71 - Lauren Ritchie: The Dance Podcast Host

Episode Summary:

Lauren Ritchie, a mental skills educator and dance teacher, to explore the importance of mental skills for dancers. Lauren shares her personal journey of transitioning from competitive dance to the professional world, where she faced challenges like identity struggles and an eating disorder. She discusses how her experience led her to develop expertise in mental performance and psychological well-being for dancers.

Throughout the conversation, Lauren offers practical advice for dancers, particularly younger ones, on how to manage expectations, embrace imperfection, and explore their identities beyond just being "a dancer." She shares tools to overcome perfectionism, build self-awareness, and navigate the pressures of a highly competitive industry. This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental wellness in the pursuit of a sustainable and successful dance career.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Introduction to Lauren Ritchie, mental skills educator and dance teacher

• (2:00) Lauren’s transition from competitive dancer to mental performance educator

• (5:00) The importance of mental skills training for dancers

• (8:00) Overcoming identity crises and personal challenges

• (12:00) Self-compassion and breaking free from perfectionism

• (15:30) Mental skills as crucial as physical training

• (18:00) Managing expectations and dealing with disappointment

• (22:00) Mental and physical health for performance

• (25:00) Overcoming comparison and fostering a healthy self-narrative

• (28:00) Building resilience with mental performance techniques

• (32:00) Lauren’s mental skills curriculum for dancers

• (35:00) Tips for young dancers struggling mentally and emotionally

• (38:00) Rest and recovery for optimal performance

• (42:00) Using self-awareness to overcome negative thoughts

• (45:00) How to integrate mental skills into daily routines

• (48:00) Conclusion: Lauren’s advice for dancers navigating their careers

Biography:

Lauren Ritchie has been studying, researching, and educating dancers on the physical, emotional and mental intricacies of dance. Lauren has made it her life’s work to support dancers to be their best – mind, body and spirit. Recognizing the lack of mental skills training in dance, Lauren has created programs and exercises dedicated to educating and empowering dancers mental health and fitness to optimize their training. From her MEd in Coaching Studies to a BA in Professional Communications, to multiple Yoga certifications and an accredited Art & Science of Coaching Certification, Lauren has a unique blend of education and resources that offer a holistic training approach for dancers.

Lauren has firsthand knowledge of the attributes required to achieve and sustain peak performance. She was a highly competitive and decorated dancer having classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical.

After completing her Advanced R.A.D, Lauren knew she “wanted to dance” but had little guidance and awareness of the true process of transitioning into a professional dance career. This is why Lauren has created and hosts The Dance Podcast, an invaluable resource dedicated to inspire and educate dancers, teachers, and parents through candid conversations with industry professionals.

Lauren is an established facilitator and speaker, delivering workshops to prestigious schools and training programs like the Alberta Ballet School and Harbour Dance Centre. She is the co-founder of the Dance Teacher r