TuTu Thin: A Podcast for Dancers | Be a healthy dancer/athlete in mind, body and spirit.

Carolyn Costin talks about her work with Eating Disorders and EMDR

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:00:00 -0700

Carolyn Costin is an eating disorder clinician, author, and international speaker

acclaimed for her expertise, passion and accomplishments.

In her early twenties, Carolyn recovered from anorexia nervosa, earned two masters degrees, became a teacher and began her career as a psychotherapist. A passionate and dedicated educator Carolyn taught high school and community college for 8 years and brought teaching to her role as an eating disorder therapist.

After successfully treating her first eating disorder client in 1979, Carolyn recognized this was her calling. Her continued success led her to develop and direct several inpatient eating disorder facilities during the period of 1987 to 1996.

In 1996, Carolyn created Monte Nido, the first licensed, residential eating disorder treatment facility in a home setting. She was the first to combine state of the art eating disorder treatment with eastern healing modalities, such as yoga and meditation. She was first to speak out that people with eating disorders could be fully “Recovered” and first to openly hire recovered therapists. Knowing that role models, trust and relationships matter, staff and clients shopped, cooked and ate meals together like a family. Carolyn created a healing environment where professionals delivered expert care and clients acquired the knowledge and skills necessary for long-term recovery.

Carolyn’s past eating disorder, her humanistic relational approach, her acclaimed speaking engagements, her six books and Monte Nido’s highly successful outcome study (Brewerton & Costin, 2011) have resulted in her being one of the most respected and sought-after leaders in the eating disorder field.

A large percentage of Carolyn’s career has been lecturing, training, teaching and supervising clinicians, dietitians and physicians. As early as the mid 1980’s she ran study groups for professionals. Carolyn is an official continuing education provider on through her online institute and in her internationally travels, educating professionals and the public about eating disorders.

Leaving Monte Nido in 2016 Carolyn remains active in the eating disorder field on many fronts. She is a Fellow of the Academy of Eating Disorders and stays involved in many professional eating disorder organizations, as a member, speaker, consultant, or a collaborator on projects, such as her work with Project Heal.

Opened in 2017 the Carolyn Costin Institute is the first program of its kind to train and certify eating disorder coaches, filling a gap in current services. Carolyn also trains clinicians and staff consulting with treatment centers around the globe.

In 2022 Carolyn was awarded, from the government of Australia, a distinguished talent visa for her work in eating disorders. She currently spends time in Australia training eating disorder clinicians, running groups, consulting on various eating disorder cases and projects, and working as an independent contractor for Wandi Nerida, the first eating disorder residential treatment program in Australia.

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Going For Gold

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Dawn talks about the recent win of Alysa Liu and how she skated for herself and the love of her sport and not the Gold Medal. Many times our desire to achieve the highest score or be the best has an impact on our mental health. Did Alysa's break from skating help her come back with a renewed perspective on her sport and her desires? Do you take breaks from your sport or dance? If so, do you feel like it has an impact on your performance.

Jacque Mular talks about her Journey from Runner to Dietitian to Psychotherapist

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:00:00 -0800

Jacque Mular, LMFT, RDN, brings over 25 years of expertise in healing relationships with food, body and mind. With dual master's degrees in Nutrition and Psychology, she integrates science and compassion as both a therapist and dietitian. Grounded in Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size, Jacque empowers clients to rediscover trust and joy in eating. Her trauma-informed approach, enriched by being Level 2 trained in Sensorimotor Therapy, supports a somatic approach to healing. Jacque brings a wealth of experience working with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Jacque’s vibrant energy, deep empathy, and commitment to evidence-based care make her a trusted ally. Jacque Mular, LMFT, RDN, brings over 25 years of expertise in healing relationships with food, body and mind. With dual master's degrees in Nutrition and Psychology, she integrates science and compassion as both a therapist and dietitian. Grounded in Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size, Jacque empowers clients to rediscover trust and joy in eating. Her trauma-informed approach, enriched by being Level 2 trained in Sensorimotor Therapy, supports a somatic approach to healing. Jacque brings a wealth of experience working with depression, anxiety and PTSD. Jacque’s vibrant energy, deep empathy, and commitment to evidence-based care make her a trusted ally.

The Discussion with Gus Bembery.......From Dancer for Shakira to Dance Educator Around the World

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:00:00 -0800

I’ve been teaching in L.A. and around the world for more than 20 years. I began teaching at The Edge in Hollywood when I first arrived in California in 1993 (from Boston, where I was the first hip hop teacher ever!), and then moved on to teach in the other major studios in L.A. like: Millenium, and Debbie Reynolds. My name spread and soon people were traveling overseas to take my Hip Hop dance classes. My first invitation abroad was to Italy, and then to Japan, and soon I was flying around the world, teaching at all the major cities on the planet.
New York: Broadway Dance Center
Tokyo: BDC
London: Pineapple
Paris: Studio Harmonic, Juste Debout
Rome: Ials
I’ve taught in every country in Europe and Scandinavia. Also, Russia, Turkey, Israel, South Africa, Australia, Brazil, Japan all over Canada and the United States.
I performed with Shakira at the Grammy Awards, and danced with some of the best dancers/teachers/performers/ choreographers such as: Jamie King, Tabitha and Napolean, Sean Evaristo, The Jabbawockeez and many more.But sharing my love for hip hop by teaching dance classes is my true passion. My class is all about power, becoming one with the music and telling a story through hip hop dance. The music I choose are the songs that inspire me to use my imagination and to dance to my fullest. At the end of class we should all be a sweaty wreck, having just danced for our LIVES. – Gus Bembery

Frankie Tan tells her journey from Ballerina to Aerialist and Beyond

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:00:00 -0800

Described as “resolutely incapable of being one dimensional” Frankie Tan’s is a fearsome artist and entertainer whose work explores the intersection of environment, body, joy, and grief. As the queer multicultural spawn of three worlds, they have performed nationwide, and been prominently featured as an aerial circus artist with Cirque Berzerk, Ultra Music Festival, Kaimera Wanderbeasts, and others, and as a principal aerialist with Madmann’s Playground. They have held performance residencies at legendary venues throughout Los Angeles and San Francisco, and are known for their magnetic, emotive performance style- described “as spellbinding as I have ever seen…powerful… beguiling, and totally believable” by Noho ArsDistrict (2023). Their aerial burlesque act was honorably mentioned at the Oregon Burlesque Festival 2019 & they were named a performer in not one but three of LA Weekly’s Best Burlesque Shows 2019, including as a soloist in Hollywood’s famed aerial burlesque show, Luxe Obscura. Frankie is a scholarship graduate of the Alonzo King Lines Ballet Training Program and adjacent pedagogy program, and their teaching philosophy is rooted in somatic wellness and thoughtful body mechanics. When not training, teaching, or wrangling performers, Frankie can be found authoring their next award-nominated book.

The Author of the book "Intuitive Eating" is Candid about Eating Disorders, Fertility and Much More

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:00:00 -0800

Elyse Resch, MS, RDN, CEDS-C, Fiaedp, FADA, FAND, is a nutrition therapist in private practice with forty-three years of experience, specializing in eating disorders, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size®. She is the co-creator and co-author of Intuitive Eating, now in its 4th edition (5th edition in process), the Intuitive Eating Workbook (now in its 2nd edition) and The Intuitive Eating Card Deck—50 Bite-Sized Ways to Make Peace with Food. Elyse is also the author of The Intuitive Eating Workbook for Teens and The Intuitive Eating Journal—Your Guided Journey for Nourishing a Healthy Relationship with Foodand a chapter contributor to both The Handbook of Positive Body Image and Embodiment and Weight and Wisdom: Reflections on Decades of Working for Body Liberation. In addition, she is the co-creator of the only official Intuitive Eating app—Intue. Elyse has published journal articles, print articles, and blog posts and does regular speaking engagements, podcast interviews, and extensive media interviews. Her work has been profiled on ABC, NPR, CNN, KABC, NBC, KTTV, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, KFI Radio, USA Today, and the Huffington Post, among others. Elyse is nationally known for her work in helping patients break free from diet culture through the Intuitive Eating process. Her philosophy embraces the goal of reconnecting with one’s internal wisdom about eating and developing body liberation, with the belief that all bodies deserve dignity and respect. She is a social justice advocate, a member of the Healer’s Circle of Project Heal—Help to Eat, Accept, and Live, and consults with and trains health professionals. Elyse is also a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist and Consultant, on the Advisory Board of Within Health, a Fellow of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals, and a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Anneliese Discusses her Journey Through Dance to Dew Drop with Nashville Ballet

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Anneliese Guerin originally started dancing in her hometown of Spokane, WA. She started her professional ballet training at Pacific Northwest Ballet School in 2014. After training for two years at PNBS, she was accepted to San Francisco Ballet School. She trained in the school for two years and was then promoted to the San Francisco Ballet School Trainee Program. During that time, she choreographed her first piece on her fellow trainees. After her year as an SFBS Trainee, she went to Pacific Northwest Ballet School as a Professional Division Student. Anneliese auditioned for Nashville Ballet’s Second Company and spent two years with Nashville Ballet 2. She has choreographed several pieces on Nashville Ballet’s Second Company Members. She was awarded as an Emerging Choreographer for DM.Connect’s choreography competition. Anneliese was promoted to Nashville Ballet Apprentice for two years before being promoted to full company dancer in 2023.

Nia Lonette Discusses her work as a Dancer, Model, and Choreographer

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Nia Lonette, a talented dancer, model, and choreographer originally from Temple Hill, has been working in the entertainment industry for 10+ years. Nia has had the gift of shifting between working not only in front of the camera but also behind. As the talent she has had the privilege of collaborating with artists such as Usher, Beyonce, Kali Uchis, Kem, and prestigious brands like Tiffany & Co, 7/11, OneSize and More .

Nia not only showcases her skills as a dancer but also as a model and choreographer. Through her artist training and performance group Muse in Motion she has been able to assist artist with perfecting their performance quality though movement coaching, choreographing pieces for live showcases, and even creative direct music videos.

Nia’s goal is to create art that tells impactful stories and resonates with audiences on a deep emotional level as well as help build confidence in artist through movement. Nia's mantra is for both her art and the artist to always "Be The Moment."

Kari Brunson Wright, Josh Spell, & Rachel Coates Talk about their New Ilumn Collective App for Dancers

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Kari Brunson Wright, Josh Spell, and Rachel Coates talk about their new Ilumn Collective app that is defining how mental health and coaching can be accessible for dancers, dance educators and parents. Join the podcast as we talk about perfectionism, body image, compassion and resilience for the dancer.

Kari Brunson WrightAfter nearly a decade dancing with Pacific Northwest Ballet and thirteen years as a food entrepreneur and CEO, Kari discovered that her deepest joy and fulfillment came from helping others grow—personally, professionally, and spiritually. In 2022, she became a certified coach through the International Coaching Federation and launched an IFS-informed psycho-spiritual practice centered on the art of being well.
Kari coaches founders, leaders, and creatives in values-based leadership, organizational clarity, and personal alignment. She lives in Seattle with her husband and two young children, and she loves cooking vegetables, listening to podcasts, reading fiction, and getting her hands dirty in the garden.

Rachel Coates is a dancer turned licensed mental health therapist living in the state of Washington. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Kansas and a Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Washington University. She has experience working in community mental health and group practice and currently runs a private practice. Rachel has experience working with clients on a myriad of challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, grief, parenting issues, and rites of passage. She has training in Internal Family Systems, Mindful Self-Compassion, and is an ongoing student in energy studies and somatics work. Drawing from her experience as a professional ballet dancer for 15 years, Rachel has a passion for helping dancers navigate their art form in expansive and healthy ways. She has extensive experience leading seminars for dancers, providing dancer-specific counseling, and writing course work to help dancers thrive.

Josh Spell is a licensed social worker in the state of Washington and currently works in private practice in Seattle. Before beginning his practice, Josh worked in the field of eating disorders and generalized behavioral health settings. He earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington and received his undergraduate degree from Seattle University. Josh was a dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet from 2001 to 2011 and danced with Kansas City Ballet for two seasons. He trained at the School of American Ballet and attended Summer Courses at Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Josh danced a range of repertory from George Balanchine to Twyla Tharp. Among his favorite roles were the second sailor in Jerome Robbin’s Fancy Free, Puck in George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Benvolio and Acolytes in Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Roméo et Juliette and roles in Jiri Kylián’s Sechs Tänze and Petite Mort. In 2020 Josh returned to PNB in a new role as consulting therapist. He works with professional dancers and students all over the country centering dance from a holistic perspective and offering a wide variety of mental health tools. He has given various seminars on performance anxiety, perfectionism, body image, self-compassion and identity. In addition to his therapist and dancer identities, Josh is a plant enthusiast, aesthete and lover of the arts.

