Season 5
Ep:04
In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon sits down with psychologist, former dancer, and performance specialist Dr. Chelsea Pierotti for a grounded and insightful conversation about the psychological realities of dance training.
Together, they explore perfectionism, performance anxiety, burnout, competition culture, identity, emotional resilience, and the evolving conversation around high performance environments in dance.
This episode examines how dancers can be challenged without being psychologically harmed, why emotional regulation matters in training, and how parents and teachers can support young dancers without tying their worth to outcomes or rankings.
Chelsea also shares practical insights into nervous system regulation, confidence, mindset, team culture, and why dancers need identities beyond dance itself.
This is a thoughtful conversation for dancers, teachers, studio owners, adjudicators, and parents navigating the modern dance world.
Connect with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti
🌐 Website & Podcast: https://passionfordancepodcast.com
📸 Instagram: @drchelseapierotti
🎙️ Podcast: Passion for Dance
Connect with Kate Histon
🌐 Website: https://katehiston.com
📸 Instagram: @kate_histon and @dance_real_podcast
📸 Instagram: @master_dancer_mindset
🎙️ Dance Real Podcast explores dance culture, leadership, mindset, communication, psychological safety, and the realities of high performance training.
Disclaimer:
This episode explores body image, nutrition, emotional eating, and disordered eating patterns within dance culture. It is educational in nature and is not a substitute for medical, psychological, or therapeutic support. If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please seek support from a qualified healthcare professional.
The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine.
Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.
