Shows
The Dance Up!S3 E06 - Connections: Dance, Music and WellbeingJoin Dr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather with guest Cliff Beach, Musician, Author, Podcaster, and all round artist as they discuss seeing ourselves in the art we make and the opportunities we take. Hear how learning can be a catalyst for artistic growth and freedom. Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not any organization to which an affiliation might be present.2025-06-281h 38The Dance Up!03 05 - Choosing Dance and Physical Therapy, Changing the StigmasJoin Dr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather with guest Nikki Acierno, Dance Physical Therapist as they discuss the stigmas surrounding majoring in dance, facing decisions to choose dance or physical therapy, and learning that both can be an option. We wrap with self-analysisfor a meaningful way to discover what can work for you! Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not any organization to which an affiliation might be present.2025-05-281h 19The Dance Up!S3 E04 - Dance Photography: What to Look ForJoin Dr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather with guest Heather Booysen and learn about Heather's dance career and her dance photography Movement in Motion. Come to understand what to look for in a dance specific photoshoot and photographer as well as how Heather works diligently to provide safe and effective shoots with dancers. Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not any organization to which an affiliation might be present.2025-04-281h 02The Dance Up!S3 E03 - Many Hats! Dance, Directing, Producing, Musical Theatre, Cruise Ships, and Teaching in CollegeJoin Dr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather with guest David T. Loudermilk as they discuss the versatile relationships dance can create and discover just one of the many paths taken to build a career in this thing called the Performing Arts.Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not any organization to which an affiliation might be present.2025-03-281h 27The Dance Up!S3 E02 - Navigating a Life Partnership in DanceJoin Dr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather along with second time guest Tayla Gottesman and her life partner Trey Luciano as they discuss their time together at New York State Ballet, moving to Florida, and adjusting their careers as they grow together as a couple and individuals. Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not any organization to which an affiliation might be present.2025-02-2856 minThe Dance Up!S3 E01 - Year Two Wrap with Dr. James and Assistant Professor DanielleJoin Dr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather as they wrap Season 2 of The Dance Up! Hear what themes have developed over the last two years and what research James and Danielle are interested in as they move the dialogue forward. Learn about the concept of Injury Risk Reduction and hear our favorite memories of the season! A special thanks to all our guests for the 2024 Season!
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not...2025-01-281h 04The Dance Up!S2 E12 - Owning and Operating a StudioJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Shelly Isler Studio Owner, Instructor, Choreographer, and Director as we dive into opening a studio from the ground up. Being a "yes girl" and the many ways that our training prepares us - or does not - for the field. We discuss how a local dance studio developed a conditioning program, the evolution of training, and how we can encourage education at every level. Hear how Shelly stays inspired and motivates her students by discussing the ladder of training towards individualized end goals.
Musical...2024-12-301h 17The Dance Up!S2 E11 - Dance, Creative Aging and Brain HealthJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Magda Kaczmarska dance artist, researcher, creative aging advocate, Global Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health, and the Founding Director of DanceStream Projects as we dive into dance, creative aging and brain health. Listen to Magda's beginnings in both dance and science and her personal journey through injury and learning to enable her whole identity. We discuss finding our individual voice in dance, the financial parity that dancers face, and the ways in which we can learn to change the systems and models currently used to...2024-12-282h 06The Dance Up!S2 E10 - Stage Combat & Intimacy CoordinationJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Alec Barbour Theater Actor, Fight Director and Intimacy Director, and Certified Stage combat Teacher as we dive into the excitement of stage combat and the necessity for intimacy coordination. Listen to how these too tools can become necessary elements for physical and mental health but also how they can become necessary to enhancing sotrytelling and fight dynamics. Learn how contact improv can in some ways be similar to fight choreography and how fight choreography can be drastically different from traditional dance choreography and seen as, "ugly...2024-12-261h 16The Dance Up!S2 E09 - Mental Health and the Performing ArtsJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Bits Shannon MS RN PMHNP-BC as we dive into mental health and the performing arts whether that be from the elite or amateur level. We discuss our collective interest in what it means to be a performer and effective methods to treat the whole person, including relationship building, menu of options, and being clear about potential side effects. The episode parallels vocal, equestrian, and dance training as Bits shares her interest in both voice and horses. We also hope for change with bills like Travel to Treat and...2024-10-131h 21The Dance Up!S2 E08 - The Balancing Act: Performing, Teaching, Choreographing, and MotherhoodJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Kaley Jensen as they dive into discussions about Peter's Law, Training for Artistry not just technique, and overcoming injury with strength, mobility, and stability. Learn about Kaley's Mindset to Move and consider our beliefs that there is strength in collaboration through bridging gaps between the healthcare and dance industries because, "we're not meant to do this alone."