Galit Friedlander Shares her Story from LaGuardia High School in NYC to Los Angeles Dancer, Dance Educator, and Choreographer

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Galit Friedlander is a Los Angeles-based choreographer, dance educator, and certified personal trainer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She has worked on projects including PRINCE’s Welcome 2 America Tour, Pharrell’s Happy video, and served as the lead choreographer for the WNBA’s LA Sparks’ SparKids dance team for six seasons.

As the creator and host of the DanceSpeak podcast, Galit has interviewed over 200 leaders from across the dance world, exploring the artistry, mindset, and humanity behind success in the industry.

In addition to her creative work, Galit is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Dance Specialist with Doctors for Dancers. She is passionate about helping dancers build strength, confidence, and longevity through functional training that supports both physical and mental wellness. Her approach bridges movement and mindset, empowering dancers to thrive in their craft without compromising their health or self-worth.

Dr Shelly Bar, MD talks about her work with Eating Disorders

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Dr. Bar is a highly qualified and experienced physician with double board certification in Internal Medicine and Adolescent Medicine. Dr. Bar completed her Fellowship at Stanford Medical Center and worked as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Stanford Medical Center. Dr. Bar provides expert care around the medical complications of malnutrition, eating disorders and disordered eating, with a compassionate and specialized, well rounded approach. She is committed to improving patients' overall mental and physical well being.

A Candid Talk with Sondra Kronberg About her Work with Eating Disorder Clients

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Sondra Kronberg, MS, RD, CEDS-S is a seasoned nutrition therapist and recognized leader in the field of eating disorders. Founder and Executive Director, Eating Disorder Treatment Collaborative, FEED: IOP, CONNECT and CONCIERGE programs in New York. She is the founder and host of the Chats in the Living Room support groups and podcast. Sondra specializes in treatment and training of the collaborative approach to eating disorders. She is a founding member and past Board Trustee of the National Eating Disorders Association, (NEDA). The author of Comprehensive Learning/Teaching Handout Series Manual for Eating Disorders and contributing author to Eating Disorders: Clinical Guide to Counseling and Treatment and Eating Disorders in Special Populations: Medical, Nutritional and Psychological Treatments. Sondra received the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), 2010 Certified Eating Disorder Specialists Award, the NEDA 2004 Excellence in Treatment Award and the 2002 SCAN Excellence in Practice Award. In 2018 Sondra received NEDA’s first Legacy Award. Sondra is currently an iaedp influencers and certification core course facilitator. She is a national speaker, treatment consultant and media spokesperson. She is also a consultant to the Carolyn Costin Institute. Sondra’s greatest passion is helping people learn to nourish their minds and bodies in order to reclaim their lives and flourish!

Roni Mahler Talks about her new book "Tomboy Ballerina"....Life as a Ballerina with American Ballet Theatre, Baseball and Beyond

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 23:00:00 -0700

From a spirited tomboy to a celebrated ballerina, Roni Mahler’s journey is as captivating as her performances.

In this episode, Roni shares about her love of the Yankees, Mickey Mantle and all her experiences as a young ballerina on the road. This interview will make you want to buy her new book. In Tomboy Ballerina, she shares the triumphs, heartbreaks, and backstage moments that shaped a remarkable life in dance.

Roni danced with American Ballet Theatre, The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and The National Ballet of Washington before becoming an assistant professor and the training the Cleveland Browns. Her story is fascinating and an inspiration to all dancers.

Sherry Lin, RD talks about work as a Dancer and a Dietitian

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Sherry Lin is a registered dietitian and dancer from Chicago, IL. She provides a holistic, non-diet approach to help clients experience greater joy and fulfillment in life and in their relationship with food. Sherry is committed to meeting clients where they're at, and walking alongside them as they discover what “healthy” means for them. She values cultural awareness and nuance, diversity and health equity, community and radical self-care. Sherry completed her nutrition degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has thirteen years of experience in the nutrition field, specializing in eating disorders, gut health, and performance nutrition. She also earned a Master’s in Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Michigan. Combining her passions in dance and nutrition, Sherry founded Rhythm and Nutrition to help people fuel their bodies so they can sustain doing what they love to their highest ability. Her work has been featured on Dance Magazine, Dance Teacher Online, Dancespeak Podcast, and Voyage LA ".

Website: www.rhythmandnutrition.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/sherrylin.rd/

Email: info@rhythmandnutrition.com

Josh Spell Talks about his Journey from Pacific Northwest Ballet to Therapist

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Integration of the Eating Disorder with the Healthy Self Using the "D's"

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 23:00:00 -0700

As we close our 3rd season and the 75th Episode, we want to thank you for being a listener of our program and hope you find the information helpful.

This episode explores the "D's" of the Eating Disorder and integrating them into the Healthy self. Full Recovery is possible and I hope this is helpful to you in your journey.

Derryl Yeager, Founder and Artistic Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre Shares his Journey through Dance in Stage, Film and TV

Thu, 29 May 2025 23:00:00 -0700

DERRYL YEAGER

Founder and Artistic Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre

As a professional dancer for over two decades, Derryl Yeager has had experience in every style and medium. He received his BFA and MFA degrees at the University of Utah while becoming a principal dancer with Ballet West. He then went on to perform in the Broadway Shows A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, and Cats and has appeared in numerous TV and Film projects that include Staying Alive, She’s Having a Baby, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, A More Perfect Union, Moonlighting, The Tracy Ullman Show, The Young and the Restless, and General Hospital.

As a Choreographer and Director he has worked professionally from Ballet to Broadway, Film, Music Videos, and numerous Television Shows. He has taught at two major universities and was Artistic Director of the BYU Theatre Ballet for 2 years. He has choreographed numerous successful ballets for several professional companies and has been the production choreographer for the Utah Shakespeare Festival - winner of the Tony Award for best regional theatre in the year 2000—as well as Director/Choreographer of many Tuacahn productions.

As Founder and Artistic Director of Odyssey Dance Theatre, he brings all of his talents and experience to bear to create an exciting, innovative, and entertaining company that produces works that range from the timely to the timeless.

Training:

BFA (Magna Cum Laude), MFA (Summa Cum Laude)- University of Utah, American Conservatory Theatre - San Francisco, ABC Television Actor’s Workshop & Harvey Lembeck Comedy Workshop - LA, Voice - Seth Riggs, Ballet West Principal Dancer - 6 yrs, 25 years as professional Singer/Dancer/Actor

Performer:

Film - A More Perfect Union, She’s Having A Baby, Staying Alive, When the Heat Hits the Street, How Rare a Possession, The Lamb of God, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Limit Up

Television - Touched by An Angel, Crossroads, Boys of Twighlight, Fame, Days of Our Lives, Tracy Ullman Show, Coach, Moonlighting, For the Love of My Daughter, The Young and the Restless, The Stand, Hardcastle & McCormick, General Hospital, A Whole Lot Of Fun, Soup to Nuts, The Music of Your Life, Rodney Dangerfield Special, Country Jamboree, Steppin’ Out, Universal Studios Grand Opening Celebration, The Rose Parade

Broadway Theatre - A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, Cats, Shenendoah, Oklahoma!, Cinderella

Nightclub - Mary Hart, Carol Lawrence, The Horn, Gardenia, Carlos and Charlies, The Saraha, The Mint, The Golden Nugget, The Desert Inn

Industrial - LA Gear World Tour with Jennifer Love Hewitt, Dominos Pizza, Ford, Dihatsu, Reebok, Kohler, Fila, Levis, Novell

Commercials - Broadway, Rogaine with Karl Malone

Director/Choreographer:

Coca-Cola - 2002 Olympics, The Dance, Tahitian Noni Industrial, USANA Convention, Tuacahn Amphitheatre: Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2x), Oklahoma!, Hairspray, Little Mermaid

Choreographer:

Television - The Stand, Young and the Restless, The Bold and The Beautiful, Steppin’ Out, Country Jamboree, Touched by An Angel

Film - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, The Great American West, When the Heat Hits the Street

Music Video - Stevie Nicks, Julio Iglesias, Paul Anka, I Don’t Like Peanuts

Ballet - Promenades, Punch & Judy, Enya Variations, Saxon Suite, Flight of Icarus, Fresh Aire, Catfish Row, Windchimes, Jelly Roll Blues, Reebach Revival, Dreamtime USA, The Steadfast Tin So

In Honor of Mental health Awareness: Owner of Iris Healing and Ambassador for those with Mental Health Disorders discusses her work in Trauma and Mental Health using Brain Spotting, Neuro feedback, TMS and Spirituality in Psychotherapy

Thu, 15 May 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Dr. Elena Kapustina found her true calling and completed her PsyD in Clinical Psychology after earning her MBA and spending years working as the CFO for major corporations. She founded Iris Healing® to holistically work with dual diagnosis patients in order to create a more sustainable recovery. From managing 1,000 employees to creating a top of the line treatment center, Dr. Kapustina harnesses her passion to create positive experiences for others.
After completing her Doctorate degree and successfully defending her dissertation “Conceptualizing Spirituality in Psychotherapy,” she opened the doors to Iris Healing® Retreat in Woodland Hills. Subsequently, she opened an outpatient wellness center nearby to provide an amazing continuum of care for those seeking treatment from substance abuse, co-occurring disorders and clients with trauma.
Elena is uniquely positioned to support clients and their families through the process of recovery due to her diverse education, combining real world business acumen with a grounded, compassionate and nurturing approach to individual care.

Whenever Elena is not with clients or their families, you will see her attending educational events, conferences and just enjoying talking to people and helping as much as she can. She is an eternal student – constantly seeking new paths to personal growth and evolution that she can offer her community and clients.

Elena served as the editor for a charitable psychology magazine called Gratitude and continues to volunteer and support several non-profits. She strongly believes in treatment over incarceration and therefore spends substantial time bringing awareness to the legal community while also advocating for her clients.

She also has a sense of adventure – having explored over 40 countries – which gives her a open-minded and diverse perspective on her work. In her free time you can find Elena playing on the beach with her daughter and practicing hot yoga.

We are sending Love, Light and Peace from Elena to all of you!

Since the recent Southern California fires, we have relocated and are currently rebuilding our studio. We appreciate your understanding as we resolve technical issues and finalize our new space.
-Dawn Smith-Theodore

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Week : Juli Shamash from the Drug Awareness Foundation talks about the loss of her son to fentanyl and the work she is doing to help educate others.

Fri, 02 May 2025 10:00:00 -0700

Juli Shamash is a former elementary school teacher turned stay-at-home mom. After tragically losing her 19-year-old son Tyler from fentanyl poisoning in 2018, she and another grieving mom started Moms Against Drugs, a nonprofit to help other grieving parents. Juli is currently focusing on her family’s new non profit, Drug Awareness Foundation. She is working to promote fentanyl awareness and drug education for grades 7-12. She speaks to students, parents, and professional groups about drug abuse, overdose prevention, and the dangers of fentanyl-poisoned drugs. She also works on distributing fentanyl testing strips and naloxone in her community. Juli is the driving force behind the legislation, SB864, Tyler’s Law, which requires every hospital in California to test for fentanyl whenever they order a standard five-panel urine drug test. On August 22nd, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB864, Tyler’s Law and it went go into effect on January 1, 2023. The law was introduced in the U.S. House and Senate in December of 2023 and Juli is now working on trying to get it out of committee.

A Meaningful Talk with Dr. Julie Schreiner, Adolescent Psychiatric Specialist in Eating Disorders

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0700

As a nurse practitioner, Dr. Schreiner has primarily practiced in pediatric/adolescent health and has specialized in the mental health care of children and adolescents. Dr. Schreiner continues her passion for education via her teaching and mentoring for nurse practitioner students from around the country and currently guest lectures at UCLA’s School of Nursing where she teaches on Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health for the Family and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner students. Dr. Schreiner wrote the “Eating Disorder in Children and Adolescent” chapter for the Behavioral Pediatric Healthcare for Nurse Practitioners textbook and has focused much of her professional career on the care of child, adolescent, and adult patients with eating disorders.

