Athletic Artist - The Dancers Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Alex, one of the first graduates of the Certificate in Dance Injury Prevention, to chat about her journey from musical theatre training to building her own dance fitness business.We talk about rediscovering joy in dance after burnout, creating positive and safe class environments, the realities of teaching, boundaries, confidence, injury prevention, and why dancers deserve to be supported like athletes without losing the artistry of dance.This is such an honest conversation about teaching, growth, resilience, and redefining success beyond titles, status, and the highlight reel.Find Alex: INSTAGRAMFind us: INSTAGRAM

Rehearsal season can feel like chaos - weekend comps, extra rehearsals, tired dancers, and 'silent' injuries that don’t stop your dancers dancing… but can stop them reaching their full potential.In this episode, I’m breaking down a simple tool used in high-performance sport that you can use in the dance studio straight away: RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion). You’ll learn what it is, why it’s research-backed, and how to use it to manage training load, reduce burnout risk, and set healthier expectations for dancers during comp/show season.What You'll LearnThe difference between a choreo problem and a tired-body problemWhy 'running it again' can create more mistakes, more stress, and more injury risk What silent injuries / yellow flags look like in classWhat RPE is (Rate of Perceived Exertion) and how it worksHow RPE helps you manage energy, reduce burnout risk, and protect performanceA simple 'do this next rehearsal' system for collecting and using RPEHow to use RPE to communicate with parents without the guilt or the pushbackIf you would like access to the Rehearsal Menu: our approach in navigating rehearsals based on RPE, then you can find it inside our online Studio Essentials membership. Click HERE for a 7-DAY FREE TRIAL. Instagram:⁠ @nic._thomson⁠⁠@danceteacherstrainingacademy⁠Website: ⁠www.theathleticartist.com

Wow, it's been a minute (2 years ...). There's so much that's changed inside our world, and with bringing the podcast back, I felt like we needed a re-introduction! At the Dance Teachers Training Academy, our ethos is about training dancers like athletes - using strategies and principles that high performing athletes and Olympic coaches use because ... well, our dancers are ATHLETIC ARTISTS. Over the coming months, expect useful resources, actionable content and cracking conversations with our guests as we look through the Athletic Artist lens ... Please subscribe to the podcast and tag @danceteacherstrainingacademy on socials ♥️WEBSITE LINK HERESTUDIO ESSENTIALS MEMBERSHIP

Join me as we chat with the incredible Charlotte, a Scottish dancer, now living in London! From performing with Ellie Goulding at the BRITS to performing in Fast & Furious, Charlotte shares how her secret is to keep being a beginner. We explore the transition from Scotland to London, both personally and professionally, uncovering the emotions and practical hurdles of this transition. Charlotte shares her insights on navigating the professional dance world, from building a support network to being represented by an agent. In this episode, we cover:Charlotte's Dance JourneyThe London TransitionQuick-Fire London Survival GuideLife as a Professional DancerAdvice for Aspiring DancersCharlotte is keen to give back to the Scottish dance community with her commercial intensive, Break The Barrier. The next intensive taking place in Glasgow is on 9th-11th April 2025. You might even see a familiar face on the faculty line-up ... Email [email protected] or visit Charlotte at @btb_intensive to find out more details and/or book a space. Speak to you in the next episode Nic

Welcome to Athletic Artist: The Dancers Podcast!This week, we're diving deep into a topic that's all too familiar for dancers: pain. The phrase "the show must go on" is often thrown around, but what happens when pushing through pain becomes the norm? We're unpacking the complex relationship between dancers and pain, exploring the difference between good pain and bad pain, and giving you the tools to understand your body better.We'll start by differentiating between injury pain and performance pain. How do you know when you're pushing your limits versus putting yourself at risk? We'll discuss the common reasons why dancers experience pain, including:Body Awareness: Are you truly in tune with your body's signals?Achieving Physical Ideals: The pressure to conform to certain body types can lead to unhealthy practices.Doing Things Beyond Capability: Pushing too hard, too fast, can have serious consequences.Mechanical Misalignment: Proper alignment is crucial for injury prevention.Repetitive Movements: The nature of dance can put stress on certain joints and muscles.Overtraining: Rest and recovery are just as important as practice.But what should you be feeling in your body? We'll explore the sensations that indicate healthy muscle engagement and the difference between discomfort and true pain. Crucially, we'll discuss how to know your limits and when it's time to take a step back. Ignoring pain can lead to long-term injuries, so understanding your body's signals is paramount.Join us this week as we discuss how to prioritise your health and well-being whilst still pursuing your passion for dance. Don't forget to subscribe and share us on your instagram!Nic -@nicthomsonfitTess - @tessdancescience

