Passion for Dance
Ever wish you had someone to help you with the mental aspects of dance? That's exactly what you get when you tune in to the Passion for Dance podcast... a sport psychology expert who understands the dance industry.
Featured Episodes
Oct. 31, 2024
184. The 3 Daily Habits of Successful Dancers
The best performers in the world didn't get to where they are through magic, nor did they get there overnight. The best path to your personal best is to focus on those small, daily habits that add up to consistent growth. Psychological research has...
Feb. 22, 2024
148. Dancers: If you wan to reach the next level, develop GRIT
Have you heard of grit? Even if you haven’t, I bet you've seen it or you've felt it. Grit is the mental skill that could be the difference between getting that challenging turn section or staying stuck at your current level. This episode is for the...
Feb. 8, 2024
146. "Dream On" with U of Minnesota Coach Amanda Gaines
If you’re a part of the dance world, you probably saw the University of Minnesota's jazz dance routine at UDA Nationals with the passion and technique and the now viral turn section. But how do they pull off two incredible routines year after year?...
Recent Episodes
Aug. 21, 2025
218. Building Better Dancers: Cultivating Confidence and Individualit…
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea hosts Jason Pickett, a distinguished dance teacher, choreographer, and founder of No Starving Artists. They discuss their shared love for teaching, the evolving landscape of c...
Aug. 14, 2025
217. Beyond the Studio: 5 Life Skills You Learn from Dance
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea explores the top five life skills dancers develop and how these skills transfer to other areas of life. She delves into emotional regulation, leadership and self-control, grit...
Aug. 7, 2025
216. Mental Traps Dancers Fall Into and How to Break Free
In this episode of Passion for Dance, Dr. Chelsea discusses common mental traps that hinder dancers' progress and success. Delving into traps like comparison, waiting for confidence, outcome-only goals, and injury identity, s...
June 26, 2025
215. Season Reflections: How Dancers Get Mentally Stronger in the Off…
In this episode of 'Passion for Dance,' Dr. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of reflection for dancers, especially during the off-season. She provides science-backed tools to help dancers develop self-awareness, mental tough...
June 19, 2025
214. Dancing with True Authenticity and Confidence with Choreographer…
In this episode of Passion for Dance, host Dr. Chelsea sits down with accomplished dancer, choreographer, and educator Alexandra Beller. Alexandra shares invaluable advice for dealing with negative self-talk, building body aw...
June 12, 2025
213. A Professional Dance Company’s Whole Dancer Approach: Insights f…
In this episode of Passion for Dance, host Dr. Chelsea interviews Julie Opiel, Director of Education and Community Engagement at Body Traffic, an LA-based contemporary dance company. They discuss overcoming career challenges,...