A conversation with Nancy Dobbs Owen....Her dance career and the trajectory of the dance industry

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Nancy Dobbs Owen has performed throughout the United States, with both ballet and modern

companies and then as a ballerina and a Meg cover in the National Tour of Andrew Lloyd

Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Regional theater includes productions at American

Musical Theatre of San Jose, The Magic Theater, 42nd St. Moon, and Berkeley Opera. LA

theatre includes Theatre of Note, The Alex Theater, The Hudson Theater, The Santa Monica

Playhouse, and Lucy in the Production Company’s critically acclaimed Sweeney Todd.

Additional Los Angeles credits include starring in the West Coast premiere of The Bridge Club at

Deaf/West Theatre and a ballerina role in Nixon in China with the LA Philharmonic at Disney

Hall.

Film and television work includes Sia’s directorial debut; Music as well as Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,

American Princess, VEEP, the 2019 Deadwood feature, and Netflix’s Ratched.

Choreography credits include Skeleton Stories (Best Choreography Nomination,

BroadwayWorld.com), Have You Seen Alice, and Welcome to the White Room (Outstanding

Choreography, Small Theater) at Theatre of NOTE, Assassins with Sight Unseen Theatre, M.

Butterfly, Sweeney Todd (Seven Ovation nominations), Working (Outstanding Choreography,

Small Theater) and Enron (Outstanding Choreography, Small Theater), all at the Production

Company, The Snow Queen (Memorable Choreography, Small Theater) at the Fremont Centre

Theatre, Where's Charley for 42nd St. Moon, as well as additional choreography for I’d Rather

Be Right at the Hudson Theater, Dolls! at the Santa Monica Playhouse and Pacific Opera

Project's The Mikado. She served as the resident choreographer for the Marina Del Rey

Symphony’s Summer Dance Concert, creating 4 original ballets.

Film and video choreography includes the music video for the Band Pie's gorgeous song Yo Se,

a flash mob scene for the hot web series Squad 85, My Life on the F List, the feature films

Hollywood Fringe and Ghost Light, and Lullaby, a Zombie Musical. Commercial work includes

four national spots for Big Lots and a web video for Poise. With Weyward Sisters Productions,

she created two dance films; Surrender to the Mystery and Nevada Line. The 2018 dance film

Too Many Bodies, has been accepted into over 30 film festivals including SF International

Dance Film Festival, the Santa Barbara International Dance Film Festival, and the Sedona

International Film Festival. It has won numerous best of awards. Films released in 2022;

Floating Falling Flying and Fragmentary Evidence; Detritus were also featured at multiple

festivals, winning awards for best choreography, direction, and best dance film.

She made her LA directorial debut in August 2012 directing and choreographing SkyPilot

Theatre's smash hit War Bride, which received rave reviews, an extension and 7 StageScene

LA awards, including Outstanding Direction of a Play. She made her Fringe Festival Directorial

debut in 2015 with Skanky Me From Kankakee, which received a producers' encore

presentation. 2019’s Rewind, a New 80’s Pop Musical, earned the same honor. She has also

worked with Fierce Backbone and Fresh Produc'd on new works.

Nancy is a dedicated dance educa

Rachel Fine, RD.... Joins TuTu Thin for a Conversation about her Work with Dancers and how to Nourish Their Bodies for Peak Performance

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0700

Rachel Fine is a board-certified Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with advanced certifications in Eating Disorders (CEDS-C), Sports Nutrition (CSSD), and Intuitive Eating. Rachel founded To The Pointe Nutrition in 2013, and built The Healthy Dancer® curriculum with the mission to provide credible nutrition education to all dancers, including dance parents and dance educators worldwide.

The Healthy Dancer® combines Rachel’s expertise in performance nutrition with a non-diet and weight-inclusive approach to food and body image. Rachel specializes in nutrition for dancers, with a focus on eating disorders, disordered eating, orthorexia, and perfectionism.

With a Masters degree in Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics from New York University, Rachel completed her Dietetic Internship at NYU Langone Medical Center and at The Mount Sinai Hospital. After receiving licensure, Rachel joined the staff at NYU Langone Medical Center as a Clinical Dietitian. Past academic appointments include Clinical Adjunct Instructor of Medical Nutrition Therapy at New York University and Adjunct Professor of Sports Nutrition at Long Island University.

Rachel's experience spans further with research at NYU Langone's Harkness Center for Dance Injuries. Rachel is also a monthly columnist for Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine, and Dance Teacher Magazine. In addition to her private practice, Rachel is the consulting dietitian for Dance Masterclass and Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), as well as the on-site dietitian for The School of American Ballet.

Following the Dance Steps of Raul Machorro from Dancer to Choreographer and Beyond

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Raul Machorro shares his story from a young child with no dance experience to The High School of Performing Arts in Houston to The Houston Ballet and on to Los Angeles as a dancer. His story is compelling and one that shows to never

Raul loves sharing his passion for fitness and dance with everyone he meets! He's a master teacher for Equinox and has choreographed for Coca-Cola, Los Angeles Opera, The Latin Grammy’s, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Taio Cruz, Santa Barbara Opera and many more. His dance credits include many shows, commercials and he recently wrapped Holey Moley 2 on ABC.

In Search of Compassion and Spirituality…… Dr Terry Eagan and Beata Lundeen, CSD

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Terry V. Eagan, M.D. is a prominent Beverly Hills psychiatrist, founder and CEO of Eagan Medical Group, LLC., a thriving mental health practice treating over 2000 patients annually. His private patients have included leaders in industry, politics, and performers from television, music and film, many of whom have been at the extremes of celebrity. Dr. Eagan is an expert in the complexities of mental health and addiction treatment and he specializes in effective treatment regimens for all types of emotional distress that often can arise from being in positions of responsibility and public attention.

Dr. Eagan is a highly respected and sought after consultant who has served as Medical Director for several addiction and eating disorder treatment centers throughout Los Angeles including Monte Nido Residential Treatment Center, Carousel Transitional Living and the Eating Disorder Center of California. His range of specialties includes primary psychiatric conditions, eating disorders, substance-abuse disorders, impulse control disorders, trauma & abuse, human sexuality and spiritual therapy. Dr. Eagan's treatment approach incorporates pharmacologic interventions with evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapies, adjunctive modalities and traditional spiritual practices.

Dr. Eagan is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and Medical Board of California as a physician and surgeon License #G067163, and he is a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners. He served as chief resident in
psychiatry at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Medicine from 1990-1992 and he also helps shape healthcare policy in The United States as a consultant to the Physician's Advisory Board of the National Republican Congressional Committee, serving as Honorary Chairman for the State of California.

Dr. Eagan is an internationally respected physician, lecturer and consultant. An expert in Professional Ethics and Compassion Fatigue, Dr. Eagan has guided training programs for individual practitioners, multinational corporations, public school systems, community health centers, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, and universities. He has been involved in numerous psychopharmacology studies for eight international pharmaceutical companies and he lectures on psychopharmacology to physicians across the United States.

Dr. Eagan has been featured in dozens of publications, including Variety, Forbes, New York Magazine, and has appeared as a mental health consultant on several radio and television programs, including the Today Show.

Beata: has had a career in nursing, business development, training, executive leadership, mentoring and spiritual direction. Her experience speaks to her roles as a change agent and a connector of people both nationally and internationally. She is able to honor an individual’s strengths and uniqueness leaving a lasting impression through the lens of kindness, openness, service compassion, and radical hospitality.

Beata received a certificate in the Art of Spiritual Direction and serves as a spiritual companion to both individuals and and treatment centers. She is a retreat leader and the co founder of Prayer for Compassion, and agency which offers group training and facilitation, guided retreats for private one on one experiences and organizations.

Beata’s foundational personal journey and professional experience guides others in the art of deep listening, storytelling, sharing of faith stories, spiritual growth, contemplative and intentional spiritual practices and personal discernment of life transitions

Lauren Gaul Shares her Transition from Radio City Rockette to Associate Professor of The Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Lauren Gaul has a multifaceted professional career performing as a Radio City Rockette for over 10 years appearing in the national touring company and on the great stage at Radio City Music Hall. She was also a Rockette swing for three years and worked under the direction of; Linda Haberman, Julie Branam, Dennis Callahan, Becky Downing, and Eileen Grace. As a Rockette she appeared in numerous media tours, events, and parades and on stages such as Radio City Music Hall, the Grand Ol’ Opry, the Wang (Boston), and the Fox (Detroit). She choreographed the Drama League Nominated production of Tennessee Williams's The Mutilated starring Mink Stole and Penny Arcade (off Broadway). Her choreography has been presented at Jacob's Pillow Inside Out, Jazz Dance World Congress Emerging Artist Event, Broadway Dance Center, SUNY Purchase, Pace University, Jazz at Lincoln Center and many more. She assistant choreographed shows off Broadway, for regional theater (MSMT), for awards shows (Elan Awards), industrials (Footlocker, Izod, Sesame Street etc.), and cruise lines (Princess, Celebrity), and assistant choreographed for Broadway Bares for three years under the direction of Jerry Mitchell and Denis Jones.

She graduated cum laude with a degree in dance performance from Oklahoma City University under the tutelage of Director Jo Rowan and returned to school to get her MFA in dance performance and teaching from the Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase College. While at Purchase she was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Kazuko Hirabayshi and Roz Newman. For her graduate research she reconstructed a Ruth Currier piece under the direction of Ann Vachon and Alan Danielson of the Limon foundation. In her graduate concerts she worked with many repetiteurs, such as Jim May (Sokolow Foundation), Regina Larkin (Joyce Tristler foundation), The Nagrin Foundation and performed pieces choreographed by Max Stone, Cherice Barton, Daniel Nagrin, Pedro Ruiz, Mark Morris, Joyce Trisler, and Anna Sokolow.

Lauren is an Associate Professor of dance and the Associate Executive Director of Sands College of Performing Arts at Pace University where she co-wrote and co-founded the BFA Commercial Dance program in 2012. She served for five years as Co-Director of the BFA program and directed the Dance Out Loud concert as well as the Senior Showcase. She recently stepped in as Interim Program Head of the BFA Commercial Dance program where she teaches courses in Jazz Pedagogy, Jazz Technique I and III, Ballet Pedagogy, Dance History, Senior Seminar, Senior Project, Freshman Seminar UNV 101 and more. Her other teaching credits include: Broadway Dance Center, New Dance Group, Dance Masters of America, Perry Mansfield, The Rockette Experience, Oklahoma City University, MacComb College, SUNY Purchase School of the Arts and Conservatory of Dance, NYCDA SDI, The Arts Council of Pennsylvania, and numerous other schools, studios, conventions, and intensives nationwide. Lauren is an ABT® certified teacher from Primary to level 5 and was an Artist in Residence and Director of Dance at the New York School for the Deaf where she created and taught a dance program for students from kindergarten to high school. Lauren Gaul currently lives in Bergen County, New Jersey with her husband, and two daughters, she is an avid watercolor painter and crocheter and loves summers on the Connecticut coast line.

Maggie Felmann talks about her work as an Animal Activist Rescuing Animals in the LA Fires and her work as a Recovery Coach..... When you Recover, Anything is Possible

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0800

When you recover, you can do almost anything… ✨

Join us as we welcome Maggie Felmann to the TuTu Thin Podcast! Maggie, an Eating Disorder Coach and passionate animal advocate, shares her incredible journey—from battling an unforgiving eating disorder to rescuing animals during the LA fires and helping others heal.

Growing up as a young artist in West LA, Maggie faced the pressures of perfection firsthand. After years of struggle, she made a promise to herself: to guide others toward recovery. Now, with training from the Carolyn Costin Institute and a deep well of personal experience, she helps her clients reclaim their voices, their lives, and their future.

Recovery is possible. Healing is real. And Maggie is living proof.

We are Enough as Dancers...... A Candid Talk with Dr. Ines Pinto and Choreographer Isira Makuloluwe

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 23:00:00 -0800

Professor Inês Pinto, MD, Ph.D., is a renowned Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist from Portugal and one of only three specialists in her field in the country to hold a Ph.D. She graduated from Porto Medical School in 2008 at the age of 23, having entered the program at just 17. Alongside her medical career, Inês has a background in classical ballet, an early passion that informs her ongoing interest in the mental health of performing artists.
Currently, serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, the Catholic University Medical School, and the Institute of Applied Psychology (ISPA). She is also a certified trainer in the Circle of Security International R Model, a clinical intervention framework grounded in Attachment Theory and Reflexive Functioning, designed to support parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
In clinical practice, Professor Pinto specializes in Eating BehaviorDisorders, Perinatal Psychiatry, and Early Childhood Support, working within Portugal’s Public Health System. She is also the supervisor of the Research Committee at the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at Beatriz Ângelo Hospital in Lisbon.
Her contributions extend beyond clinical and academic work. Professor Pinto is an active member of the Portuguese Association of Psychoanalytic Couple and Family Psychotherapy (Poiesis) and the international mental health advisory group for the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS). She advises on dancers’ mental health at the Lisbon Dance Department of the National Conservatoire, merging her psychiatric expertise with her lifelong connection to the arts.

