acrobatic Arts on your favourite social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/acrobaticarts/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts [https://www.facebook.com/Acroarts] Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/ [https://twitter.com/acrobatic_arts/] Learn more and register for our programs at AcrobaticArts.com [https://www.acrobaticarts.com/]