Thomas Vacanti: SAFE BARRE ® technique and the importance of training in an anatomically safe manner.

Thomas Vacanti: SAFE BARRE ® technique and the importance of training in an anatomically safe manner.

“Your dance career depends on your kindness with yourself.”

In this episode we speak with Thomas Vacanti. We discuss the principles of the SAFE BARRE ® technique, finding a cross training routine that connects to our dance practice, carving out time for rest, finding mindfulness practices that bring us inward, and more.

About Thomas: Tom is the dance program director and an associate professor of dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has a BS in Dance from Skidmore College, an MFA in Performance and Choreography from Smith College, and a Certificate Degree in Costume Design from Boston University. Tom has danced professionally with The Florida Ballet, Tampa Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Ballet Mississippi, Ballet Michigan and Ballet de Panama. He was also chosen by Jacob’s Pillow, to represent the USA in their Russian/American Exchange Program. Tom is currently co-artistic director of Pioneer Valley Ballet in addition to being certified in the SAFE BARRE ® technique.

Thomas’s Website: thomasvacanti.com

Safe Barre: www.maisonmunz.com/

Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/movementtowardchange

Movementtowardchange.org

Instagram: @movementtowardchange 

Shannon Lee Jones: Benefits of the Alexander Technique for Dancers.

Shannon Lee Jones: Benefits of the Alexander Technique for Dancers.

“You learn to recognize patterns and habits that are interfering with your ability to move and think.”

In this episode we speak with Shannon Lee Jones. We speak about the importance of staying present and slowing down, techniques to calm the nervous system through awareness and connection, distributing tension in the body, and noticing inefficient movement patterns. We also discuss how one can distribute tension in the body, and take care of themselves in order to help others.

About Shannon: Shannon is an Alexander Technique teacher based in Boston, Massachusetts. She is currently an assistant Professor of Dance at the Boston Conservatory teaching Alexander Technique. She received her teacher’s certification with Tommy Thompson at the Alexander Technique Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Alexander Technique International. Prior to moving to Boston, Shannon worked as a professional actress both on Broadway and touring nationally.

Shannon’s Email: sjones@berklee.edu

Support our podcast: https://www.patreon.com/movementtowardchange

Movementtowardchange.org

Instagram: @movementtowardchange 

Becca Scott: Holistic health and wellness for dancers.

Becca Scott: Holistic health and wellness for dancers.

“What can I do to make sure I feel good, and I feel nourished, and I feel strong?”

In this episode we speak with holistic health coach Becca Scott. We discuss what it means to look at your life from a holistic viewpoint, focusing on how one feels instead of appearance, checking in to see if your goals are serving you, and more.

About Becca: Becca received her BFA in Dance from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her certification in holistic health & nutrition from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She currently has a virtual health coaching practice and is passionate about helping individuals gain a better understanding of how to take care of themselves so that they can feel their best and take care of what matters most to them.

Becca’s Website: thisisbeccascott.com

Becca’s Instagram: @coachingwithbecs

Daisy Kate Jacobson: Transitioning from Julliard to a professional career in dance.

Daisy Kate Jacobson: Transitioning from Julliard to a professional career in dance.

“I can be a human who dances and not just a dancer who happens to be a human”

In this episode we speak with Daisy Kate Jacobson. We discuss her journey from dancing at Juilliard to a professional career in dance, the importance of listening to our bodies, navigating injuries, discovering a work/life balance and more.

About Daisy: Daisy grew up in Manhattan Beach, CA where she trained at South Bay Ballet. She received her BFA in Dance from The Juilliard School in 2017 and joined LA Dance Project soon after. At LA Dance Project, Daisy has performed new works by leading choreographers such as Benjamin Millepied, Justin Peck, Shannon Gillen, Kyle Abraham, and Ohad Naharin.

Follow Daisy on Instagram @Daisykate_j

Taylor Cocco: Building confidence and female empowerment in and outside of the dance studio.

Taylor Cocco: Building confidence and female empowerment in and outside of the dance studio.

“I want each kid to leave the workshops feelings invincible and amazing”

In this episode we speak Boston-based dance and fitness instructor, Taylor Cocco. We discuss the importance of creating a safe space within the classroom, helping students to navigate the pressures and aesthetic norms within dance, exercising for strength instead of appearance goals, and encouraging dancers to trust their bodies. Taylor also shares with us a new female empowerment workshop she has created, “U-CAN.”

About Taylor: Taylor is a passionate and dedicated individual who has been in the education space for the past 9 years. She has a degree from Dean College in the Arts as well as Suffolk University where she studied public relations and communications. Over the past few years, Taylor has found herself working within the school systems, theater groups, and dance studios all around the New England area. She is currently a judge for local dance competitions, a dance educator, 305 fitness instructor and just found her own company, “U CAN.”

U-Can Academy Website: u-can-academy.com

U-Can Academy Instagram: @u.can.academy