Episodes

  • #1- Dear Choreographer: Own Your Leadership

    #1- Dear Choreographer: Own Your Leadership
    Jun 13 2024
    In the first episode of the 'Lead and Create' podcast, Neus Gil Cortes, an experienced dancer and choreographer, discusses the importance of recognising and embracing leadership roles within the dance industry. Neus shares insights from her 34-year career and emphasises the need for clarity in roles and responsibilities to foster productive and collaborative environments. She addresses common hesitations dancers and choreographers have about identifying as leaders, and offers strategies to overcome these challenges. Neus highlights the significance of naming roles accurately to ensure accountability and acknowledges the importance of vulnerability in leadership. The podcast aims to inspire better leadership in the dance world by encouraging open dialogue and preparation for effective collaboration.

    Resources:

    - 6 leadership styles- Leadership That Gets Results, by Daniel Goleman

    - Download The 7 steps to finding the collaborators that are right for you.
    - Rethinking Leadership Conversation Friday 21st June 1-3pm Book your free spot

    Music: Happy Day by Top-Flow
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    24 mins
  • #2- How to maximise the time in the studio

    #2- How to maximise the time in the studio
    Jun 19 2024
    In today’s episode, we delve into the importance of creating safe and calm spaces in the studio. We'll explore why such environments are crucial not just ethically, but also for encouraging risk-taking and creativity. We’ll discuss the often overlooked value of calmness in leadership, sharing practical tips for choreographers to stay grounded, organized, and efficient. From strategic communication to mindful scheduling and leveraging team strengths, we’ll cover actionable strategies to enhance productivity and well-being in the creative process.Tune in to discover how embracing a calm, mindful approach can transform your leadership style and studio environment. Let’s all make a conscious effort to be better leaders.Don't forget to check out the Rethinking Leadership conversation coming up on Friday, 21st June from 1-3pm online, and stay tuned for our 5-week online leadership training for independent choreographers launching in October.Hope you enjoy the episode!
    Resources:
    Register for the Rethinking Leadership conversation here.
    Download the guide "The 7 Steps to Finding the Collaborators That Are Right for You" here.

    Music: Happy Day by Top-Flow
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    18 mins
  • #3- 10 mistakes I have made as a leader

    #3- 10 mistakes I have made as a leader
    Jun 30 2024
    Welcome to Lead & Create with Neus Gil Cortes, a Spanish choreographer based in the UK. With over 30 years in the dance industry, I aim to equip independent choreographers with the tools for inclusive and respectful leadership.Today, I’m sharing personal mistakes I’ve made as a leader, including overlooking the importance of social interactions, rushing in choosing collaborators, and not being clear in my communication.
    By discussing these experiences, I hope to create a supportive environment where we can learn and grow from each other.Next week, join me and Stuart Waters as we explore “process over perfection” in leadership.

    Please share your feedback about what content you would like to hear by filling in this 2min survey, I would love to know your views.
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    17 mins
  • #4- A chat with... Stuart Waters

    #4- A chat with... Stuart Waters
    Jul 7 2024
    In this episode of the Lead and Create podcast, Neus Gil Cortes chats with Stuart Waters about innovative leadership in the dance industry. With 24 years of experience, Stuart shares his journey through mental health challenges, addiction, and his approach to collaborative, inclusive practices. They discuss the significance of honesty, flexibility, and active listening in dance spaces, and explore how to bring marginalized communities into the fold. This conversation offers profound insights into creating healthier, more fulfilling artistic processes.

    00:18 Introduction to the Lead and Create Podcast
    00:48 Meet Stuart Waters: Performer and Choreographer
    02:55 Stuart's Journey: From Success to Struggle
    07:55 The Importance of Honesty in Dance
    10:05 Balancing Process and Product in Dance
    14:00 Collaborative and Inclusive Practices
    16:20 Head On: Activism and Mental Health in Dance
    19:02 Engaging Marginalised Audiences
    23:09 What can we learn from working with Disability and Access Needs
    29:52 Rethinking Leadership in Dance
    44:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Follow Stuart Waters on Instagram

    Sign up to our newsletter to receive more information about Rethinking Leadership Conversations and the online Leadership course
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    46 mins
  • #5- Dear Choreographer: Ditch The Idea of the Genius

    #5- Dear Choreographer: Ditch The Idea of the Genius
    Jul 12 2024
    In this episode, we dive deep into the myth of the "lone, tortured genius" in choreography and how it's time to stop justifying mistreatment on its account.
    We'll discuss a fascinating study on stress and creativity which is a collaboration from researchers in universities in Taiwan and UK, Brian Eno's concept of "scenius," and I will also share personal experiences of my dance career to strengthen the argument.Discover how the best leaders invest and inspire rather than intimidate or make dancers feel replaceable, and how creating a supportive environment can lead to greater creativity and artistic quality.
    We will also talk about the difference between being kind and being nice, for those afraid a good process might compromise their artistic vision.Join us as we challenge outdated notions and embrace a new vision of leadership in dance. And don't miss our exciting announcement about an upcoming guest speaker in our leadership training program launching next October!Tune in and let's redefine what it means to be a successful choreographer together.

    Resources: Study on stress versus creativity here
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    16 mins
  • #6- How to Understand the Value You Bring As An Artist

    #6- How to Understand the Value You Bring As An Artist
    Jul 21 2024
    Hello everyone! In this exciting episode, we tackle a common struggle many artists face: understanding the value they bring. Drawing from personal experiences and insights, we explore how recognizing your unique contributions is key not only to securing funding but also to creating meaningful work and leading a team.We’ll dive into practical exercises and reflective questions to help you uncover what makes your artistry special and how to articulate it. Plus, there's a handy quiz linked in the notes to help you understand your leadership style and values.We’ll discuss how to define your medium, draw inspiration from other art forms, and connect deeply with your audience. By the end of the episode, you’ll have a clearer sense of your artistic identity and purpose.Remember, your work wouldn’t exist without you – and that’s both empowering and humbling. Tune in for a packed, thought-provoking episode and start clarifying your Why today!Join us as we reflect, ask the right questions, and uncover the true value you bring as an artist.

    RESOURCES:
    Link to the quiz- How do you work best with others? can be found hereLink to Simon Sinek’s TED talk: Start With Why - How Great Leaders Inspire Action can be found here

    All the best with your projects!
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    23 mins
  • 11 Things I learnt about leadership from parenting advice

    11 Things I learnt about leadership from parenting advice
    Jul 30 2024
    Ever felt like an outsider in your own family? Or like you are a different person professionally and at home?
    In this episode of Lead and Create, Neus Gil Cortes explores how family interactions can teach us essential leadership lessons as choreographers. We'll cover 11 key leadership lessons that Neus, a mother of two, takes from parenting advice, and you will be amazed at how well they serve professional interactions too!

    Share your thoughts and connect with us on Instagram @leadandcreate or send us an email. Let's continue this conversation together!
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    28 mins