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Guest: Lisa Long
Curious Human Being I CSUF Professor I Movement Artist I Choreographer I Researcher I Author

In this interview episode, Lisa Long, shares her journey in the dance world & her passion for teaching & supporting students. She emphasizes the importance of change, connection, & nature in her work. Discussing her research on mindfulness practices in dance & the positive impact they have on students' metacognition, critical thinking, sensory awareness, and emotional intelligence. Her goal is to make the dance journey easier for the next generation and provide them with tools to become better human beings. Additionally, Lisa emphasizes the importance of mindful rigor and holistic training in dance performance and the need for explicit teaching and clear communication in dance classes coupled with the value of creating a safe and supportive environment for students to explore and ask questions. Lisa also shares her personal experiences with receiving both positive and negative feedback in her dance career, and how she has learned to prioritize her own self-efficacy. She encourages cross-training and exploring different practices to enhance physical and mental well-being. Overall, Lisa advocates for a more inclusive and mindful approach to dance education & performance.

Lisa (she/her) leads her life curiosity-forward. Her evolution thus far has flowed between dance, choreography, massage, education, and most recently, writing.
For over a decade she danced professionally, first for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and next was a principal dancer with Dance Kaleidoscope, under the artistic direction of David Hochoy, for eight years. She has created roles in works by...learn more here.

Follow / Learn More:
IG: @dlongdance
Website: https://dlongdance.com/
Mentions:
Book: 8.1.24 Cognella Press
Alwin Nikolais I Dallas Black Dance Theatre I Dance Kaleidoscope I Martha Graham I Oregon Shakespeare Festival I Alexandra Beller I Dave Brailsford I Wim Hof

Support the Show.

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.

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Episode 6 Slideshow

In the final part of this Episode (Part 4), Eileen and Amy's conversation explores the concept of a dysregulated nervous system and its connection to unresolved trauma. They explore the impact of trauma on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and how a dysregulated nervous system can lead to psychological, physical, and cognitive issues. Additionally, the window of tolerance is introduced as a period of optimal balance in the nervous system; delving into how somatic work, somatic integration, embodiment practices, and regulating the body helps to build the capacity of the window of tolerance. Various tools and resources for regulating the nervous system are mentioned as well.

Support the Show.

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.

Send us a Text Message.

Episode 6 Slideshow

In Part 3 of this Episode, Eileen and Amy's conversation explores the concept of optimism and how it has been weaponized against dancing bodies. It delves into the importance of having empathetic witnesses and the impact of trauma on the nervous system. The five traumatic responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and flop) are discussed in detail, highlighting their physical and emotional manifestations. They also emphasize the need for dancers to establish boundaries, challenge abusive behaviors, and cultivate a sense of self amidst societal pressures.

Be sure to listen to Part 4 where they cover the nuances of a dysregulated nervous system, some terminology and some examples of how to regulate the nervous system.

Support the Show.

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.

Send us a Text Message.

Episode 6 Slideshow

In Part 2 of this Episode, Eileen and Amy's conversation explores the impact of trauma on dancers and the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment in dance classes. It emphasizes that trauma is not just what happens to a person, but also what happens inside them as a result. The discussion highlights the need for dancers to build resilience and capacity to handle stress and challenges. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy and being an empathetic witness for others. The conversation touches on the concepts of optimism and the role it plays in resilience and healing.

Be sure to listen to Part 3 where they cover the 5 Trauma Responses and how they can show up in the dance world.

Support the Show.

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.

Send us a Text Message.

Episode 6 Slideshow

In Part 1 of this Episode, Eileen and Amy discuss the nervous system and how survival mode affects the body. They explore different lenses through which they view the nervous system, such as the somatic, energetic, traumatic, emotional, and physiological lenses. They explain that survival mode is a physiological and psychological response that occurs when the body is overwhelmed by stress, and it activates the body's stress response systems. They discuss the fight, flight, freeze, fawn, and flop trauma responses, as well as the importance of finding balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. They also touch on the role of cortisol and glucose in the body's stress response.

Be sure to listen to Part 2 where they cover how stress and trauma inform each other and the reframing of what it means to be resilient and optimistic.

Support the Show.

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.

Send us a Text Message.

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

Support the Show.

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.

Send us a Text Message.

Today's episode talks about just how common injuries in dance are, with 86% of dancers experiencing one or more injuries in their career. We also debunk the traditional injury protocol of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) that is now being challenged as it can prolong the healing process and hinder recovery. A new approach called PEACE (Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatory substances, Compression, Educate) and LOVE (Load, Optimism, Vascularization, Exercise) is being advocated, focusing on protecting the injured area, promoting fluid movement, avoiding anti-inflammatory measures, providing compression or massage, and educating oneself about the body. Injuries in dance are not just physical but also have psychological and emotional components that need to be addressed; mental stress can manifest as physical tension and affect performance. Integrating the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of dance is crucial for injury prevention and recovery. Dance programs and institutions need to prioritize the holistic well-being of dancers and provide resources for physical and mental health support.

Note: When Eileen discusses "beliefs" during this episode, she is referring specifically to embodied beliefs (not just the conscious beliefs we hold, but the energetic beliefs our body has somatically developed).

Resources / Studies / Articles / References:

• R.I.C.E. Debunked
• R.I.C.E. Method
• P.E.A.C.E. and L.O.V.E. Protocol
• 80% dancers versus 20% rugby and football players will have a career affecting injury.

*Be sure to check out S2E2 Injury Mini Series: What even IS an injury?'s episode description for more resources / studies / articles / references.

Support the Show.

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.

Send us a Text Message.

Guest: Julia Harnett
Performer / Producer / Coach / Educator

This beautiful conversation covers a range of topics including the influence of ballet training on other dance styles, the importance of lead and follow in dance, the therapeutic nature of movement, and the impact of stagnation on the body. Julia Harnett shares her personal journey through the dance industry, from transitioning out of ballroom dancing to pursuing acting, yoga, and musical theater. She discusses the challenges of shifting from a dancer to an actor and the impact of body image on her career. The conversation also delves into the Eurocentric aesthetic in dance and covers everything from the impact of different dance styles to the importance of self-care and mental well-being to the importance of rest and the need for new work in the industry to aging and the empowerment of dancers to advocate for change with an emphasis on the significance of storytelling and the need for celebration and recognition of dancers at all stages of their careers.

Julia (she/her) is a dynamic triple threat who began performing at the age of four. Early training consisted of exclusively ballet (Royal Academy of Dance), whilst later adding jazz (Jack Cole/ Fosse), Scottish highland dance, musical theatre, contemporary, and competitive dancesport (ballroom and latin). ​
Never one to shy away from her emotions, Julia was also involved heavily in the drama department of her high school and local theatre community, and went on to work for theatres across Canada and the United States, with principal and ensemble roles in Guys & Dolls (Kennedy Center), A Christmas Story (Center Theatre Group -The Ahmanson), Chicago (The Fulton Theatre), and In the Heights (Arts Club Theatre - Vancouver).
It wasn’t long before the television and film industry started calling her name, and Julia soon began working national television commercial spots as a principal actor, choreographer, and dancer for Glade, Hershey’s, Scotiabank, Lexus, Nikon, Party City, Del Taco, and Time Warner Cable...read more here.

Follow / Learn More:
IG: @juliaharnett
Website: IMDB / Jack Cole Dancers
Mentions:
Misty Copeland
Article: Regrets of the Dying

Support the Show.

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.