Isira Makuloluwe, B.Sc., MA is an acclaimed British-Sri Lankan choreographer with over 30 years of experience in contemporary dance and theatre. While earning a degree in Molecular Biology, he trained in ballet and completed his studies at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York. His performance career spanned America and Europe, showcasing a diverse repertoire in ballet, modern, and contemporary dance.

Since 2000, Isira has gained recognition as a groundbreaking choreographer, creating 20 original works in dance and physical theatre. He led his own dance company in France for over a decade, becoming the only British choreographer to secure fixed-term funding there. He has also choreographed for companies like the Geneva Opera Ballet and Phoenix Dance Theatre (UK). Among his accolades are being a finalist at the Japan International Dance Competition (2001) and winning the Best Choreography Prize at the Kuopio International Festival (2003).

In 2008, Isira launched Dynamic Releasing©, an innovative training method enabling participants to develop technical skills through innate movement pathways and sensory memory. The system empowers students to channel or overcome personal trauma, fostering growth and self-expression. His method has been taught in over a dozen countries worldwide.

With an MA in TV Journalism and Documentary Film, Isira also directs award-winning documentaries, including Shadow of the Bull (2014), which won the British Journalism Training Council’s Best Documentary Award.

Based in Portugal since 2011, Isira directs Ericeira Dance Studio, a movement research hub offering classes, internships, and residencies.

Links: @dynamicreleasing

vimeo.com/dancetheatremedia

Traditions for the Holidays

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0800

In this episode I explore holiday traditions that I have enjoyed. Traditions are important in eating disorder recovery because they replace the rituals.

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

We will resume podcasts on January 10th.

Happy Holidays to everyone and Thank you for listening.

Talking with Dr. Susan Mayes and Dr. Beth Shelton regarding the The Australian Ballet and their Body Image and Disordered Eating Guidelines

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 23:00:00 -0800

An in depth conversation about the guidelines recently created by the Australian Ballet regarding body image, disordered eating, and eating disorders. Dr beth Shelton and Dr Susan Mayes were instrumental in the development of the guidelines. I am excited to have you hear their process of educating different departments within The Australian Ballet. This was a two year process and the results are really incredible. I hope that other ballet companies will follow in their footsteps.

Dr. Beth Shelton recently finished as National Director of the National Eating Disorder Collaboration (NEDC), a national sector collaboration dedicated to developing and implementing a consistent, evidence-based system of care for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders. In August 2024 NEDC launched the National Eating Disorders Strategy 2023-2033 - a call to action and a roadmap for people who care about and are responsible for improving Australia’s response to eating disorders.
Dr. Shelton is a counselling psychologist with decades of experience working with individuals experiencing eating disorders and their families/supports. She developed and led an innovative community early intervention program at Monash Link Community Health Service and was clinical lead of the adult outpatient team of Monash Health’s eating disorder treatment service. Dr. Shelton worked with the Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders for 10 years providing complex case consultation, training and service development in Victorian mental health services. Dr. Shelton co-led a project with Orygen headspace services to support staff to provide guided help for eating disorders and helped to formulate the headspace national eating disorders practice principles. Dr. Shelton has recently collaborated with the Australian Ballet on Body Image and Disordered Eating Guidelines: A framework for action and prevention of eating disorders. She has a distinguished professional history in contemporary dance and is interested in the role of movement and embodied experience in evidence-based interventions for disordered eating and body image problems.

Dr Susan Mayes AM has been the Principal Physiotherapist of The Australian Ballet since 1997 and is the Director of Artistic Health. The Australian Ballet’s health and wellbeing support for dancers is world-renowned. Sue also consults for national and international professional sport. Sue is an Adjunct Associate Professor at La Trobe University and received a Distinguished Alumni Award from La Trobe University in 2018. She has published ballet injury related papers, and is currently researching ankle, foot and hip joint health, and mental fatigue in professional ballet dancers as part of the partnership between The Australian Ballet and La Trobe University. Sue has been invited to speak at international conferences, and lectures throughout Australia, UK and Europe. Sue was awarded an Order of Australia in 2020 for her work on preventing dance injury and improving outcomes for ballet dancers.

https://nedc.com.au/

Steven Melendez, Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet and the subject of the movie "Lift" shares his Journey from Homeless Shelter to Dancer

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0800

Steven Melendez was born in New York City in 1986 and began his ballet training as part of the LIFT Scholarship Program at Ballet School New York at the age of seven while living in a New York City homeless shelter. Later, he studied at the School of American Ballet and attended summer programs with the San Francisco Ballet Academy, Houston Ballet Academy, and Kaatsbaan International School.

In 2001 Melendez joined New York Theatre Ballet (NYTB) as an apprentice and in 2006 was promoted to Principal. While there he performed leading roles in choreographies by Fredrick Ashton, George Balanchine, John Butler, Agnes DeMille, Donald Mahler, Antony Tudor, and others. In 2004, while dancing with New York Theatre Ballet, he graduated from the American Ballet Theater Studio Company Associate Program. The program culminated in a performance of Oblivion by Jessica Lang and Continuo by Antony Tudor.

For the 2006 season Melendez was invited to Buenos Aires as a Guest Soloist to perform with Ballet Concierto, directed by Iñaki Urlezaga. His repertory there included Carmen (Alonso), Don Quixote (Baryshnikov), Symphonic Variations (Ashton) and Borodin (Ariaz). While performing with Ballet Concierto, Melendez traveled extensively performing in international ballet galas and festivals in Argentina, New Zealand, Thailand, Venezuela, Ecuador, Estonia, Spain, and Italy.

In 2007 Melendez joined the Vanemuine Theater Ballet Company in Tartu, Estonia as a principal dancer. With the Vanemuine Theater he performed principal roles in Onegin (Medvedjev), The Nutcracker (Isberg), Giselle (Feco) and Peter Pan (Titova), the leading male role in Par Isberg’s Uinuv Kaunitar (Sleeping Beauty) as well as the title role in Ruslan Stepanov’s Kevade were both choreographed on him.

In 2008 Melendez received a Diploma from the 5th Rudolf Nureyev International Ballet Competition in Budapest, Hungary. He also received special recognition from head jurist Maya Plisetskya for his second-round performance of Onegin. Afterwards, he was invited to perform in the gala entitled Celebrating the Classical Male Dancer and later represented Estonia at the 13th International Baltic Ballet Festival in Riga, Latvia.

Melendez returned to New York City in March 2010 for New York Theatre Ballet’s Signature 10 series as a Principal Guest Artist performing José Limon’s Mazurkas and rejoined the company full-time the following season. In 2011 Melendez worked with British choreographer Sir Richard Alston to create his new work A Rugged Flourish and performed Limon’s The Moor’s Pavane for NYTB’s Signatures 12. Melendez is a Van- Lier Fellowship recipient and was a 2012 Clive Barnes Foundation Award Nominee.

In 2015 Melendez celebrated his 15th season with New York Theatre Ballet performing world premieres in works by Pam Tanowitz and Nicolo Fonte, and U.S. premieres of Alston’s Such Longing and Light Flooding into Darkened Rooms. He was a frequent guest artist at the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, a Resident Guest Artist at Ballet Palm Beach in Florida, and has performed in galas and festivals in Mexico and Japan.

Melendez co-choreographed his first large-scale work, Song Before Spring, for New York Theatre Ballet which was named a Dance Europe critic's choice “Best Premiere” of 2016. In 2018 Melendez received a Declaration of Recognition from the Mayor of Trujillo, Peru with gratitude from the municipality of Trujillo, and a Diploma of Honor from the Governo

A Candid Talk with Yasi Ansari, Registered Dietitian and Specialist in Sports Dietetics

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0800

Yasi Ansari is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics based in Los Angeles, CA. She is the owner of Yasi Ansari Nutrition, LLC a consulting practice specializing in nutrition for athletic performance and nutrition therapy for eating disorders/disordered eating. She helps competitive athletes and performing artists improve their relationship with food while providing guidance that supports meeting the nutritional demands for their sport. In addition, she works with adolescents diagnosed with eating disorders at the Medical Stabilization Program at UCLA Health Santa Monica Medical Center.

She is a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Chair-Elect of the Academy's Sports and Human Performance Nutrition dietetic practice group. She collaborates with the Athletes and the Arts initiative to help create educational content for performing arts athletes and co-hosts the Athletes and the Arts podcast. Yasi graduated from UCLA and earned a master's degree from California State University, Northridge.

Meet Brett and Jenny from The Ballet Help Desk

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0700

It was so great to have Jenny and Brett on as guests from The Ballet Help Desk. They are two moms who spent years trying to figure out how to support their dancing kids. From the competition circuit to ballet training to their professional careers, we stumbled along trying to support our kids in the best way we knew how.

After several years on this path, we’re ready to share what we’ve learned with you!

If you have questions or want to contact the Ballet Help Desk.......

URL: www.ballethelpdesk.com

Instagram: @ballethelpdesk

Facebook: BalletHelpDesk

Meet Elizabeth Eckhoff, former professional dancer and owner of The Dance Company in Fairfield, Ohio

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Elizabeth Eckhoff received her early dance training as a student of Nellie Lou

Downie in Fairfield, Ohio. She went on to study at the Cincinnati Conservatory

of Music, Miami University in Oxford, in New York City, and on the national

convention circuit before establishing a career as a performer and

choreographer. She served as Dance Captain and Assistant Choreographer for

numerous shows at Disney’s Orlando theme parks, including The Magic

Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios and Pleasure Island. She also has

entertained internationally, touring with the prestigious Crown Odyssey and

Norwegian Cruise Line. She was hand-picked to appear on Broadway in The

Will Rogers Follies. She also continues to freelance as a dancer and

choreographer.

Elizabeth once again resides in Fairfield, OH with her family. She continues to

share her expertise and passion for dance at the Studio she grew up in and now

owns.

From Dancer with Cirque de Soleil to Eating Disorder Coach with Marcia Moreno Littman

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Marcia Moreno Littman started dancing at the age of four and was instantly in love! Excelling in tap, hip hop, ballet, and contemporary, she became a professional dancer at age 15 and won the title of Miss Dance International for the United States in 2000. Marcia has danced in many shows including “The Fashionistas”, Cirque Du Soleil’s “Zumanity”, the role of the Dreamer in “Le Reve”, Twyla Tharp’s “Come Fly Away” Broadway Tour, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars. After many years of struggling with an eating disorder even at the height of her career, she began embarking on her journey of recovery at the age of 29 to save her life. At 41 today, and after being recovered for 11 years from ED, she takes great pleasure in coaching others through their recovery journeys. She completed Carolyn Costin’s coaching program to become a certified CCI eating disorder coach with great pride in 2023. For Marcia, being a coach and guiding others towards recovery is a true calling of the heart.

Advice for Dancers, Parents and Dance Teachers for a New Dance Season

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Educate yourself on language and areas of concern as we begin a new season of dance.

A Candid talk with Chloe Angyal about her book "Turning Pointe.....How a New Generation of Dancers is Saving Ballet from Itself'

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Chloe Angyal is the author of Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers Is Saving Ballet From Itself, which was the result of years of reporting on gender and power in American ballet. Her writing about ballet has appeared in Jezebel, HuffPost, and the Washington Post, and has been quoted in the New York Times. She is also the author of two romance novels, Pas de Don't and Pointe of Pride. Originally from Sydney, Australia, she lives in Iowa.

IG: @chloe.angyal.writes

The Olympics.... How to be a Healthy Dancer and Athlete in Mind, Body and Spirit

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0700

As the Olympics comes to an end and we begin to look toward 2028 in Los Angeles, my town…… I want to express my gratitude to all the athletes who have worked so hard to achieve their dreams. It takes years of dedication and hard work to be able to make it to the Olympics and athletes and dancers cannot do it alone. It takes support from coaches, loved ones as well as the drive from within the athlete. Congratulations to all the athletes who competed in the Olympics….. what an accomplishment. Let's explore the Mind, Body, and Spirit of the Dancer and Athlete

From Ballet to Baseball .... an in depth Interview with Ballerina Roni Mahler I

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Roni Mahler is a former ballerina who was trained by the renowned Madame Maria Yurieva Swoboda. Ms. Mahler performed principal roles with American Ballet Theatre and the National Ballet of Washington (D.C.), after beginning her career in her teens with the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.

