How Rachael Shiels started building an award-winning dance studio when she was just 20 years old!
Season 1, Episode 12, Dec 21, 2024, 10:21 PM
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Today, we are thrilled to feature Rachael Shiels, a trailblazer in dance education and the director of Theatre De La Danse, an award-winning studio in Brighton, Melbourne.
*Trigger Warning* This episode contains brief discussions of abuse. If you or anyone you know needs help please reach out to one of the resources listed at the end of the show notes, or call 000 in an emergency.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to feature Rachael Shiels, a trailblazer in dance education and the director of Theatre De La Danse, an award-winning studio in Brighton, Melbourne.
With over 35 years of dedication to the dance industry, Rachael has cultivated a thriving community and a studio renowned for its exceptional culture and commitment to positive, inclusive dance education. Her journey began at just five years old when ballet became her prescribed therapy and lifelong passion.
Rachael’s candid reflections on the challenges she faced as a young dancer—including harsh critiques and outdated teaching methods—are both relatable and inspiring. She used these experiences to fuel her mission to create a nurturing and empowering environment for her students.
In this episode, Rachael discusses:
How her unique childhood experience in dance shaped her teaching philosophy.
Welcome to the latest episode of the Transformative Dance Podcast! Today, we are thrilled to feature Rachael Shiels, a trailblazer in dance education and the director of Theatre De La Danse, an award-winning studio in Brighton, Melbourne.
With over 35 years of dedication to the dance industry, Rachael has cultivated a thriving community and a studio renowned for its exceptional culture and commitment to positive, inclusive dance education. Her journey began at just five years old when ballet became her prescribed therapy and lifelong passion.
Rachael’s candid reflections on the challenges she faced as a young dancer—including harsh critiques and outdated teaching methods—are both relatable and inspiring. She used these experiences to fuel her mission to create a nurturing and empowering environment for her students.
In this episode, Rachael discusses:
How her unique childhood experience in dance shaped her teaching philosophy.
- The pivotal moment she took over Theatre De La Danse at the age of 20.
- Her passion for mentoring young teachers and fostering resilience in students.
- The need for greater regulation in the dance industry to protect and support the next generation of dancers.
Whether you're a dance educator, studio owner, or simply someone who loves the transformative power of dance, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
If this podcast brought up difficult emotions or you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources below:
Mental Health Resources in Australia:
Lifeline Australia: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
If this podcast brought up difficult emotions or you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to the resources below:
Mental Health Resources in Australia:
Lifeline Australia: 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.
- Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au
-
Kids Helpline: Free 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
- Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au
-
1800 Respect: A national sexual assault, domestic family violence counseling service that provides support and information.
- 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/
- The Butterfly Foundation: Support for those experiencing eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673 or visit butterfly.org.au