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.

She took part in the first round of The Whole Dancer Program in September of 2015 and when I got to speak with her one – on – one during the program, I was taken by her humility and pure loveliness.

Lauren dances full time with Boston Ballet and takes college courses, so there is clearly a lot on her plate. I wondered if she would be able to add The Whole Dancer Program to that mix AND get results.

So when I received an email from her on Saturday in response to “The trouble with casting”, I was thrilled. She wrote:

“The topic of this email and worksheet really hit home with me and is the perfect thing to help me start 2016 in a positive mindset!!

I am looking forward to completing the worksheet to help calm the anxieties that have arisen in my subconscious mind during my layoff after Nutcracker.

I find myself worrying about not getting cast in any good roles when we return from break, when in reality I shouldn’t be so worried!

2015 was an important year for me, because I feel I was able to find confidence in myself and my dancing not only when things were going well, but also when I wasn’t cast in a good role or I wasn’t getting any attention from the artistic staff…

I think this change in my thinking and confidence was improved in part by my participation in The Whole Dancer Program. I didn’t fully realize it until now, so I wanted to make sure I reached out to you to thank you!”

I asked Lauren if I could share her message with you all because I know how deeply dancers internalize the disappointment and self – criticism that often arises when that casting sheet goes up or a rejection email arrives or you just have a really bad day.

Lauren was excited to share her message and said, “I hope it helps someone decide to sign up for the program!” 

Finding the confidence in yourself and your dancing each and every day takes some work. The Whole Dancer Program is designed to help you prioritize that work.

If you’re inspired by Lauren’s message, don’t delay, it’s time to sign up!

The post Lauren Herfindahl’s Experience in The Whole Dancer Program 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.