For over three decades, Roni was the Artistic Associate of Dennis Nahat’s Cleveland Ballet/Ballet San Jose, where she taught and coached, as well as performed “character” roles with that internationally-acclaimed ballet troupe. A native of New York City, Ms. Mahler's teaching credits include Ballet Academy East, The Alvin Ailey School, The Juilliard School, Florence (Italy) Summer Dance, The Joffrey School, Ballet Tech, and School of Ballet San Jose. Roni is a former tenured Assistant Professor and director of Dance at Kansas State University, where she initiated the KSU Dance Degree program. Kansas State has since honored her with the Roni Mahler Ballet Studio. For fifteen years, they presented an annual award in her name.

Roni choreographed for Cynthia Gregory and Fernando Bujones during their City Center season in New York. She is the creator of "Ballet Movement for the Athlete,” a fitness program she customized for the Cleveland Browns. Her 6-DVD collection... “The Complete Guide To Teaching Ballet”... enables dance teachers to explore training methods for all ages.

You can reach Roni at www.ronimahlerballet.com

Social Media, Conformity and the impacts on Dancers and Eating Disorders

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Social Media and conformity to sociocultural norms and messages about diet culture and body image can have a negative impact on dancer's psychological perspective on risk factors such as body image dissatisfaction, perfectionism, critical thoughts and cognitive distortions.

Declaration of Independence from your Eating Disorder

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0700

As we approach our 248th birthday for the United States, I like to look at the Declaration of Independence and why we separated from Great Britain. They wanted to separate from Great Britain for the right of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For those struggling with an eating disorder, think about your declaration of independence from your eating disorder. The Declaration of Independence continues to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom and equality. Are you ready to fight for your freedom from your eating disorder?

Interview with Keira Leverton, choreographer of Choreo Records Tap Company

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0700

Keira Anne Leverton
Director of Tap Program,
Director, Contemporary Youth Tap Ensemble CompanyKeira Anne Leverton received her early tap training from her tap teacher Terry Wolter, and her grandfather, Buster Cooper. Later she sought the training of Acia Gray in Austin, Barbara Phillips in San Antonio, and Jay Fagan in Chicago. Much of her exposure to the tap community was through tap festivals such as the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and the Third Coast Rhythm Project. She has had the privilege of studying with many professionals in the field, such as Derick K. Grant, Lane Alexander, Bril Barrett, Henry LeTang, Sam Weber, Nicole Hockenberry, Dianne Walker, Gregory Hines, and Yuji Uragami. In 2010, she received the Gene, Louise, and Fred Kelly Tap Teacher Scholarship.Leverton has performed at such venues as Radio City Music Hall, the Kodak Theatre, the Sky Dome in Toronto, and Wembley Stadium in London. She toured nationally and internationally as a dancer and later as dance captain with “Barney’s Colorful World” from 2003-2004. She played “Bert” and various chorus characters in Sesame Street Live’s touring productions of “Elmo Makes Music“, and “When Elmo Grows Up” in 2007-2008.In 2011, she received the opportunity to work and travel internationally to Japan, Korea, Turkey, Europe, and the UK as “Grover” with “Sesame Street Live’s USO Experience for Military Families”, as a part of Michelle Obama’s project “Joining Forces”. The tour kicked off with First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden in attendance.Leverton’s acting credits include the lead role in the award winning short film “Bitch” that was selected to play at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007.Keira co-founded and co-directed the Drawbacks Youth Tap Ensemble, Dallas’ oldest and longest running youth tap ensemble. She also co-founded and co-directed the Dallas based tap company, Rhythmic Souls. Many of her students have gone on to dance in professional shows.
Leverton’s latest endeavor is the resurrection of her grandfather’s company, Choreo Records with the addition of the youth tap company. The Choreo Records Company mission is to preserve and promote the historic choreographic works of jazz and tap dance master Buster Cooper.
As a teacher, Keira is passionate about preserving the history of the indigenous American art of tap dance. She maintains constant interaction with the national and international tap community, so that in addition to her original works and the historical traditional material, she may bring fresh and up to date information to her students.

The "F"s of Perfectionism

Thu, 30 May 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Being "perfect" means getting straight "A's." I challenge you to get the "f's" in your life. Listen to how the "f"s can enhance your life and help you find balance. As a dancer, we are always striving for perfectionism and balance. Don't be afraid to let the "f's" in your life.

May Is Mental Health Month

Thu, 16 May 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Mental health is just as important as our physical health. If you are anyone you know if struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. There are many resources available for mental health. Text 988 for the Suicide hotline.

You are not alone!

A Candid Talk with Delaney Wilder, Pro Bowl NFL Cheerleader and Dancer

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0700

I am so excited to have Delaney Wilder on the podcast. Delaney is a 7x NFL Cheerleader and currently the Head Captain of the Cincinnati Ben-Gal Cheerleaders. She has represented the Ben-Gals on 2 oversea military tours, was elected 2022 Pro Bowl Cheerleader by her teammates and has cheered on the world's biggest stage - the Super Bowl.

Delaney is a Miami University graduate with two degrees - Communication and Family Science. She is currently studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer. From 9:00-5:00, she works as an Analyst for brands such as Coca-Cola and Colgate. Delaney is used to the busy lifestyle and says 'this lifestyle is all she's ever known.'

As Head Captain, Delaney is passionate about pouring into her teammates. She shows up every day with a smile and believes her attitude and leadership directly impacts each person's experience. She strives to make each practice, game and moment great.

In her spare time, Delaney enjoys strength training, family time and long walks with her French Bulldog, Ivy.

Mia Mormino talks about Her Journey to Follow her Dream

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Mia Mormino is more than just a pop star in the making. Look a little closer, past the Los Angeles native's massive pop anthems, tens of millions of streams and views, sold-out live shows, and you'll find what every artist hopes for but few ever achieve: authenticity. What cuts through most in Mia's impossibly catchy and heartfelt music is a singular message of self-empowerment. It's an easy theme for lesser artists to pantomime unconvincingly. However, for this singer/songwriter, her difficult journey to get to that place of self-love is precisely what makes her message so genuine and her music so compelling.

Mia's vulnerability and unwillingness to shy away from controversial topics undeniably make her a vital and relatable artist to her fans. Beyond the bravery that underpins her confessional songwriting style, Mia's unabashed exploration of an ever-widening array of genres and musical influences further positions her as an artist whose name you ought to know.

From her music being featured in 300+ television shows and films, such as "Law & Order" and "Ginny & Georgia," to headlining iconic Los Angeles venues like The Roxy and The Viper Room, this is only the beginning of Mia's destined path to stardom. Be sure to keep your ear out for Mia Mormino, as she truly is changing the world with her art.

A Candid talk with registered Dietitian and NFL Cheerleader, Ashley Martinez, owner of Nutrition for Cheerleaders

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Ashley Anna Martinez, MFN, RDN, LD is a Chef, Dietitian, and 3 x Professional Cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals. Her food philosophy is simple, "All foods fit". She has helped many dancers and professional cheerleaders reach their highest performance potential by providing her expertise in culinary and nutrition. Ashley has been dancing since the age of 5 and cheerleading since the second grade. She cheered at Ohio University in Athens, OH and received her Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition. She got her Master's in Nutrition through Bowling Green State University and her Culinary Arts Degree through The Midwest Culinary Institute. Ashley recently left her corporate job after over twenty years to pursue launching her own business, Nutrition for Cheerleaders. While working for one of the largest grocers in the United States, Ashley was awarded Retail Dietitian of the Year in 2017 and in 2018, received an Innovation Award through Progressive Grocer for her collaborative work on nutrition programs. Ashley will be auditioning for her fourth season and is looking forward to growing her new business and utilizing her talents to help dancers who aspire to go pro.

An Inspirational Story From Obesity to Marathon Runner with Roger Wright...... An Inspiring Tale of Resilience and Determination

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 23:00:00 -0700

Roger Wright was morbidly obese his entire life, eventually reaching 325 lbs by his late
40s. Having failed at 100s of diets, food plans, nutritionists, etc and was one signed form away from having gastric bypass surgery, he came up with a completely unpredictable and "impossible" plan that shocked his wife, his friends and even himself.

Roger's father ran the Boston Marathon in 1969 and he promised to one day run it. Even
though he had never run a mile in his life, in June of 2008 at the age of 47 and failing health, he signed up for the 2009 Boston Marathon, running for the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation, a disease his 9 year old niece Julia has.

He had 10 months to change his life, had never run a mile in his life and didn't have a clue on how to train for a race, let alone a 26.2 mile marathon. In his first week of training, he was able to run 10 yards, before gasping for air, fear of a heart attack and having to stop.

But he never gave up.

On April 20th 2009, Roger lost almost 125 pounds (163 pounds) and ran all 26.2 miles of the 2009 Boston Marathon nonstop.

In order to raise money for CF, he made a video chronicling his weight loss, eventually
going "viral" with over 9 million views! Due to its popularity, he appeared on several TV shows including Dr Oz, as well interviewed for publication in numerous books, magazines and on websites.

Many that were inspired by the video (renamed/reposted "The Most Inspiring Video You Will Ever Watch" by a friend) reached out to Roger for help with their own weight
issues. Realizing he had an obligation to help others, he traveled around the world to run marathons with anyone willing to accept his challenge. In the 12 years since Roger ran his first marathon, he has completed 70 "Full" (26.2 miles) and Ultra (>26.2 miles) marathons.

In March 2021, right after completing his 70th marathon and training for his 71st, Roger felt a pain in his right knee, eventually reaching a pain level of 8.5 out of 10. After an MRI revealed that he had numerous issues including a torn meniscus, a ruptured MCL and osteoarthritis, his orthopedist broke the devastating news that his running days were over.

After a downward spiral that lasted well over a year, he did everything he could to find a solution and prove the doctors wrong. In a last ditch effort, Roger plunked down $7000
for stem cells in 2022. In May of 2023, Roger was able to run/walk 28.50 miles, again raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. Incredibly, the pain level in his knee after completing the 28.50 miles was essentially 0!

Now at the age of 62 and after a few more physical setbacks, Roger is now back training to run his 71st marathon in the fall of this year (2024)! Join us as he shares his inspirational story of overcoming obesity and proving that anyone can make an "impossible" change if they never give up and believe in themselves.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week Talk with Jamie Singletary

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 23:00:00 -0800

Jamie Singleteary, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who loves to inspire and
empower individuals on their journey to healthy purposeful living. She is a
graduate of Ball State University with a B.A. in Telecommunications and Clark
Atlanta University with a M.A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Jamie began
her professional career in mental health in 2005 and has worked in multiple
behavioral healthcare settings over the years. From higher levels of structured care in hospitals to outpatient programming. Her work is her passion. She enjoys working with her
clients on improving communication, resolving conflict, repairing relationships
and growing through the struggles of life. Jamie is a former NFL cheerleader and uses her skills off the field to work with the NFL on ways to improve team morale, self esteem, professional relationships and social emotional learning. Jamie is
currently the Director of Clinical Brand Development for Within Health.

“I have an eclectic theoretical orientation. The therapeutic approaches I’m motivated by are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Mindfulness and Exposure Therapy. I navigate understanding and change by using relatable approaches and patience. Having a safe space for sharing and being heard is essential in this work.

A Talk with the former American Ballet Theatre Dancer.... Lisa Lockwood

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 23:00:00 -0800

Lisa Lockwood danced with American Ballet Theatre for ten years, subsequently with Feld Ballet, and was an original cast member of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. A short list of the choreographers she worked with personally include Anthony Tudor, George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Glen Tetley, Eliot Feld and Sir Kenneth McMillan.

Currently she teaches at Ballet Academy East. She worked at Steps on Broadway in the open program in New York from 1998. - 2024. She was also a faculty member and Ballet Chair for the School at Steps. She has taught at Broadway Dance Center, Ballet Hispanico, Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theatre, Julliard, Sarah Lawrence, High School For the Performing Arts, and is much in demand as a guest teacher all over the world: the Metropolitan Opera, The Royal Ballet School (Denmark), Joffrey Ballet, and Edmonton Ballet. She worked closely with Martine Van Hamel for 16 years in the summer Ballet Intensive at Kaatsbaan Dance Center. Additionally she teaches and coaches private students who are motivated to bring their ballet proficiency to the highest possible level.

