FOR BALLET SCHOOLS

Showing Pre-Professional Ballet dancers how to thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically since 2011.

SPEAKING TOPICS:

  • This talk focuses on building mental strength and a healthy, empowering mindset by using skills like mindful breathing, self-talk, and thought work to improve their performance.

  • This talk teaches dancers the basic building blocks of goal-setting, tracking, and achievement so that they benefit from the process.

  • This talk posits that mental preparation is as important as physical preparation when it comes to auditions and competitions. Dancers learn tools to stay calm and focused in a high-pressure environment.

  • From casting decisions to the potential for injury, the day–to–day life of a dancer is full of unknown variables that can send young dancers into a crisis of confidence. When dancers build flexible minds that distinguish between what is in and out of their control, they are more able to withstand the ever-changing landscape of their training, performances, and bodies.

  • With the rise of dance medicine and science and the more common presence of physical therapists in dance studios comes a new level of awareness and information around injuries and pain. (Mostly) gone are the days when dancers were expected to suffer in silence; today’s dancers must learn how to communicate what’s happening in their bodies and to keep teachers and directors informed during periods of rest and recovery.

  • In an environment as inherently competitive as ballet, creating community is a serious challenge. Get ahead of future interpersonal issues by involving your dancers in this community-building workshop where they will define their values as a class and create concrete actions in service of those values.

  • Dancers begin partnering at an age when their communication skills are still developing and their confidence may not be at its highest: the teenage years. In this workshop, Elizabeth shares simple tools and strategies to help young dancers find their voices and communicate in ways that are both respectful and impactful.

  • Comparisons are rampant in dance studios and are sometimes exacerbated by the culture of corrections. In this workshop, dancers learn how to use comparisons in helpful constructive ways (and ditch the unhelpful ones), decrease their dependence on teacher corrections, and build their confidence from the inside out.

WANT TO GET IN TOUCH ABOUT BOOKING A TALK AT YOUR STUDIO OR SCHOOL?

  • "Elizabeth surpasses expectations as a facilitator, equipping young dancers with essential skills crucial for their success."

    “What sets Elizabeth apart is her ability to grasp the bigger picture of dancers' challenges. She seamlessly bridges theory and practice with real-world examples, drawing from her professional dance experience. Her expertise in professional and personal development enriches her teaching, offering unique insights that enhance instruction.”

    — Katy Vedder, Director of Student Life, School of American Ballet

  • "Interesting, impactful and inspiring!"

    “Elizabeth Sullivan understands dancers and their unique challenges. Her talk at BAE was interesting, impactful, and inspiring. Elizabeth has proven her ability and dedication to nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of young, aspiring dancers.”

    — Julia Dubno, Ballet Academy East, NYC.

  • "Her passion and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the dance community."

    “Elizabeth's holistic approach to dancer success, straddling both professional and personal development domains, distinguishes her from traditional coaching. Her passion and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the dance community. I wholeheartedly recommend Elizabeth to anyone seeking to empower young dancers for success onstage and beyond.“

    — Katy Vedder, Director of Student Life, School of American Ballet

  • "Educational, enlightening and fun!"

    “All the dancers, parents, and teachers at CCBC enjoyed her seminar greatly. It was enlightening, educational, and fun. We teachers were saying, “Why didn’t we have this when we were dancers?” and “I could use this now!””

    — Zola Dishong, Artistic Director, Contra Costa Ballet Center, Walnut Creek, CA.

  • "A wonderful resource for dancers!"

    “Being a dancer requires much more than just intensive training. Successful dancers have a well-rounded, balanced approach to art and life. Elizabeth is uniquely qualified to support the process and has been a wonderful resource for the dancers of New York Dance Project.”

    — Nicole Duffy, New York Dance Project, NYC.

SPEAKING EXPERIENCE —

I’ve been giving workshops since 2011, but expanded my reach in the winter of 2018. Since then I have spoken at the following schools and studios:

 

  • Speaking Focus

    Challenging dancers to harness the power of their brains to create and maintain motivation.

    Translating mental fitness concepts from sport psychology into dance-specific situations and making those tools relevant to dancers.

    Inspiring dancers to define their studio experience by becoming active participants in their training.

  • Speaking Audience

    Pre-professional dance schools: dancers, parents, teachers

    Dance conservatories

    College dance programs

  • Speaking Style

    I am down-to-earth, easy-going, and like to use humor to get dancers to relax and open up.

    I know dancers are smart and driven; I speak to their drive and in language they can hear and apply.

    I give interactive talks and gently challenge my dancers to participate verbally.

    I don’t use technology, but instead prefer a more conversational style with minimal notes.

Would you like to book me to speak to your dancers and parents?

 

  • "A natural gift for relating to dancers."

    “Elizabeth has given a few informative talks to our students about the importance of mental wellness throughout their training. Being a former professional dancer who is experienced in navigating the world of ballet, she provides great insight for any budding dancer. She has the natural gift of relating to students, is realistic in her approach while coaching them in mental wellness, and she uses her great sense of humor to get her points across. Elizabeth truly cares about the dancers with whom she works, and she often attends their shows. I highly recommend her!”

    — Erin Forrest, Forrest Academy of Ballet, NYC

  • "Committed to helping young dancers reach their potential."

    “Ms. Sullivan’s talk [at Boston Ballet School] focused on giving students tools which could enhance their dance training, and help them cope with challenges they face on a daily basis. She gave excellent, concrete examples and encouraged the students to comment on how they would respond to each. It was obvious that she is committed to helping young dance students achieve their potential. Ms. Sullivan is passionate about her work with students, and this lecture certainly demonstrated that passion.”

    — Michelina Cassella Kulak, Current Senior Physical Therapist and Dance Specialist at “The Micheli Center for Sports Injury Prevention”, Children’s Hospital in Waltham, MA.