You likely see yourself retiring sometime in your 30’s or after you’ve performed all the principal roles you’ve ever desired. However, this career is unpredictable and things may not go as planned.

So, I want to call your attention to Shelby Elstree’s latest post on her blog Tutu’s and Tea (if you haven’t read it, go check it out) where she talk’s about her choice to retire at 25.

The maturity and wisdom in her decision making demonstrates, all over again, why she has been such an inspiration for me at The Whole Dancer.

Shelby is a Whole Dancer.

When you think about the end of your own career, consider Shelby’s thoughts…”My dreams for retirement were to finish dancing in a time and place where I felt confident about my career, proud of my body (not injured or broken or overworked), and in control of my mind and my decision.”

Such a beautiful goal.

Honor the ending. (The following was adapted from Melody Beattie’s book Journey to the Heart)

“There were times I felt exhilarated and sure I was on track. Other days I felt lost. Confused. I’d fall into bed at night certain this whole journey was a mistake and a waste.

But I’d wake up in the morning, something would happen, and I’d see how I’d been guided all along.

Cherish the moments, all of them, even the ups and downs. Cherish the places you’ve visited, the people you’ve seen. Say good – bye to those whose journeys have called them someplace else.

Know you can always call them back by thinking loving thoughts. Know all those you love will be there for you when you need them most. Honor the lessons you’ve learned, and the people who helped you learn them. Honor the journey your soul mapped out for you.

Trust all the places you’ve been. Make a scrapbook in your heart to help you remember.

Look back for a moment. Reflect in peace. Then let this journey draw to a close. All parts of the journey are sacred and holy. You’ve learned that by now. Take time to honor this ending – though it’s never really the end. Go to sleep tonight. When you wake up tomorrow a new adventure will begin.“

The post Honor the Ending appeared first on The Whole Dancer.

You spend so much time in the studio and the work you do there is invaluable. It’s super important to continue to work on yourself outside as well.

Good news…The Whole Dancer Foundations Course is here!!!

With this course you get access to the audio component of each of the 4 webinar’s presented so far with special guests Shelby Elsbree of Boston Ballet and Casey Dalton formerly of Colorado Ballet and founder of Deco Dancewear.

This course cover’s Eating for Energy, Fearless Auditioning, Goal Setting and Self – Care for Nutcracker Season (or any busy performing season).

If you considered The Whole Dancer Program in the past but couldn’t afford the investment, the foundations course is a great way to start working on yourself at your own pace for a super affordable price.

Even if you registered for one or all of these webinars, I know how busy you can be dancing, performing, cross – training, etc. so I wanted to come up with a way to make this information available instantly and on the go!

By setting goals, eating well, taking better care of yourself and auditioning fearlessly you can lay the foundation to achieve massive success inside the studio by inspiring balance and empowerment.

Click the button below for the full details and to invest in your success today.

The post Official Announcement: Foundations Course appeared first on The Whole Dancer.

There’s a lot of very unhealthy tactics dancers employ during Nutcracker season in an effort to show no weakness and simply push through it!

Then, there are the performers who have found a healthy and grounded routine that works for them. They have likely developed their healthy “Nutty” habits over the years and are able to breeze through the season without getting sick or injured.

Let me help you get on the fast track to cleaning up your Nutcracker Act by highlighting some of the most common tactics most of us have tried to “push through” this busy season.

Sugar = Fast Energy, right? WRONG…

“Instead of providing the body with nutrition, it creates deficiency. It enters swiftly into the bloodstream and wreaks havoc on the blood sugar level, first pushing it sky-high—causing excitability, nervous tension and hyperactivity—and then dropping it extremely low—causing fatigue, depression, weariness and exhaustion, ” says Joshua Rosenthal of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

As you can see, sugar is not only no good as a source of performance energy but it also increases the likelihood that you will get sick.

Running on Adrenaline…

If you don’t prioritize healthy sleep and relaxation habits during Nutcracker time, you’re likely putting an excessive workload on your adrenal glands which are your bodies primary shock absorbers.

This can also lead to an increase in cortisol, the stress hormone, “cortisol increases your appetite and energy level while toning down your immune systems allergic and inflammatory responses,” says Dr. Christine Northrup.

The “I can do it all” Mentality

Some things have got to give. You can’t expect to take class, go to rehearsals, cross – train, find balance, go holiday shopping, cook your meals, work an extra job, run your blog, sew your pointe shoes, get 9 – hours of sleep, go on dates, attend every holiday party, AND perform your best.

You need to plan and prioritize!

So many of you already took the time to register for the no – cost “Self – Care for Nutcracker Season” webinar, one week from today. Shelby and I are so thrilled!!

This workshop is now available as an audio training in The Whole Dancer Foundations Course!

The post Common Nutcracker traps! appeared first on The Whole Dancer.

Here’s some wisdom Shelby shared:
“A lot of times we tend to think the solution to losing weight or getting the body we want is a matter of eliminating things. In it’s own backwards sense that is a type of will power, a type of discipline.

A more impressive and efficient discipline to conquer, I would say is balance in diet and willpower to pursue moderation in what you eat.

…I truly think its a willpower of moderation in choices…it’s more being able to find a balanced diet that’s right for you. To not deprive yourself of anything but rather to conquer moderation in what you eat.

If you’re eating these whole foods and superfoods for your body, you will be full, you will be satisfied and you won’t be craving processed foods as much.

What we eat perpetuates what we crave later in the day or week or month or year. That kind of approach is what changes mentalities with diets for the better, in my own experience as well as those of my close professional dancer friends.”
When it comes to food and eating well, this advice is invaluable. So many thank you’s to the delightful Shelby Elsbree for her contributions last week.

Also, be sure to check out Shelby’s thoughts (below) on The Whole Dancer Program enroll NOW.

photo by : Kenneth B. Edwards

The post One of Shelby Elsbree’s Best Tips appeared first on The Whole Dancer.