Episode 169: Helping Your Dancers Handle Their Emotions Through Journaling with Michelle Leagans
Do your dancers struggle with face-to-face conversations or have a hard time handling their emotions? If you’re like most dance educators I’ve talked to, having real, face-to-face conversations, that are productive but still kind and provide real benefit, is exceedingly challenging. Our dancers are used to communicating behind a screen. It’s hurting their relationships, and I also think it’s hurting their ability to perform well onstage. My guest today, Michelle Leagans, has found a solution to this problem!
Michelle is a former professional dancer from Texas who currently owns and teaches for Power Intensives, and she’s a sought-after choreographer and master instructor. Michelle’s solution was to create a journal for dancers called “Hey Dancers… Let’s Talk About It!” This journal is different, and the way she explains how it works and why it works will make you want to give it a try.
In today’s conversation, Michelle talks about the power of journaling individually as well as in a team setting via groups. We also talked about addressing burnout and this wonderful idea of glimmers, which provides a much-needed dose of positivity when you need it. Trust me, you’re going to want to try it. Tune in to learn how to help your dancers express themselves through journaling!
“And I know so many directors say, “We don't have a lot of time for this,” and “We'll try to make time for this.” I think, as important as the dancing is, as important as competition and all of that stuff is to so many teams, the health of your team and the wellness of your dancers needs to start becoming as big of a priority as the competitions. Because when they leave that high school or they leave that college team to go be adults, ultimately as teachers, our goal is to make them the best adults they can possibly be. Sure, maybe they'll go into the dance field, but I would hope that some of these conversations would make them better people for their friends and future loved ones down the line.”
Key Episode Highlights
- [2m 54s] – Michelle’s Dance Background
- [6m 21s] – Michelle’s Experience Journaling
- [10m 10s] – How to Use Journal in a Group Setting
- [13m 35s] – Types of Questions to Journal About as a Team
- [18m 28s] – The Importance of Deeper Conversations Amongst Dancers
- [23m 58s] – How Often to Do a Journaling Day
- [30m 20s] – How Journaling Helps with Motivation and Confidence
- [38m 50s] – “Hey Dancers… Let’s Talk About It!”
- [44m 27s] – Connect with Michelle
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Resources
Connect with Michelle on Instagram: www.instagram.com/michelleleagans
Get “Hey Dancers… Let’s Talk About It!”: www.letstalkaboutdance.com
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About The Guest
Michelle Leagans Todero is a magna cum laude graduate of Oklahoma City University with a BFA in Dance Performance. During college, Michelle was a member of the American Spirit Dance Company and was the first student choreographer for the OCU Pep Dancers. She also performed at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia in both the German show and as the lead dancer in the Country Show. Michelle was a dancer for the NBA Charlotte Hornets as well as the NFL Texans Cheerleaders. When performing with the Texans, she was also a captain and choreographer for the team. She performed with the Cheerleaders at the Hall of Fame Game and in Calgary, Canada. She also was an ensemble performer for the TEXAS show in Amarillo.
Michelle has now taught for over 20 years in the Houston area and has choreographed for over 60 high schools. She has won hundreds of choreography awards, Crowd Pleasers entertainment awards, artistry awards, and many high scoring routines of the day. In 2018, Michelle was the TDEA All State Choreographer. She continues to travel the state working with teams on their contest choreography. Michelle is thrilled to continue to choreograph for the Texans Cheerleaders and most recently taught at the Sideline Prep HTX intensive for Pro Style dance. Each summer, Michelle teaches at Crowd Pleasers officer camps. She provides choreography for chosen routines and has also taught master classes for the camps.
Michelle is also the owner of Michelle Leagans LLC and has owned Power Intensives for 6 years. This intensive travels to 15 different locations across the state offering high energy classes for dancers ages 7 and older. Last year, over 1000 dancers attended Power Intensives with guest teachers from across the country. Michelle continues to share her passion and experience to so many dancers in Texas each and every year.