Note: this episode was recorded prior to Mr. James Clouser's passing. We dedicate this episode to him, his artistry, and the legacy he left behind. You can learn more...2024-09-291h 21The Dance Up!S2 E07 - Professional Ballet Training, University Program Training, Health Care, and the IndustryJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Elena Carter with American Midwest Ballet, as they discuss what might be better: a Professional Training Program or a University Dance Degree. Be encouraged by Elena’s early start with competitive Hula dancing and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Hear how the pandemic made Elena a more resilient dancer and listen as we consider ways to effectively care for dancers including bringing a sprung floor on tour!
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and gue...2024-07-311h 12The Dance Up!S2 E06 - Multifaceted Artistry, Education, and WellnessJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Jinah Parker Multifaceted Artist, Educator, and Wellness Practitioner as they discuss health and wellness from an integrative approach for dancers at any age. Learn about Jinah's journey from a young dancer to her pursuit of a PhD in Mind Body Medicine. Discover how her projects SHE: A Choreoplay, BITCH Fest, and her own podcast Come Hell or High Water: Stories of Women Overcoming have fed her creative mind and intersected her life. Listen as we consider ways to effectively change how the healthcare and dance industry communicate.
2024-06-281h 46The Dance Up!S2 E05 - Contact Improv, Tourette Syndrome, Gaming and MoreJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Jacob Regan Dancer, Choreographer, Graduate Student, and Contact Improv Aficionado as they discuss how hip hop and Capoeira were early influences into Jacob's training. Discover how contact improv became a part of his journey and how his early diagnosis with Tourettes Syndrome became his "superpower" . Learn how Jacob navigated his undergraduate career and eventually became a graduate student at Sam Houston University. We may also discuss things such as gaming, D&D, and how learning choreography is an act of improvisation itself!
Musical contributions by Alexandra A...2024-05-281h 37The Dance Up!S2 E04 - Former Graham Dancer Injuries and Life in Higher EducationJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Jesse Factor Former Graham Dancer as they discuss early introductions to movement and the fascination that surrounds the bodies athletic and artistic abilities. Learn about Jesse's multifaceted career, injuries sustained and the transition to higher education. Join our conversation as we consider the physical and mental aspects of dancers' injuries, both their own and their peers'. Uncover how when confronted with the fact that we are indeed not invincible we can build community to find a way through.
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by...2024-04-281h 32The Dance Up!S2 E03 - Always a Dancer and a now a Doctor of Physical Therapy CandidateJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Carly Swanson discuss the pursuit of a Doctor of Physical Therapy under the 3+3 curricular model and how a supportive environment in dance growing up allowed for discovery and hobbies outside the studio. We discuss how dance can live holistically in one's body and life and how we can decide how it best fits in our wolds. In addition, we dive into identifying what we don't know as a positive means for caring for the dancer so that appropriate referrals can occur as well as the necessity to find...2024-03-2846 minThe Dance Up!S2 E02 - Retirement from Dance, Identity, and an Archeological DigJoin Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Kayleigh Danowski talk about retirement from dance, studies at Brown University and our identities as a dancer. We discuss the sunk coast fallacy, self-exploration, and discovery outside of dance. Hoping to drive the point home that while dancing is something we participate in, it does not have to serve as a definition of who we are. We also discuss Kayleigh’s participation in an archeological dig!
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' an...2024-02-2952 minThe Dance Up!S2 E01 - One Year Wrap Up with Dr. James and Assistant Professor DanielleDr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather chat about the humble beginnings of The Dance Up! Why we started this thing in the first place and what we hope to achieve in the future. Thank you to everyone who has listened throughout the year and an extra special thanks to our guests for sharing your stories and ultimately revealing that while we have common trends, we aren't monoliths. Better care starts with a deep understanding of what we need from healthcare and the ability to communicate that effectively. Thanks to you all! Please fill...2024-01-2836 minThe Dance Up!S1 E-12 Social Emotional Learning for Dancers and their TeachersDr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather and guest Jenna Wurtzberger Educator and Entrepreneur, Owner of Bomiart Movement Society discuss Social Emotional Learning for both Young Dancers and their Teachers and how programs such as these can cultivate healthy relationships and communication in the Dance world to build a foundation of healthy emotions.
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not any organization to which an affiliation might be present.2023-12-281h 23The Dance Up!S1 E11 - Dance Therapy as a Means to Cultivate RelationshipsDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Dance Movement Therapist Lydia Patselas discuss Drexel University’s Masters Program in Dance/Movement Therapy nd how programs such as these can cultivate better relationships with the self, with others and between dance and health care. We consider how both individualized care and group care can be pursued and how Dance Programs in Higher Education can begin to introduce Dance Movement Therapy as a viable career option for students.
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the aut...2023-11-2849 minThe Dance Up!S1 E10 - Broadway Careers and Chiropractic SchoolDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Broadway performer Tony Mansker discuss his journey from performing and teaching into Chiropractic School. We consider how the two fields can be enhanced by further education and letting go of archaic teaching practices that have long been detrimental to dancers and their bodies. We also discuss how preventative care teams can be established for better support to dancers throughout their performance careers.
