Ep. 139: Thriving Through Stress with the National Ballet
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Medcan is the official Health and Wellness provider for the National Ballet of Canada, which is about to launch its 2022-2023 season. So how does the ballet keep its dancers healthy and well during such a busy time? And what can other high-performing organizations learn from the holistic way that the National Ballet cares for dancer wellness? In the latest episode of Eat Move Think, Medcan’s chief growth officer, and former member of the NBOC board of directors, Bronwen Evans, sits down with the ballet’s director of dancer wellness, Marla Pichler, (above, centre) as well as first soloist Spencer Hack (above, left) and second soloist Hannah Galway (above, right).
LINKS
Read about the National Ballet’s holistic approach to dancer wellness here. And here’s an article about how the company, and Marla Pichler in particular, helped dancers prepare for their post-pandemic return to the stage.
Read Marla Pichler’s bio.
Buy tickets, meet the dancers or learn more about the National Ballet of Canada.
Follow the National Ballet on Twitter or Instagram, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
Watch Spencer Hack perform Lake Maligne, one of three solos in the series Expansive Dances, created by the National Ballet’s Choreographic associates Guillaume Côté, Alysa Pires and Robert Binet.
INSIGHTS
What is the Dancer Wellness Programme, and how does it care for dancer wellness? [3:41]
Spencer and Hannah share what their daily rehearsal schedules entail as they prepare for the National Ballet’s upcoming season. [6:26]
As director of the Dancer Wellness Programme, how does Marla ensure the dancers fit healthcare into their busy schedules? [7:49]
Hannah and Spencer share advice for other high performers to stay successful through uncertainty or stress. [11:25]
What did the National Ballet of Canada learn about its dancers and their wellness from the pandemic? [16:41]
According to Spencer and Hannah, which aspects should busy organizations prioritize when caring for its high performers and their health? [18:26]
Coming back to the dance studio or the office can feel difficult or stressful. How did the National Ballet ensure dancers stayed healthy and avoided burnout as they transitioned from remote back to in-person performances and rehearsals? [21:30]
Dance culture has been criticized for promoting negative body image and unattainable beauty standards. How is the National Ballet addressing these issues? [22:35]
Hannah shares her own journey with body image and mental wellness. [24:58]
Marla, Spencer and Hannah each share their biggest piece of advice on how you can cope through hustle culture within your organization. [27:18]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.