The Whole Dancerhelping you achieve a more balanced approach to food, your body, dance, and life

Layoffs can be one of the most challenging parts of a dancer’s career—not just because of the time away from performing, but because they often bring loss of structure, identity, community, and routine. In this episode, we explore why layoffs feel so stressful for dancers and how to navigate them with more self-compassion and intention. We discuss how to check in with your needs around movement, n...

This episode features: Jessica Zeller, Ph. D., M.F.A., is a Professor of Dance at TCU’s School for Classical & Contemporary Dance, where she teaches ballet technique, repertoire, and courses in dance studies, including history, theory, and pedagogy. Her work centers on creating more humane, equitable, and sustainable approaches to ballet training. Drawing from critical and feminist pedagogy, s...

Ballet is hard—but not always in the ways we’re taught to expect. Beyond technique and training, dancers are often navigating something much deeper: a constant need for validation, a complicated relationship with self-acceptance, and the pressure to adapt without losing themselves. In this episode, we unpack the unspoken challenges of ballet culture—the ones that don’t get corrected at the barre b...

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering… “Am I eating too many carbs?” “Should I avoid sweets?” “What should I eat before class?” You’re not alone—and you’re not the problem. In the dance world, food can feel confusing, overwhelming, and loaded with pressure. Between social media, conflicting advice, and environments that often prioritize aesthetics over performance, many dancers are left second-g...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most challenging parts of audition season: the waiting game. As early March hits, most submissions are in—but final decisions often don’t come until April or May, leaving dancers in a difficult in-between. You might feel exhausted, uncertain, and worried that opportunities are slipping away with each passing audition. We talk about why this stretch feels so...

In this episode, we’re breaking down what  nutrition for dancers actually looks like in 2026 —and why the basics still matter more than ever. From eating consistently throughout the day to building balanced meals with protein, carbs, and fat, this conversation covers the foundational habits that support energy, strength, and performance. We dive into the importance of nutrient density (think calci...

What might be possible if you felt less dependent on external validation? This episode dives into that very question and gives you 5 important essentials to unhooking from praise and criticism. As always, if you're looking for more schedule a free coaching consultation: CLICK HERE to book your call.

In this episode, I dive deep into my college dance experience, sharing my journey from a recreational dancer to a serious ballet student. I discuss the challenges I faced with food and body image, the impact of teaching styles on my anxiety, and how casting experiences shaped my confidence. I reflect on the growth that came from those challenging experiences and how they prepared me for profession...

The way you  view  food and your body—and the way you  relate  to them—may be the single biggest factor shaping your daily experience as a dancer. When food and your body are viewed through a negative lens, everything feels harder: more obsessive, more stressful, more controlling. When they’re viewed from a place of respect, admiration, and understanding, things begin to feel easier, more intuitiv...

Aesthetic pressure in dance is still very real — even as the industry promotes body positivity. In this episode, we explore how dancers continue to receive coded and direct feedback about their bodies, why these standards haven’t changed much over the last 15 years, and how they impact body image and eating behaviors. We discuss what body positivity actually means in the context of professional da...

Every dancer wants to be seen — but the real magic happens when you’re noticed  for who you truly are . In this episode, we break down what it really means to stand out in the dance world without slipping into perfectionism, comparison, or self-doubt. Inspired by Brené Brown’s reminder that we always find evidence for whatever we’re looking for, this conversation reframes visibility as an inside j...

In this episode, we’re redefining what a “dance nutrition plan” really means — because it’s  not  about shrinking your body. It’s about fueling for strength, recovery, and confidence in your dancing. You’ll learn how to build a flexible, supportive approach to nutrition that enhances performance, supports bone health and mental wellness, and helps you feel truly at home in your body. We’ll explore...

Everyone sees the beauty, grace, and effortlessness of dance — but behind the curtain, professional dancers face immense daily stress. In this episode, Jess Spinner of  The Whole Dancer  dives into the hidden pressures of the profession — from the early days of training to the realities of company life — and explores how perfectionism, people-pleasing, and burnout can take hold long before a contr...

Relationships in dance can lift you up—or hold you back. In this episode, we’re exploring how to cultivate the positive, supportive connections that help you grow as both a dancer  and  a person. 💫 ⁠ Whether it’s your teachers, friends, or fellow company members, the relationships you build can shape your confidence, motivation, and overall well-being. 🎧 Listen in for insights on creating health...

Conquering Comparison In Dance Workshop: SIGN UP HERE Comparison is one of the biggest hurdles dancers face — and the common advice to “just stop comparing” doesn’t actually work. The truth? Comparison is automatic. But you  can  change how you respond to it. In this episode, I share a client story that sparked a powerful reframe: turning comparison into  support . You’ll learn practical steps to:...

In this powerful episode, we’re challenging the outdated and damaging concept of the “ideal” dancer body. Inspired by a real conversation in my group coaching program, I’m sharing the unconventional advice that helped dancers feel relief, freedom, and power — starting with this: you don’t need to know your weight. We’ll explore why the scale isn’t a true measure of your value, how focusing on numb...

Your food relationship — how you think, feel, and act around food — shapes everything from your energy to your performance. In this episode, we explore why this often-overlooked foundation matters  before  you focus on food choices or physique goals. You'll reflect on the influences that shaped your current mindset, unpack outdated beliefs, and start imagining a more peaceful, supportive conne...

In this episode, we tackle a common fear dancers have during summer break: “What if I’m already out of shape?” Whether your layoff just started or you’re a few weeks in, that creeping worry can feel loud—and discouraging. I’ll walk you through how to shift your mindset around summer downtime, why this break might actually  support  your dancing long-term, and how to approach movement and fueling w...

This year marks 10 years of The Whole Dancer!! It's an incredibly exciting time so my amazing assistant, Tatum and I decided to share an episode where she asks me 10 (it turned out to be more than that) questions in celebration of The Whole Dancer. In this episode I share some things I've rarely (or never) spoken about and you'll get to hear more about my "why" behind The Who...

Audition season goal: land a paid dance job. Reality: it might take a few tries—and that’s okay. In this episode, we explore how to reduce stress and stay motivated with an  inspired backup plan —a path that still supports your dance career without feeling like a detour. You'll learn how to: Identify what’s missing (training, experience, exposure) Build a plan that excites you, not one that fe...

In the world of professional ballet today, there’s a structure that can leave dancers feeling stuck. Before you can get a paid company position, you often have to go through years of trainee programs, 2nd company positions, or other-named post pre-professional training programs. It’s a slow process. This podcast episode will help you bring strategy to the experience. Need support on your journey?...

In this episode, I’m opening up about my own experiences with body changes throughout my dance journey—navigating puberty, dealing with layoffs, and adjusting to life after stepping away from the stage. But I know I’m not alone. So many dancers face intense aesthetic pressures and struggle with how their bodies change over time. We’ll talk about the emotional toll this can take and how we can all...

Time off from dance can feel incredibly uncertain and stressful. There are some ways to look at it that will in fact enhance your life and dance experience. Give this episode a listen to learn how! Personal trainers for dancers. Book a Coaching Consultation Call TODAY! Submit a topic for coverage on The Whole Dancer podcast.

What should dancers eat? Dispelling myths and sharing truths about what to include in an effective, healthy, and supportive eating plan for dance. For more support: Schedule a complimentary coaching consultation!

We've all been there. The cast sheet goes up and you walk over feeling hopeful. Then, you read the list and are totally disappointed with your roles. This episode is about how to cope, gain perspective, and find a more productive path forward whether casting goes your way or not! Get in touch! Email me: jess@thewholedancer.com Schedule your coaching consultation: CLICK HERE