Speaking with Dr. Anita Johnston, Author of the book "Eating in the Light of the Moon"

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 23:00:00 -0800

Anita Johnston, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and author of Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationships with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling, which has been published in seven languages.

She is the co-creator of the Light of the Moon Café, an online resource with interactive and self-study courses for women around the world.

A pioneer in the field of eating psychology for over thirty-five years, she is currently the Founder and Executive Clinical Director of Ai Pono Hawaii Eating Disorder Programs, which has a residential eating disorder treatment program on Maui.

Dr. Johnston provides virtual individual consultations and conducts workshops internationally. She is best known for integrating metaphor and storytelling into her training as a clinical psychologist to explain the complex issues that underlie struggles with eating and body image.

You can find her at:

Dr. Anita Johnston:

https://dranitajohnston.com/

FB/IG@dranitajohnston

Light of the Moon Cafe:

https://lightofthemooncafe.com/

FB/IG: @lightofthemooncafe

Ai Pono Hawaii

https://aipono.com

FB/IG: @aiponohawaii

Free Food & Metaphor Guide:

Lightofthemooncafe.com/bma

Colleen O'Callaghan - A Lifelong Dedication to Dance and Wellness

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 23:00:00 -0800

Colleen O'Callaghan has been a professional ballet dancer since the age of 16 and continues her remarkable journey at the age of 64. Her life's passion has been the art of ballet, where she has honed her skills and embodied the grace and discipline it demands.

Today, Colleen's mission extends beyond the stage. Her goal is to share her knowledge and expertise with others, helping them to discover the transformative power of movement. With a profound understanding of body mechanics, Colleen teaches individuals how to sit, stand, walk, and lie down correctly, achieving a harmonious balance of body and mind through proper vertical alignment.

Colleen's unique approach involves using the Zena Rommett Floor Barre Technique®, which emphasizes the importance of the floor as a teacher and the mind-body connection as a guiding force. With a strong internal focus on the mind, she encourages her students to listen attentively to what their bodies are whispering, allowing them to unlock their full potential.

Join Colleen on this journey of self-discovery and wellness, and experience the profound benefits of her expertise in achieving a balanced and harmonious life."

Tips for the Holidays - Family, Food and Fun

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 23:00:00 -0800

The holidays are supposed to be a magical time of the year when you have the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and friend.s. It can also be a very difficult time for those who struggle with eating disorders. As a dancer, you may have had a long season of Nutcracker performances and then the anticipation of seeing family. I have outlines some tips that I hope will be helpful to you during the season of joy. Happy Holidays and Happy 2024.

The Release of my 2nd book "Mother, Men and Me" A Memoir of Anxiety, Anorexia and Affairs

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:00:00 -0800

| In Mother, Men and Me: A Memoir of Anxiety, Anorexia and Affairs, Dawn Smith-Theodore unveils a potent saga of love, deceit, and resilience. Amid her personal battle with anorexia, convoluted romantic entanglements, and shocking family secrets, she finds refuge in dance. This memoir reveals the raw complexity of mother-daughter relationships, shedding light on how our familial bonds shape our lives and choices. Discover Dawn's journey from darkness to redemption in this compelling narrative.
| Dawn Smith-Theodore, is a respected psychotherapist and eating disorder expert with over twenty years of experience as well as being recovered from anorexia herself. She was a professional dancer, a former flight attendant, and owned a dance studio in Los Angeles for twenty-five years. An esteemed author and host of the show "TuTu Thin: A Podcast for Dancers," Dawn provides insights from a dance professional's perspective, helping dancers and parents around the world navigate healthy living.
| Unveil the Layers of Love, Lies, and Secrets Between a Mother and Daughter in this Riveting Memoir of Survival and Redemption

How to Heal Dancers from Eating Disorders with Relationships

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 23:00:00 -0800

It is important for dancers to trust themselves and their body so having confidence and self acceptance is key in the recovery process. Surrounding yourself with community who knows your needs and how to support you. Dance is a passion so use it as a motivation to recover. Nourish your body as it houses your soul and it is your instrument. Using self care and allow yourself to find balance in your life inside and outside the dance studio. Believe in yourself!

Actress and Singer, Kelly Murtagh shares about her new film "Shapeless" and how her recovery from her eating disorder inspired her.

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0700

Kelly Murtagh is a mom, Louisiana-native, and an award-winning actor, writer, producer, singer and children’s book author who works in film, television and theatre. Kelly is also a certified sound healer and breath-work facilitator. She has received multiple awards including the Best Actress Award at Festival South, and the Best Actress Award at the 48 Independent Short Film Festival. Kelly produced, co-wrote and starred in the feature-length film Shapeless, telling of her personal struggle with an eating disorder, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and internationally at the Raindance Film Festival and is now on VOD on Apple TV, Amazon Prime and streaming on Tubi.

Kelly also regularly sings with her partner, musician and singer-songwriter, Will Dickerson in New Orleans and the southern California area. She also authored the children’s book Zoo Krewe about a magical journey through New Orleans where the littlest fans learn their ABCs with the help of some animal friends!

A candid talk with Allie Papazian about her career as a dancer and her transition out of dance

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 23:00:00 -0700

Allie Papazian is from Los Angeles, CA. She trained at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and was a member of the inaugural class in the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA at Dominican University of California, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2010. While in college she danced professionally with Mark Foehringer Dance Project SF, and performed with Zhukov Dance Theatre for their 2010 and 2011 seasons. Upon graduation she joined the Compañía Nacional de Danza in Madrid, Spain. In her five years with the CND she has had the privilege of performing works by Nacho Duato, Mats Ek, Ohad Naharin, Jiri Kylian, Johan Inger, and Alexander Ekman among others. Later she joined ODC/Dance for their 2015/2016 season. After freelancing and working with numerous bay area companies including Post:Ballet, Kambara+Dancers and Dance Theatre of San Francisco she returned to ODC/Dance as a company member in 2019.

Former Ballet Dancer Michael Patterson talks about his career and transition out of a life in a ballet company

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0700

Michael Patterson is the Artistic Director of the Patterson School of Ballet located in Erie, PA and is a former professional danseur with the Pennsylvania Ballet, now known as the Philadelphia Ballet. While at the Pennsylvania Ballet, Mr. Patterson danced many roles in works by George Balanchine, including The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Slaughter on 10th Avenue, Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Western Symphony, Prodigal Son, and Agon to name a few. Other classics include Dracula, Cinderella, Taming of the Shrew, Giselle, and Le Fille Mal Gardee and Lew Christensen’s Con Amore. He has also danced many roles by contemporary choreographers such as Trey McIntyre, Twyla Tharp, Jerome Robbins, Val Caniparoli, Matthew Neenan, and Christopher Wheeldon. Highlights from his professional career include the creation of the work Cellophane for Mr. Patterson by Brian Sanders, which was featured in the benefit performance, Shut Up & Dance. While a member of Pennsylvania Ballet Mr. Patterson had the opportunity to work with and perform Christopher Wheeldon’s Swan Lake at the Edinburgh International Arts Festival in collaboration with the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio where the Lord Provost honored them. Mr. Patterson’s students have been accepted to many prestigious ballet schools nationally and internationally, including the School of American Ballet (SAB), and have danced with or are currently dancing with Joffrey Ballet, Washington Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Minnesota Ballet, Sarasota Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Orlando Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Netherlands Dans Theater. In 2010, Mr. Patterson was also the choreographer for the short film, “The Dance Lesson” by Chinonye Chukwu which was awarded a Princess Grace Award.

We Welcome Jessica Wallis from Ballet in the City

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 23:00:00 -0700

It is my pleasure to welcome Jessica Wallis, Founder and Executive Director of Ballet in the City. Jessica has produced and presented programming with dancers such as Ashley Bouder, Sonia Rodriguez, and Misty Copeland, at prestigious venues including The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She is a two-time honors graduate of The University of Akron, the founder of The Ballet in the City Scholarship, and was honored for her work with an official proclamation from the City of Cleveland. Ms. Wallis was presented with a Distinguished Alumni award by the Cuyahoga Falls Schools Foundation in 2018.

Ballet in the City engages the best professional ballet dancers from across the globe. It produces and presents programming, performances, and events with these exceptional professionals, which bring the art up-close and personal to ballet enthusiasts spanning generations.

The mission of Ballet in the City is to present professional ballet performances, educational opportunities, and events in cities around the nation, promoting and enhancing the culture of ballet, unique to each location.

Ballet in the City will engage and inspire individuals in the art of ballet and communicate the relevance and value of ballet, the results of which will endure for future generations.

Former ballerina, Sasha Gorrell, PhD talks about her research with dancers and eating disorders

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0700

On this week's installment of the Tu Tu Thin Podcast, I have Sasha Gorrell, PhD joining me!

Sasha Gorrell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral
Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. Her position is within the Eating
Disorders Program where her clinical focus is in the treatment of adolescents with restrictive eating disorders, specifically in supporting their recovery in family-based treatment. She had an 18-year career as a professional dancer with Boston Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, which informs her current efforts to support the wellbeing of young dancers, and prevent the development of eating disorders in this high-risk population. In addition, her current research that is funded by the National Institutes of Mental Health uses behavioral data and neuro-imaging to investigate specific neurobiological risk and maintenance factors for problematic exercise
behavior in the context of eating disorders. Her overall research interests include exploration of bio behavioral mechanisms that promote our understanding of motivated behavior. This work includes better characterizing maintenance mechanisms and shared features of anxiety and eating disorders, and using this knowledge to adapt and develop evidence-based treatments.

Talking with Performer and Choreographer Lamont Brown

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0700

Lamont Brown is a New York-based performer and choreographer. He is originally from Long Island and is a graduate of the Dance Theatre Conservatory at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City.

Lamont’s performance career has taken him all over the globe. Recently seen in the 1st National Tour of “Mean Girls The Broadway Musical” as Martin J. and Understudied Aaron Samuels. He performed as Andy Lee in the national tour of “42nd Street”, featuring the iconic choreography by Randy Skinner. He worked on Norwegian Cruise Line performing Warren Carlyle’s choreography as a Tap Brother in “After Midnight” and was also seen co-starring in an Episode of Wutang: An American Saga and Riverdance at Radio City Musical Hall. His regional work includes “Hairspray,” “Singin’ in the Rain” and Jared Grimes’ new production of “42nd Street” at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts and Drury Lane Theatre in Chicago.

He has been fortunate enough to work alongside some of New York’s most sought-after theatre choreographers, including Casey Nicholaw, Al Blackstone, Lorin Latarro, Jeff Whiting, Jason Sparks, Richard J. Hinds, Dewitt Fleming, Shannon Lewis, Mary Anne Lamb and Lisa Gajda.

Alongside performing, he produces, directs, and choreographs his own work as the founder of The LBD Project. He has recently won Broadway World’s Best Direction and Choreography of Aida The Musical that played at Studio Theatre of Long Island in east Islip. Lamont is making waves with his work featuring precision jazz, tap, and hip-hop. As a choreographer, he is inspired by the Rockettes and classic Broadway styles.

Soccer Coach to Dancer Dad

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 23:00:00 -0700

I am thrilled to be airing the latest episode of the TuTu Thin Podcast because on this week's edition, Bob Schwarz will be joining me! Bob went from soccer coach to dancer dad. While his 3 other boys were playing tennis, soccer, baseball and other sports, his third son discovered his passion for dance. Bob shares his story of learning a new language…. DANCE and how he supported his son’s passion to become a professional dancer. Bob is the father of 4 boys and the Director of Recreational Soccer and Coach for LAFC SoCal Youth in addition to his career in International Business. Bob loves working with young athletes and their parents as he guides them on and off the soccer field, tennis courts or on the ski slopes.

Welcome Nicole Farnsworth MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, CPT from the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0700

Nicole Farnsworth is a board-certified sports dietitian with the Female Athlete Program and Division of Sports Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is a clinical dietitian for Laura Moretti Nutrition, a group nutrition practice specializing in performance nutrition and nutrition counseling for eating disorders. Nicole is additionally a NASM-certified personal trainer. She has served as a sports nutrition instructor for the Institute of Rowing Leadership. She has been a part of the Female Athlete Conference Planning Committee since 2019 and served as a co-chair for the biennial, international conference in 2021 and 2023. Nicole works with athletes of all ages and competitive levels and specializes in working with athletes with low energy availability, disordered eating, and eating disorders. She is a former Division 1 heptathlete that is now enjoys running, hiking, and chasing after her almost 3-year-old.

