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Guest: Nichol Lazenby

• Owner of Grateful Body Pilates
• CSUS Dance Faculty
• Choreographer
• Movement Artist

In this conversation, Eileen, Amy and Nichol talk about the challenges of finding their voice and identity in the dance world, the importance of being seen and connecting with others through movement, and the power of vulnerability and authenticity in performance. They also touch on the need for dancers to create spaces where they feel safe to show up as their true selves. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing one's unique journey and finding a place in the dance world. In this conversation, Nichol discusses the importance of dance as a form of self-expression and connection to the body emphasizing that anyone can dance, regardless of their experience or rhythm. She shares her insights on the importance of cross-training, particularly through Pilates, for injury prevention and rehabilitation and highlights the need for dancers to prioritize their mental, emotional, and spiritual health, including practices such as meditation. Nichol reflects on her own experiences with injuries and the lessons she has learned about self-care and acceptance calling for greater emphasis on injury prevention and mental health support in dance training and the industry as a whole.

Nichol (she/her) is a dance artist, educator, choreographer, and Pilates instructor who has taught throughout the country for over 15 years. Originally from Southern California, she received a B.F.A. in Dance from California State University of Long Beach, and MFA degree in Dance/Choreography with an additional Certificate in College Teaching from The University of Arizona. Her interests in injury prevention, functional cross training, movement efficiency and longevity drew her to acquire a Pilates certification with an emphasis in dance conditioning through Body Arts and Science International (BASI) and a personal training certification through International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Throughout Nichol’s dance career...learn more here.

Follow / Learn More:
IG: @nichol.mason.lazenby / @gratefulbodypilates
Mentions:
Doug Varone
Bartenieff Fundamentals

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M.O.V.E. with Eileen + Amy is a Kaia Evolutions Podcast.
New episodes air on Wednesdays when in season.

To learn more about Eileen + Amy, be sure to follow them on IG at @ekielty + @amyreah and keep up to date on the podcast at @movewitheileenandamy. For more information about Kaia Evolutions, a culmination of Eileen's life's work and a love letter to her sister, Katie, who died by suicide in 2019 - visit https://www.kaiaevolutions.com/ or follow on IG at @kaia.evolutions

If you want to share part of your dancer / movement artist journey with us, email us at movepod@kaiaevolutions.com

*If you or anyone you know is in need of support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255 OR text 988. You are not alone.