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' views and not any...2023-10-281h 06The Dance Up!S1 E09 - The Benefits of Doctors of Physical TherapyDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and DPT Madison Peitz discuss Competitive Dance Teams at the Dance Studio, High School, and College level as well as dance in Higher Education Degree programs. Madison shares with us her journey to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy and gives key insights into professional development and continuing education credits when it comes to a specialized population like dance. We discuss the necessity for better care not by ignoring dance as an artisitc pursuit but by understanding that dancers are also athletes in need of access to care.
Musical...2023-09-281h 09The Dance Up!S1 E08 - Weight Lifting: A Cross Training Modality for DancersDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Southern Utah University Dance Education graduate Addison Cox discuss weight lifting as a cross training modality for dancers. We consider the myths around weight training that have led to stigmas about bulkiness and loss of flexibility as well as how dancers can begin a weight lifting regimen. We also discuss how collegiate dance programs can advocate for access to athletic trainers and how the research around weight lifting and dance is limited to heteronormative standards.
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed...2023-08-2859 minThe Dance Up!S1 E07 - Dance Injury Series: Deciding on Back SurgeryDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Professional Dancer Chip Abbott discuss his journey with back surgery and the impact his body has faced pre-injury and post injury. Chip selflessly delivers important messages to preprofessional dancers and professional dancers alike, highlighting that care for the body is of utmost importance and how pain can be an indicator of something more serious going on. We critically discuss Independent Medical Exams, Workers' Compensation, and the very real necessity of filling out Injury reports. Enjoy!
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design...2023-07-2857 minThe Dance Up!S1 E06 - Dance Injury Series: Dancing with Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID)Dr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Professional Dancer Tayla Kelly discuss how her Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) diagnosis hasn't slowed her down one bit! Tayla let's us know how she learned to advocate for herself and her health in the professional ballet world and learned to use her voice. Along with sharing her story she also let's us know about her time on Dancing with the Stars and we consider how health care professionals can provide better care by understanding that dance is a livelihood for some of us and that getting...2023-06-281h 00The Dance Up!S1 E05 - Dance Injury Series: Torn ACL with Previous Meniscus Tears from the Professional Dance PerspectiveDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Professional Dancer Maddison Jayne Cole discuss how previous injuries as a pre-professional dance student can help us to find a team of individuals that can support us through our professional careers. A strong emphasis on learning how to advocate for our own health and a reminder that despite the fact that we are not the medical professionals, we do live in our bodies everyday and can have an acute awareness when something is wrong. We also touch on the importance of intercommunication between health care providers to...2023-05-281h 08
The Dance Up!S1 E04 - Dance Injury Series: Ankle Sprain from the Professional Dancer PerspectiveDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Professional Dancer Nova Gaffney discuss how injuries at the professional level are detrimental to our livelihood, which isn't easily understood by healthcare professionals. The idea that if we don't work, we don't get paid is often foreign to so many and is still a stigma that we often have to combat in our careers. Nova shares her story from injury to recovery. An emphasis on building confidence was created with a care team and company that were supportive and encouraging along the way. In this episode, we...2023-04-2840 minThe Dance Up!S1 E03 - Dance Injury Series: Torn MCL from the Collegiate Student PerspectiveDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Dance Student Eliza Tarbet get into how an injury can be a sign of overuse, caused by an acute reaction, or a combination of the two. Sound advice for both dancers and health care providers is offered to develop more confidence and support to the injured dancer. Understanding that dancers' identities are often threatened when physical injuries occur and how mental health can be further affected is discussed. A model of care to integrate a support system both in the collegiate system and in health care professionals...2023-03-2840 minThe Dance Up!S1 E02 - Research and Education in Healthcare and DanceDr. James D Walters, Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather, and Multidisciplinary Artist & Researcher Kayla McClellan get into arts and health research, publishing, didactic, democratic, and collaborative choreographic processes, dance psychology, the biopsychosocial model of care, and the Eurocentric hierarchical structures that continue to shape the dance world. We ask some pretty important questions too: How can we use contracts to support our processes for advancing wellness and what de-programing do we have to participate in to effect change? Enjoy!
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast...2023-02-282h 13
The Dance Up!S1 E01 - EducationDr. James D Walters and Assistant Professor of Dance Danielle Lydia Sheather get into why we started the podcast and offer some ideas about how we can be actionable in our advancement towards cultural competency between the medical and dance worlds. Discussions include combating and dismantling stigmas we might have learned and still hear from time to time, National Standards for continuing ed in the dance and medical fields, and ways to move forward. Enjoy!
Musical contributions by Alexandra Ausman, Graphic Design by Dr. Kelsey Elliot. Views expressed in this podcast solely reflect the authors' and guests' v...2023-01-281h 15