Johanna O'Flaherty discusses Trauma & its relationship to Addictions & Eating Disorders

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 23:00:00 -0700

I feel honored to welcome Dr. Johanna O'Flaherty, PhD to the TuTu Thin Podcast. She is an expert in crisis management from a psychological perspective, and a renowned expert in the field of trauma, addiction and recovery. She was the Vice President of Treatment Services at the Betty Ford Center from 2006 to 2013, and then served as the CEO of the Las Vegas Recovery Center, Senior Fellow of Clinical Services, from 2013 to 2016. She is an Advanced Level Nationally Certified Addiction Specialist, a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), and a Certified Trainer for Critical Incident Crisis Debriefing Programs. She received her Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in California.

Dr. O'Flaherty developed and implemented Crisis Response Programs for Pan American World Airlines, TWA Airlines, and has facilitated the training of Crisis Response Teams for several other airlines as well. In her role as Corporate Manager of Pan American Airways’ Management of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s), she was responsible for the oversight of bio-psycho-social-spiritual aspects of the 1988 Lockerbie disaster. This experience led her to become a pioneer in the aviation industry, organizing, training and responding to aviation disasters, and facilitating trauma processing, grief counseling, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing. In 1988, she also founded an educational program for chemically dependent women in Calcutta, India through Catholic Charities. In 1996, she provided counseling services to the family members of 230 individuals who perished in New York on TWA Flight 800, the third-deadliest aviation accident in US history. In 2000, she received the FBI’s “Exceptional Service in the Public Interest” award. In 2001, Dr. O’Flaherty was again called to New York to assist with counseling airline employees and facilitated the Crisis Response training for the New York City Transit Authority after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. She has conducted Critical Incident Response training for the FBI and first responders.

Dr. O’Flaherty provided counseling to the first and last responders (coroners) of the October 1, 2017 massacre at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival on the Las Vegas Strip, in which 58 people were killed and another 546 injured. The incident is the deadliest mass shooting committed by an individual in the US, and reignited the debate over gun laws.

She is the author of two previous books: The Correlation Between Trauma and Addiction (2014) and Daddy Goes to Meetings (2015), maintains a consulting practice and an active schedule as a keynote speaker in crisis management and addiction. Dr. O’Flaherty has been featured on CBS, ABC, NBC and CNN as well as several podcasts as an expert in field.

Dr. O’Flaherty lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pilates Training for dancers with Ballet Coach Jennifer Milner

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0700

Jennifer Milner is a ballet coach and certified Pilates trainer specializing in athletes, dancers and post-injury recoveries. As a classical ballet dancer, Jennifer danced with several companies across the United States before moving to New York to do musical theatre, most notably playing Meg Giry in The Phantom of the Opera. After a knee injury ended a successful performing career, Jennifer became certified in the Pilates method of exercise, graduating from the Kane School of Core Integration under the renowned Kelly Kane, then mentored under the dance medicine pioneer Marika Molnar and certified in dance medicine through Ms. Molnar. She worked for Westside Dance Physical Therapy (the official physical therapists for New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet), and has trained a wide variety of clients, including Oscar winners, Olympic medalists, and dancers from New York City Ballet, the Kirov Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, Royal Ballet, and more. Jennifer has also studied with Lisa Howell, Marie-Jose Blom, and Eric Franklin.

Jennifer is a co-host of Bendy Bodies, a podcast devoted to athletic artists with hypermobility issues. She is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science and presented at the world conference in Houston in 2017, Montreal in 2019, and at the virtual 2021 conference. She is a founding member of Dansemedica as well as a member of Doctors for Dancers and serves on the advisory board of Minding the Gap, an organization dedicated to improving mental health support in the dance world.

Jennifer’s ability to move between ballet studios and cross-training venues, addressing biomechanical imbalances and technique dysfunctions in a practical strength-training way, has made her a sought-after guest speaker for dance schools and companies, and her many years of training dancers across the hypermobility spectrum have made her passionate about educating dancers and teachers on how to train hypermobility in a healthy and efficient way. Her website is www.jennifer-milner.com or you can find her on Instagram @jennifer.milner.

Michelle Chaviano Interview

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0700

Let's give a big warm welcome to my latest podcast guest, Michelle Chaviano! Michelle began her dancing career in Miami at the Art of Classical Ballet and has since danced with the English National Ballet, Teatru De Ballet in Romania and more. She has now joined Charlottesville ballet for their 2023-2024 season. In addition to her performing career, Michelle is GYROTONIC® instructor and is certified in Progressing Ballet Technique, Sugar Foot Therapy, Alixa Flexibility, and the Lisa Howell Level 1 Workshop. She founded her own exercise movement company called SoFlo Movement Center to help dancers find their own individualized training program at all stages of their career. Michelle works with pre-professional and professional dancers that need help recovering from an injury, strengthening a specific muscle group, improving their pointe work, or safely enhancing their flexibility. She combines different exercise movements to create a personalized
SoFlo Sculpt program for each client tracking their progress and providing take home
exercises.

Carolyn Costin M.A., M.ED., MFT Interview

Thu, 25 May 2023 23:00:00 -0700

I am honored to welcome to the podcast, Carolyn Costin, my mentor. Carolyn is a world renowned, sought-after eating disorder clinician, author, and international speaker.

Recovered herself, Carolyn recognized her calling after successfully treating her first eating disorder client in 1979. Carolyn was first to publicly say that people with eating disorders can become fully recovered.

After 15 years in private practice and running hospital programs, Carolyn recognized a gap in the field and opened Monte Nido, the first residential facility in the U.S. combining standard treatment with meditation and yoga. Clients finally could practice daily skills necessary for full recovery such as grocery shopping, shopping for and preparing food.

Carolyn’s contributions to the field are extensive. Of her six books, the most popular is, 8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder. Carolyn’s service in eating disorder organizations, training professionals worldwide, and the outstanding success of Monte Nido all spurred her to international acclaim.

After selling Monte Nido Carolyn created The Carolyn Costin Institute offering continuing education for clinicians, and the certification of eating disorder coaches, filling another existing gap in the field. Carolyn continues to see a few clients, offer consultations and speak at national and international conferences.

Carolyn is a passionate, inspiring force in the eating disorder field.

Erin Yen Interview

Thu, 11 May 2023 23:00:00 -0700

We welcome to the podcast, Erin Yen, who is a mixed-race professional dancer and choreographer currently residing in San Mateo, CA. Erin holds a BFA with distinction in Dance from the Ohio State University. She is fluent in Laban Movement Analysis, and she was the first to Labanotate work from acclaimed choreographer Doug Varone. Erin has additionally performed works by artists such as Ohad Naharin and Bebe Miller, and she has danced with Alvin Ailey and BalletMet. Erin is the founder of Dragons Dance 501c3. Dragons Dance's mission is to empower artists and their communities to create impactful artwork.

Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN. CEDRD-S

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 22:00:00 -0700

We welcome Robyn Goldberg, RDN to the TuTu Thin podcast. Robyn began her career at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles as the in-patient dietitian in the Department of Cardiology. Over the last twenty-five years she has developed her own private practice in Los Angeles, CA, where she specializes in medical conditions, disordered eating, eating disorders, Health at Every Size, pre-pregnancy nutrition, and people in recovery. Robyn is a Certified Eating Disorders Registered Dietitian and Supervisor from IAEDP as well as a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. For the last eight years Robyn was the Nutrition Counselor for the Susan Krevoy Eating Disorders Program at The Wright Institute Los Angeles, led eating disorder and body image groups at various sober livings in Los Angeles. She is a contributing author and is a nationally and internationally known registered dietitian nutritionist. She has been quoted in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Vogue, The Fix, Shape Magazine, Fitness, Oxygen, Pilates Style, Diabetes Forecast, BH Weekly and Life & Style. She has been on national television as the eating disorder expert on The Insider. Robyn is the author of the book The Eating Disorder Trap: A Guide for Clinicians and Loved Ones, Co-author of the online course Your Recovery Resource and the host of the podcast The Eating Disorder Trap Podcast.

Kim Maselli Interview

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 23:00:00 -0700

We welcome KIM MASELLI to the Tu Tu Thin Podcast. She is the President & Artistic Director for the Pacific Festival Ballet received her early dance training from her mother, Joyce Hurley. At age 16, she was accepted to the Washington School of Ballet where she gained her first professional stage experience. She was awarded a full scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet in New York City where she trained and performed with the Joffrey Concert Group. With one season at the Louisville Ballet, she became a member of the American Ballet Theatre Il under the direction of Richard Englund. She spent two years
performing and touring the United States until she moved to Los Angeles and joined the Los Angeles Ballet. Ms.Maselli has appeared in numerous television specials including Mikhail Baryshnikov's Baryshnikov in Hollywood, The 1982 Emmy Awards, The Young and the Restless and Star Search. She was also a regular for four years on
the hit TV series. Fame, which included tours in England. Europe and Israel. She made her feature film debut in 1084 as a dancer in Girls lust Want to Have fun. Her classical career continued as a member of the Los Angeles Chamber Ballet from 1984 through 1990. A talented and innovative choreographer, she has choreographed work
for Star Search, Disney's Youno Musicians at the Hollvwood Bowl and the CBS sitcom. Babvtalk! Industrials include Childhelp USA and the American Spirit Team in Tokvo. Japan. In the classical arena, she has staged full-scale productions of Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet. Ms.
Masell's original ballets include Heaven & Hell.….the Journey, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan, and The Secret Garden. Most recent are collaborations with composer, Eric Allaman, The Sea Princess (2007 & 2013) and Noah's Ark
(2010, 2012 & 2017) This artistic team is excited to premiere their third full length original ballet, Camelot in May 2018. In 2001, 2009 and 2016, Ms. Maselli and her pre-professional dancers were invited to perform at the Tanzsommer Dance Festival in Austria. Ms. Maselli is an ABT Certified Teacher and in 2011, participated in the
Teacher's Conference at the Juilliard School in New York City. Ms. Maselli thanks God for her passion and ability to train the upcoming generation of dancers at the California Dance Theatre which is celebrating its 31st year!

Kendall Alway, PT, DPT Interview

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 23:00:00 -0700

I am excited to welcome Kendall Alway PT, DPT to the TuTu Thin Podcast. She is a former professional dancer with over 20 years of ballet training and 21 years of experience as a dance physical therapist. In 2013 she founded SF Performing Arts PT in San Francisco, CA and in 2021, launched Pointe Safe, a continuing education program for ballet teachers. She is the former director of the ODC Healthy Dancers' Clinic and is on clinical faculty for the University of California San Francisco, Samuel Merritt University, and Rocky Mountain University. She has presented at the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS), Harvard University’s Spaulding Rehab Hospital, and the Performing Arts Medicine Association (PAMA). Other credits include work with the Dance/USA Task Force on Dancers’ Health and previous instruction in Dance Medicine electives for the UCSF PT Department. Kendall has had the honor and privilege of treating dancers from most of the major dance companies in San Francisco and is on contract with San Francisco Ballet, Lines Ballet and Sean Dorsey Dance (among other local companies). Her practice welcomes students, professionals, and individuals of all ages (including non-dancers).

Jacqueline Porter Interview

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 21:00:00 -0700

Our guest this week, Jacqueline Porter founded and directs The Dallas Conservatory, with 16 studios on three campuses and a faculty of three dozen top pros teaching Dance, Theater, Music, Voice, TV/Film and Fitness to 1,700 children and adults of every level from beginner to professional.

A classically trained former professional dancer/singer on Broadway and National Tour, Jacqueline has guest-taught and choreographed for over 30 schools and festivals from Beverly Hills to Tokyo including outreach in India, Bali, the Philippines and Morocco. Additionally, she possesses six years of corporate sales experience in luxury interior design, ten years of direct sales and marketing for arts organizations, three years of business writing, and three years designing highest-end arts travel.

Now in her 15th Anniversary Season with The Dallas Conservatory, Jacqueline is an 8 time consecutive winner of the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix “Outstanding School” award 2016-2023, and prior to that, she was a 2-time winner of the YAGP “Outstanding Teacher” award 2013 and 2015.

Jacqueline has personally trained (often from their first classical steps) a dozen students who are now professional dancers in America’s top ballet and modern companies including the New York City Ballet, Washington Ballet and Houston Ballet. Her students have gone on to win scholarships and admission to the world’s top schools and universities including Juilliard, USC, NYU, Royal Ballet School, Manhattan School of Music, and the schools of American Ballet Theatre and the San Francisco Ballet.