In this episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Nadia, from Iris, to delve into the complex factors influencing a dancer's relationship with food, exploring societal pressures, the unique demands of the dance world, and the common themes that emerge among dancers struggling with nutrition and body image. We emphasize the importance of prioritizing health alongside performance success and offer actionable steps dancers can take to improve their relationship with food, ensuring they're properly fueled for training and performance. This episode is a must-listen for dancers, dance parents, and anyone interested in the intersection of performance, nutrition, and well-being. Key Takeaways: Introduction to Nadia's story and the creation of Iris. Discussion of the various influences on a dancer's relationship with food. Exploration of common challenges faced by dancers regarding nutrition and body image. The importance of balancing health and performance goals. Actionable steps dancers can implement to improve their food relationship and fuel their bodies effectively. Insights applicable to anyone interested in healthy eating habits, even outside the dance world. Iris stands for I Rise, I Soar. They're an online clinic helping dancers with their relationship with food, exercise and body image. I truly wish there was a clinic like Iris about when I was a younger dancer. Go check them out on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram @nicthomsonfit Follow Iris on Instagram @irisclinicuk

In this episode, we are joined by photographer, Nathan McGregor, where we talk about how to create a versatile, diverse and employable portfolio. We chat about; - Communicating with your photographer - Finding individuality - Building confidence - Preparation and improvisation Let us know your thoughts and as always, share this episode if you found it helpful and tag us Nic - @nicthomsonfit Nathan - @nathanmcgregorphotography

In this episode, Tess and I discuss how your teaching practices impact your students. We chat about: - The transition from dancer to teacher and the lack of teaching skills - Things our teachers said to us - How to prepare your students for the industry without breaking them - How to communicate better with your students - Finding a balance between being strict and being too soft - How to better cue feedback - Body image and feedback - Tools you can use within your teaching practice If you enjoyed this episode, pass it onto another teacher or dancer you think would enjoy or benefit from listening too! Nic - https://www.instagram.com/nicthomsonfit/ Tess - https://www.instagram.com/tessdancescience/

As a performer do you feel you need to 'earn' your rest? Do you feel overtraining is a badge of honour and means you're the hardest working in the room? I did too, but it burnt me out! In this episode, join me and my friend from university, Tess, as we discuss how to recover properly to keep you at the top of your game as a dancer. Discussion Points; - The signs and symptoms of not taking enough rest and recovery - The risk of not prioritising recovery - Strategies to use for mental well-being rest - Strategies to use for physical recovery from dance - How teachers can praise and encourage recovery to get the best out of their dancers If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and give us a follow! Follow us on; https://www.instagram.com/athleticartist_/ Follow Tess at; https://www.instagram.com/tessdancescience/

Hello Athletic Artists,  In this episode, I chat with my good friend, Mick, who has a wealth of knowledge in the industry from performing, choreographing and teaching.  We chat about;  - His journey from the construction site to the MOBO Awards  - Having the humility to always be a learner  - What it takes to survive in the industry - Preparing for a casting (get your notepad ready) - Audition prep as an ever-evolving process  - Athleticism, technique and artistry  - How he stays humble and driven in the industry  Give Mick a follow on Instagram at ⁠mickaliss ⁠ And as always head to ⁠athleticartist_thedancerscoach ⁠for all things training for dancers  Share this episode with a friend Subscribe to the channel  And connect and let me know who you'd like to hear on the podcast 

The best way to reduce injury as a dancer? GET STRONGER Happy New Year and welcome back to the podcast! In this episode I discuss; - The most common injury sites as a dancer - How to build new fitness standards as a dancer - The best way for you to reduce injury Follow me over on instagram at athleticartist_thedancerscoach and let's connect! If you enjoyed this podcast episode share it with a fellow dancer and subscribe for new episodes weekly.

In this episode I chat with one of my good friends, Rachel Hone. Rachel and I met in college and you could say we were allies - from traveling to London together for auditions paying 10p to do our make up in Euston Station toilets to working with the same cruise line company on our first 'big' contract. We've been there to support, encourage, challenge and inspire one another and I think we all need our own 'Rachel' in the industry. In this episode we chat about transitioning out of Scotland and being a small fish in a big pond going to London, the fear, stress and overwhelm of going on our first 'big' contract and we share our words of wisdom of what we wish we heard back when we were just starting out. From the jealousy and ego to the lack of self-confidence, we share our experiences of most emotions you've also probably felt in the industry! If this episode resonated, please share with a friend and tag us on social media if you found it helpful! You can find Rachel on instagram at _rachelhone or you can find her on Tiktok at _rhone (this is the REAL Rachel 😂) And as always you can find me at @nicthomsonfit on instagram or head to www.athleticartistco.com to find our more about how we can help you transition from a good dancer to a bookable dancer!

