The Whole Dancer helping you achieve a sustainable approach to food, your body, dance, and life

In this episode, I dive deep into my college dance experience, sharing my journey from a recreational dancer to a serious ballet student.

I discuss the challenges I faced with food and body image, the impact of teaching styles on my anxiety, and how casting experiences shaped my confidence.

I reflect on the growth that came from those challenging experiences and how they prepared me for professional life, while also addressing the c...

The way you view food and your body—and the way you relate to them—may be the single biggest factor shaping your daily experience as a dancer.

When food and your body are viewed through a negative lens, everything feels harder: more obsessive, more stressful, more controlling.
When they’re viewed from a place of respect, admiration, and understanding, things begin to feel easier, more intuitive, and more sustainable.

In today’s ep...

Aesthetic pressure in dance is still very real — even as the industry promotes body positivity. In this episode, we explore how dancers continue to receive coded and direct feedback about their bodies, why these standards haven’t changed much over the last 15 years, and how they impact body image and eating behaviors.

We discuss what body positivity actually means in the context of professional dance, why dancers’ bodies naturally c...

Every dancer wants to be seen — but the real magic happens when you’re noticed for who you truly are. In this episode, we break down what it really means to stand out in the dance world without slipping into perfectionism, comparison, or self-doubt. Inspired by Brené Brown’s reminder that we always find evidence for whatever we’re looking for, this conversation reframes visibility as an inside job.

Jessica shares a personal story ab...

In this episode, we’re redefining what a “dance nutrition plan” really means — because it’s not about shrinking your body. It’s about fueling for strength, recovery, and confidence in your dancing.

You’ll learn how to build a flexible, supportive approach to nutrition that enhances performance, supports bone health and mental wellness, and helps you feel truly at home in your body.

We’ll explore:

• The Stress–Adaptation Cycle and wh...

Everyone sees the beauty, grace, and effortlessness of dance — but behind the curtain, professional dancers face immense daily stress. In this episode, Jess Spinner of The Whole Dancer dives into the hidden pressures of the profession — from the early days of training to the realities of company life — and explores how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and burnout can take hold long before a contract is ever signed.

Through personal s...

Relationships in dance can lift you up—or hold you back. In this episode, we’re exploring how to cultivate the positive, supportive connections that help you grow as both a dancer and a person. 💫
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Whether it’s your teachers, friends, or fellow company members, the relationships you build can shape your confidence, motivation, and overall well-being.

🎧 Listen in for insights on creating healthy boundaries, recognizing re...

Conquering Comparison In Dance Workshop: SIGN UP HERE

Comparison is one of the biggest hurdles dancers face — and the common advice to “just stop comparing” doesn’t actually work. The truth? Comparison is automatic. But you can change how you respond to it.

In this episode, I share a client story that sparked a powerful reframe: turning comparison into support. You’ll learn practical steps to:

✨ Notice when comparison shows up
✨ Re...

In this powerful episode, we’re challenging the outdated and damaging concept of the “ideal” dancer body. Inspired by a real conversation in my group coaching program, I’m sharing the unconventional advice that helped dancers feel relief, freedom, and power — starting with this: you don’t need to know your weight.

We’ll explore why the scale isn’t a true measure of your value, how focusing on numbers can harm your performance and we...

Your food relationship — how you think, feel, and act around food — shapes everything from your energy to your performance.

In this episode, we explore why this often-overlooked foundation matters before you focus on food choices or physique goals.

You'll reflect on the influences that shaped your current mindset, unpack outdated beliefs, and start imagining a more peaceful, supportive connection to food.

Whether you feel stuck ...

In this episode, we tackle a common fear dancers have during summer break: “What if I’m already out of shape?” Whether your layoff just started or you’re a few weeks in, that creeping worry can feel loud—and discouraging. I’ll walk you through how to shift your mindset around summer downtime, why this break might actually support your dancing long-term, and how to approach movement and fueling without pressure or panic.

If you’ve be...

Audition season goal: land a paid dance job.
Reality: it might take a few tries—and that’s okay.

In this episode, we explore how to reduce stress and stay motivated with an inspired backup plan—a path that still supports your dance career without feeling like a detour. You'll learn how to:

• Identify what’s missing (training, experience, exposure)

• Build a plan that excites you, not one that feels like giving up

• Use location, m...

In the world of professional ballet today, there’s a structure that can leave dancers feeling stuck. Before you can get a paid company position, you often have to go through years of trainee programs, 2nd company positions, or other-named post pre-professional training programs. It’s a slow process.

This podcast episode will help you bring strategy to the experience.

Need support on your journey? Schedule a complimentary coa...

In this episode, I’m opening up about my own experiences with body changes throughout my dance journey—navigating puberty, dealing with layoffs, and adjusting to life after stepping away from the stage.

But I know I’m not alone. So many dancers face intense aesthetic pressures and struggle with how their bodies change over time. We’ll talk about the emotional toll this can take and how we can all work toward embracing these changes...

Throughout the audition season, you want to take some time after each audition to assess and reflect. This podcast episode provides practical tips and tasks to help you grow through the audition process.

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That growth is going to help you show up with more confidence so you can get closer to your next career steps.

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For additional support through audition season, sign up for a free audition coaching consultation.

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Struggling wi...