Jacqueline is an avid adventurer and theatre-goer and has to date traveled to 33 countries on 5 continents.

Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani Interview

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 -0800

In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I am so excited to welcome to the podcast, Dr. Jennifer L. Gaudiani.
Jennifer L. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS-S, FAED, is the Founder and Medical Director of
the Gaudiani Clinic. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, she completed her
undergraduate degree at Harvard, medical school at Boston University School of
Medicine, and her internal medicine residency and chief residency at Yale. Dr.
Gaudiani served as the Medical Director at the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders
prior to founding the Gaudiani Clinic, which is a Denver-based outpatient medical
clinic dedicated to people with eating disorders and disordered eating. The Gaudiani
Clinic is a HAES (Health At Every Size)®-informed provider and embraces treating
people of all shapes, sizes, ages, and genders. The Gaudiani Clinic is licensed to
practice in 46 US states via telemedicine and offers international professional
consultation and education.
Dr. Gaudiani has lectured nationally and internationally, is widely published in the
scientific literature as well as on blogs, is a Fellow of the Academy for Eating
Disorders, and is a recent former member of the editorial board of the International
Journal of Eating Disorders and the Academy for Eating Disorders Medical Care
Standards Committee. Dr. Gaudiani's first book, Sick Enough: A Guide to the
Medical Complications of Eating Disorders (Routledge, 2018) is available on
Amazon.

Nasira Burkholder-Cooley Interview

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 03:00:00 -0800

I am so pleased to welcome Nasira Burkholder-Cooley, R.D. and former dancer. Nasira is a registered dietitian, fitness expert, and nutrition educator. She was drawn to nutrition and public health as a result of her diverse background in science, fine arts, and fitness. Nasira was a classical ballet dancer and trained with Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle, WA, the University of Arizona School of Dance in Tucson, AZ, and attended American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensives in New York. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Nutrition and a B.F.A. in dance, Nasira continued her pursuit of nutrition career and obtained a Master’s in Public Health from UCLA and a Doctorate in Nutritional Sciences from Loma Linda University. Nasira has 14 years of experience as a personal trainer and is a NASM certified Corrective Exercise Specialist and Senior Fitness Specialist, as well as a certified yoga instructor. Nasira is currently an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University and private practice registered dietitian. She serves as the nutritionist for the American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Chapman University School of Dance, AMDA College of Performing Arts, and Vivante on the Coast Senior Community.

James Kinney Interview

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 21:00:00 -0800

I have had the pleasure of working with James Kinney and am so happy to have him on the podcast. James Kinney is a World Choreography Award-winning director, choreographer and creative producer whose celebrated artistic vision has established him as a respected voice in the world of dance entertainment across all mediums.
Most recently, Kinney has conceived, directed, and choreographed five short films currently garnering acclaim around the globe. With over 30 official selections including Cannes Indie Shorts Awards, San Francisco Dance Film Festival, New York International Film Festival, and Los Angeles Dance Shorts, his films “Lady be Good”, “Melancholy Man” and “Anyone” have won Best Dance Film, Best Direction, Best Performance, and Best Cinematography, respectively. James has also created original cinematic pieces for BroadStream, a new online streaming platform. “The Game” , a film-noir dance short will premier in early 2023 at Lincoln Center, and his newest, “Bound by a Thread”, a dance-driven documentary short is set to be released in 2023.

James’ work has bridged the worlds of dance and fashion, having directed and choreographed innovative live events for Hermès of Paris. Recently, he worked with luxury jewelry brand MARLI New York in creating the dynamic movement for their international ad campaign “Making an Entrance”.

Having begun his career as a dancer and actor on Broadway in iconic shows such as Fosse and Sweet Charity, and with his choreographic roots in theatre and concert dance, Kinney has been named BroadwayWorld's Best Choreographer for several theatrical works, created celebrated pieces for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, choreographed over 40 major musicals, and created world-premier pieces for Fire Island Dance Festival and Hudson Valley Dance Festival, as well as several ballets in repertoire with New Jersey Ballet. Kinney's choreography has been seen on such iconic stages as The Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, The Old Globe, The Kimmel Center and The Marquis and Minskoff Theatres on Broadway.

Dr. Martha Koo Interview

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 21:00:00 -0800

We are pleased to welcome to the podcast, Dr. Martha B. Koo, M.D. She completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University and her medical training at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. She obtained her psychiatry residency training at the UCLA Resnick Neuropsychiatric Institute and her subsequent psychoanalytic training at the New Center for Psychoanalysis. Dr. Koo is double Board Certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. She is also certified in psychedelic assisted therapy and an adherence rater for MAPS psychedelic research. For over 25 years, Dr. Koo has enjoyed her private practice, providing outpatient psychotherapy, psychoanalysis and pharmacological treatment for individuals, couples, and families. A pioneer in the development and application of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Dr. Koo is the founder of Neuro Wellness Spa, where she offers TMS, Magnetic E-Resonance therapy, iv ketamine, Spravato, iv nutrition, and photobiomodulation as novel interventions for treatment-resistant mental illness. Dr. Koo is also the Medical Director at Clear Recovery Center, a residential detox and intensive outpatient treatment center for individuals struggling with mental health, addiction, and dual diagnoses. She is on the Board of Directors of the Clinical TMS Society and the Beach Cities Health District and is an active lecturer at the New Center for Psychoanalysis.

https://neurowellnessspa.com/treatments/psychiatry/

Zippora Karz Interview

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:00:00 -0800

I am pleased to welcome Zippora Karz, a former soloist ballerina with the New York City Ballet where she performed for 16 years on stage and in televised performances. She was featured in a variety of roles choreographed by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins as well as works choreographed for her by such choreographers as Peter Martins and Lynne Taylor Corbett. Today, as a repetiteur for the George Balanchine Trust, Zippora stages Balanchine ballets for schools and companies around the globe. Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 21, she is passionate today about motivating others to take care of themselves and live their dreams. She is the author of, The Sugarless Plum, as well as her children’s story, Ballerina Dreams.

Jessica Lidner Cignarelli Interview

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:00:00 -0800

I am so proud to welcome my colleague, Jessica Cignarelli to the Tutu Thin Podcast. Jessica is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in working with individuals in high-profile environments. Synthesizing her clinical expertise with disordered eating and sport/performance, Jessica assists individuals with successfully balancing and navigating the demands and pressures that high-performance athletes face while living and performing in the “spotlight” and scrutiny of the public arena. She holds a PhD and Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology. Jessica has 12+ years of experience working with elite athletes and high-profile entertainers and performers. Jessica also worked as Lead Therapist or Clinical Director positions for over a decade in higher levels of care for eating disorders, including: hospital (inpatient), residential treatment centers, partial hospital programs, and intensive outpatient settings.

Evan Schwartz Interview

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 13:00:00 -0700

It is my pleasure to welcome Evan Schwarz to the TuTu Thin podcast. He will discuss his journey as a male dancer, body image issues as a male dancer and his career in Europe as a dancer. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Evan Schwarz is a Swiss/Austrian/American freelance dance artist. He received his training from The Juilliard School in New York City, and has worked with various companies including Ballet Bern (CH), National Dance Company Wales (UK), Grand Théâtre de Genève (CH), Cie Opinion Public (BE), Art of Spectra (SE), fabien prioville dance company (DE), and more. Evan has performed works by Pina Bausch, Ohad Naharin, Marcos Morau, Roy Assaf, Twyla Tharp, and Martha Graham, amongst others. He has danced across the United States, Europe and Asia, and has also worked on various commercial projects including the Riyadh Closing Ceremony in Saudi Arabia, and the BBC Television Series “Brave New World”. Some of his achievements include the “Martha Hill Prize” and the “YoungArts” scholarship, presented by the National Foundation of Advancements in the Arts.

Dr. Moreen Rubin Interview

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:00:00 -0700

We are so excited to welcome Dr. Moreen Rubin to the podcast. From professional ballroom dancer to psychologist, Moreen shares her insights on her life as a ballroom dancer, competitions, body image and her transition to her career as a clinical therapist. In her therapy practice, she specializes in treating food and body image issues, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma and how to foster a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Her practice, a virtual group practice called Joyful Therapy Group, helps those who are seeking more out of life.

Lindsey Riley Interview

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0700

As we begin the NBA season, I thought it would be apropos to introduce Lindsey Kovacevich Riley to the TuTu Thin Podcast. She was a former NBA dancer for the Denver Nuggets. Lindsey grew up in Southern California and started dancing at the age of four. Her dancing took her many places and provided experiences and memories that have lasted a lifetime. She’s danced on numerous cruise ships, venues such as Disneyland, Carnage Hall in New York City and in the Olympic Village during the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. In college, Lindsey danced for two seasons with the Colorado Eagles, a semi-professional hockey team in Northern Colorado and then went on to dance for two seasons for the NBA Denver Nuggets. In the early 2000’s Lindsey started her career in broadcast journalism working for multiple news stations as a reporter, anchor and producer for nearly a decade. Lindsey now lives in Oregon with her husband and three children and has worked for various eating disorder programs in outreach, admissions and marketing helping clients find their road to recovery.

Interview with Charlotte Simons NFL Director of Cheerleading for the Cincinnati Bengals

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 18:00:00 -0700

It is my pleasure to welcome Charlotte Simons to the TuTu Thin Podcast. Charlotte Simons is currently the Director of Cheerleading for the Cincinnati Bengals where she has held the position for 29 years. She manages 30 team members, referred to as Ben-Gals, also, 350 Junior Ben-Gals ages 5-18 years old, plus approximately 200 alumni Ben-Gal Cheerleaders. Charlotte books their charity appearances, company appearances, and manages all aspects of their performances, plus any NFL requirements. She also manages two coaches who assist her in coordinating the cheerleader’s practices, and game days.

Charlotte is proud of taking various teams overseas to 20 plus countries, including Iraq, with the purpose of entertaining the troops. She prides herself on helping each team member gain more inner perspective of themselves, with the objective of building their confidence for off the field success.

Charlotte is a Miami University graduate with two degrees, Office Administration, and Education. After college, she began a sales career with a Fortune 500 company, Pitney Bowes, where she retired after 35 years of dedicated service, enabling her to pursue her passion of empowering young women to be the best that they could be on and off the field full time.

Her affection of connecting with women, counseling women, and most importantly helping women grow as strong ladies, has always been her priority. She believes, “you are only as good as your weakest link”, so it has been her charge to lift all women to become their best version.

As an extension of her passion for enabling young ladies, she serves on the board of directors for of one of the oldest foundations in Cincinnati HER Cincinnati. It represents, Housing, Education, and Recovery specifically for ladies who have been victims of sex trafficking.

In her spare time, she enjoys Pilates, and spending time with her family and friends. Charlotte and her husband Dave, can also be found on the pickle ball courts around town.

Interview with Dana Stackpole Barbour

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 15:00:00 -0700

Dana Stackpole Barbour talks about her career that spanned over 25 years as a ballet dancer with American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet and her transition to Broadway. Dana shares about her initial meeting with Mikhail Baryshnikov when he invited her to join American Ballet Theatre. Dana shares her advice about the care of their body for longevity in their dance career. Dana currently teaches ballet to dancers who she now prepares for the dance world. I hope you will enjoy this special interview with my dear friend, Dana Stackpole Barbour.

Interview with Renee Bunker

Thu, 11 Aug 2022 15:00:00 -0700

My interview with Renée Bunker touches on the highlights and challenges of her life as a D1 gymnast at Penn State and then as a competitive triathlete. Renée went on to become an Assistant United States Attorney and is currently a lawyer in Maine working with families in mediation as well as mentoring those struggling with eating disorders. It is my pleasure to welcome Renée as my first guest on the podcast and I hope you will enjoy it.

How to Support a Dancer or Athlete

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0700

The dancer or athlete who is pursuing a high level performance in either dance or an athletic sport has different needs and will need support from their loved ones, friends, and family. Be aware of the warning signs of an eating disorder. Not everyone who is a dancer or an athlete will develop an eating disorder, but it is good to be aware of the signs and symptoms. The athlete or dancer may struggle with body image, self esteem, and not feeling good enough. It is important for those who support them to be able to listen and also help them connect to their own value system instead of the need to please others. Helping the dancer or athlete to find who they are outside of the sport or dance.

Exercise Addiction... Too Much of a Good Thing?