DanceWell Podcast

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