In this episode of Athletistry: Ballet Evolution, Shane Wuerthner dives deep into the mindset dancers need heading into competition season. Inspired by the story of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, he unpacks the myth of the "outcome" and why obsessing over results robs dancers of the joy they’ve earned.You’ll walk away with a grounded, powerful mindset to approach your next performance — not with fear, but with purpose.🎯 If you've ever felt anxious before walking onstage, this one's for you.⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome back 01:30 – The inspiration: Way of the Peaceful Warrior03:00 – The flower, the rock, and the real lesson05:10 – Why dancers fear outcomes — and how to shift it07:00 – The power of setting expectations instead of goals08:45 – What to say to yourself before stepping on stage10:30 – Releasing perfectionism and replacing it with joy11:30 – Why fear creates panic—and how to stop living in “what ifs”12:30 – Final mindset reminder for dancers heading into comps
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10:50
Artistry Takes Time: Why You Can’t Rush Expression in Ballet
In this episode of Athletistry: Ballet Evolution, Shane Wuerthner dives deep into the misunderstood world of artistry in ballet—what it is, how it develops, and why telling dancers to “show more artistry” is often unhelpful and misdirected.Shane unpacks his personal journey with artistic growth, shares insights from his time dancing Vronski in Anna Karenina, and breaks down how life experience, emotional maturity, and mentorship shape an artist over time. He also explores how competitions and training environments may unintentionally limit expression by hyper-focusing on technique.You’ll learn:Why artistry shouldn’t be expected equally from every age levelHow technique, musicality, and storytelling evolve in stagesWhat teachers can do to nurture expression without pressureThe power of watching professionals—and how to watch themWhy artistry is less about adding more and more about refining what’s already thereWhether you're a student trying to find your voice, a teacher looking to guide dancers more effectively, or a professional reflecting on your own path—this episode will challenge how you think about performance, training, and the true role of artistry in ballet.🎥 Artistry Workshop Replay – Watch HereAn hour-long deep dive into how artistry develops across stages of a dancer’s career.💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going:Tag @athletistry and share what part of artistry you’re focusing on this week—headline? musicality? the space between the steps?Chapters00:00 Understanding Artistry in Dance08:28 The Journey of Artistic Development15:14 Embracing the Artistic Process17:28 podcast outro.mp4Keywordsartistry, dance, ballet, performance, storytelling, technique, expression, training, development, critique
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17:33
Are Competitions the Key to Ballet Success?
In this episode ofAthletistry Ballet Evolution, Shane Wuerthner takes a deep dive into the world of ballet competitions. Do they truly pave the way for a successful career, or are they just another high-stakes performance that rewards tricks over artistry?Shane shares his personal journey through the competition circuit—from his early days in tap to major ballet competitions like YAGP and the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. He reflects on the lessons learned, the pressures of competing, and why he ultimately realized that winning wasn’t the key to his professional career.Through candid storytelling and expert insight, Shane explores:Thereal purpose of ballet competitions and their impact on young dancersHow competition cultureshapes or limits artistic growthWhy networking andbeing seen by industry professionals matters more than a medalThe stark contrast betweencompetition success and company lifeWhether you’re a dancer striving for a gold medal, a teacher guiding students through the competitive landscape, or a ballet lover curious about the inner workings of the industry, this episode challenges common perceptions and offers a fresh take on what truly makes a professional dancer.Tune in, share your thoughts, and join the conversation! Do you think competitions are essential for success? Let’s discuss!Takeaways:Competitions can provide valuable exposure for young dancers.Winning isn't everything; the experience matters more.Artistic integrity should be prioritized over competition results.The pressure of competition can be damaging to young artists.Ballet is about storytelling, not just technical skill.Group performances should be valued in competitions.The process of preparation is as important as the outcome.Competitions can foster networking opportunities in the industry.Dancers should focus on their unique artistic voice.Rethinking competition formats could enhance the ballet experience.Chapters00:00 The Role of Competitions in Ballet10:10 Personal Experiences with Competitions20:10 The Value Beyond Winning
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20:45
Creating Athletistry Academy: A New Vision for Dance
SummaryIn this episode, Shane Wuerthner shares his journey from a young ballet dancer to a professional in the dance industry, and his transition into fitness and personal training. He discusses the challenges he faced after his dance career and how they led him to create Athletistry Academy, a comprehensive dance training facility that integrates academics and professional training. Shane emphasises the importance of community engagement and collaboration in making dance accessible and enriching for future generations.To support the future of dance and the creation of Athletistry Academy click below to read more and donate to the development.https://gofund.me/bd93d7c7
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16:46
Exploring Dance in the Age of Social Media
Summary
In this episode, Shane Wuerthner discusses the evolving landscape of dance and its perception through social media. He reflects on a recent Instagram post that sparked varied reactions, highlighting the subjectivity of art and the impact of audience feedback. Shane emphasizes the importance of communication in dance, the role of critique, and the balance between technique and emotional expression. He invites listeners to engage in a dialogue about the nature of art and its reception in today's digital age.
Takeaways
The way we communicate as artists is evolving with social media.
Audience feedback can significantly influence artistic expression.
Subjectivity in art leads to diverse interpretations and reactions.
Critique can come from anyone, regardless of their background in the art form.
The relationship between technique and emotional response is complex.
Artistic expression is a calling that must be communicated.
Communication in art is an imperfect process that requires understanding.
The fourth wall between artist and audience is breaking down.
Engaging with dissenting opinions can foster meaningful dialogue.
Finding balance between objective technique and subjective experience is essential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
05:38 Subjectivity in Art and Dance
10:58 Navigating Critique and Communication in Dance
16:18 Conclusion and check out Athletistry Academy
About Athletistry Ballet Evolution with Shane Wuerthner
"Athletistry Ballet Evolution with Shane Wuerthner" is more than ballet—it's a celebration of discipline, adaptability, and raw determination. From world-class stages to intense fitness, Shane blends the artist's soul with a fighter's spirit. Dive in for tales of breaking barriers, pushing limits, and redefining boundaries, whether you're a ballet enthusiast, fitness fanatic, or just love a journey of relentless passion.
New Zealand