In this episode, Eva share her experiences of having a poor relationship with body, mind and health. We chat about how this impacted career choices, relationships and love for dance. TW: Please be aware we discuss the topic of eating disorders which may be distressing for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. - Eva's dance journey from professional dance training to fitness coach - 'I'm very grateful I never got hospitalised' - The moment she realised it went to far and needed to make a change - Dance teachers take the blame - Why aren't dancers treated like mainstream sport athletes? - Self-acceptance in the fitness space I really enjoyed this episode with Eva and I'm sure you will too. Let us know what you think and don't forget to tag us when you've given the episode a listen. Find Eva on Instagram here > evasimanaviciusEva is running the Amsterdam Marathon for BEAT Charity. You can donate here > eva-simanavicius-amsterdam-marathon-beatFind me on Instagram here > nicthomsonfitFind out more about how Athletic Artist can help you build a stronger body and mind! > www.athleticartistco.com

Lisa's energy is so infectious. I can guarantee this episode will bring light to your life after listening to Lisa. Lisa is an NLP qualified, Manifestation Coach. She tells us of her journey from West End Performer to her Coaching journey while sharing some very valuable insights and tools to help us begin our own manifestation journey. - Lisa's trialling and turbulent, but incredible journey from vocational college > West End - Trusting yourself and backing yourself - Manifesting is not wishing and waving a magic wand - Learning yourself is a scary but incredibly worth it journey - 3 tools to help you begin manifesting You can find Lisa Instagram - themessymanifester Website - https://www.themessymanifester.com As always, share this episode and subscribe to the channel for all up to date episodes. Tag me at @nicthomsonfit www.athleticartistco.com

I LOVED recording this one with Beth because we got to take a trip down memory lane (8 years ago) where we shared a cabin on our first ever cruise ship contract!! I mention in this but Beth helped me grow up ... literally! I was only 18 years old on my first contract and she helped me through some 'firsts', a lot of emotional experiences and also how to do my laundry lol. Beth is so ambitious and hungry and what's amazing about Beth is how passionate she is about sharing and giving back to her students. In this episode we discuss college > professional performing > post-performing career : - Her journey from ballroom and latin to exploring multiple dance styles in college - We share some embarrassing stories from our contract - Phrases we said to each other 8 years ago that still resonate to this day - Transition from college to professional career - The importance of development as a dancer and a person alongside your training - That post performing 'next step' advice I'd be super grateful if you could share this episode with one friend and give us a follow if you're enjoying these episodes! See you in the next one Nic x @nicthomsonfit www.athleticartistco.com

Morgan is currently studying a PhD in Sport Psychology where she is exploring emotional regulation for dancers. She has written a paper discussing deselection (rejection) and the impact it has on the dancer ... which is exactly what we dived into in this episode! I can't wait for you to listen to this! - Morgan's transition from dancer to psychologist - How rejection impacts the performer physically and emotionally - How rejection can manifest - Ways to identify rejection is impacting you - Different ways you can deal with rejection in a more positive way as a performer - Does rejection/comparison impact our connections in the industry? I was so excited about this podcast and I'm so glad you're getting to listen to it. You can find Morgan on Instagram here > performers_psychology You can find Morgan's paper here > S1469029222001571 You can find Morgan's blog post on rejection tips here > https://www.danceinmind.org/post/guest-blog-5-tips-to-cope-with-rejection-in-dance Remember, if you like this content please share with a friend, like and subscribe to support the podcast so we can continue to help you thrive on and off stage! www.athleticartistco.com

In today's episode we discuss how to prepare for an audition that's so much more beneficial than jumping into a split 2 minutes before you learn the combo - Not having your boob fall out your top - Moving through space and time - Connecting with your body - My Celine Dion superstition Follow me on instagram at @nicthomsonfit Or join Athletic Artist and receive a 7 day FREE TRIAL today at www.athleticartistco.com

I've taken one of our trainings in the Athletic Artist membership and popped it right into your ears for a listen. In this episode I discuss: - What cross-training is and how it makes you a better dancer - Why it is essential for dancers technique and performance development - What type of cross-training is encouraged and why - How to incorporate cross-training into your show and rehearsal schedule Join Athletic Artist today and receive a 7 day FREE TRIAL at www.athleticartistco.com Or follow me on @nicthomsonfit for more content like this