No matter how involved the parent or encouraging the friend, those who have never experienced the tumultuous life of a ballet dancer will never truly know what it feels like. For those who do know, your colleagues, providing this support can often only go so far.

To reach one’s fullest potential as an artist, a certain amount of guidance is essential, and though teachers and mentors can certainly be helpful, their efforts often fall short. The Whole Dancer Program, for me, has provided this support system.

The Whole Dancer Program is a community of ballet dancers who are pursuing both the elevation of their craft and that of their well-being. Sadly, all too many dancers believe these two things are mutually exclusive.

The Whole Dancer Program proves this notion wrong. Lending a safe space to share concerns and victories, this wellness program is the first of its kind.

Directed specifically toward ballet dancers, The Whole Dancer appears to be an endless supply of well-curated tips concerning everything from nutrition to cross training to advancement of technique.

Jess’ educated curriculum equips members with a wealth of knowledge and tools, all immediately applicable to the unique world of ballet.

One of my favorite aspects of the program is the week focused on self-assessment. A skill ballet dancers begin practicing at the commencement of their training, evaluating one’s self may seem like an inherent skill to many of us at the professional level. TWD proves this to be untrue, in the best way.

The program teaches dancers to practice a more effective form of self-assessment, through which they are able to locate the source of a weakness and create an attainable plan to overcome it.   Also worth noting, the program has been known to properly identify a supposed ‘weakness’ as the asset it truly is, and help the dancer not only accept but embrace it.

The Whole Dancer Program in an enriching, informational, life-changing experience. It is guaranteed to take you to the next level in your dance experience.

Trust me, I love the program so much I’ve completed it twice!

Kirsten Evans dances with Festival Ballet in Providence, RI and is also the writer/creator of the beautiful and inspiring Setting the Barre blog. She is a founding member of The Whole Dancer Program and took part in the program twice!

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(If you’re not, I’ve got something for you down at the bottom)

Summer programs provide an incredible opportunity to train with new teachers and experience new styles.

They can also be a little stressful if you’re hoping to get a company contract, a position in a professional training program or a traineeship.

Even if you’re not in that position yet, the relationships and impression you leave with artistic staff each summer can significantly impact your future career opportunities.

With that in mind, one of the webinars for May (there are two this month!) is on the “Keys to Summer Program Success”. And there are two days and times to attend.

When you attend live, that’s when things really sink in. PLUS, then you get your questions answered on the spot! 

This workshop is now available on demand on The Whole Dancer Youtube Channel!

If you’ve got friends going to summer programs, be sure to share this workshop with them!

And, as promised, if you won’t be heading to a summer program, I’ve got something for you too.

I’d love for you to join me for a revamped version of the Eating for Energy webinar…”Dancing with Vigor” (that sounds exciting, doesn’t it?). The importance of food an balance to success any time of year is undeniable.

Here, you’ll see what adjustments are necessary to maximize your energy and dance with vigor.

You have so much power over your capabilities. With this webinar you’ll learn how to harness that power and project it into  your work in the studio and on stage.

Join The Whole Dancer Email list to be the first to hear when new workshops and programs are offered!

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