The Daily Stress of Dancing at a High Level

The Whole Dancer helping you achieve a sustainable approach to food, your body, dance, and life

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 contract is ever signed.

Through personal stories and client experiences, Jess unpacks how the demand for “effortless perfection” impacts dancers’ mental and physical health. You’ll hear about the toll of overtraining, the stress of proving yourself in competitive environments, and how control around food or body can become a coping mechanism.

Most importantly, Jess shares practical strategies for shifting out of survival mode — embracing a growth mindset, redefining success, and reconnecting with the joy that made you fall in love with dance in the first place.

✨ Tune in to learn how to protect your well-being, find balance, and create a sustainable, fulfilling dance career.

Looking for more support on your dance journey? Schedule a free coaching consultation here.