In this episode, Dr. Chelsea Pierotti discusses coping with dance injuries and transitions, both from a physical and psychological perspective. She explains that the way dancers appraise their injuries and their emotional response to them can greatly impact their coping mechanisms. Dr. Pierotti emphasizes the importance of shifting the mindset from seeing an injury as a disaster to viewing it as a challenge that can be overcome. She also highlights the role of social support in the recovery process and the need for dancers to define success in ways that are within their control. Additionally, Dr. Pierotti addresses the challenges dancers face when transitioning between different forms of dance or when they have to give up dancing altogether. When transitioning out of dance, it is important to consider your values and what truly matters to you in life. This will help guide your future goals and decisions. It is also helpful to reflect on who you admire and what you admire about them, as this can highlight your own values. Grief and loss are common when leaving a dance career, and it is important to acknowledge and process these emotions. The dance world can be more supportive by adopting a positive coaching approach and focusing on the whole athlete, not just their performance. Developing mental skills and self-awareness is crucial for dancers and can be beneficial for everyone.TakeawaysThe way dancers appraise their injuries and their emotional response to them can greatly impact their coping mechanisms.Shifting the mindset from seeing an injury as a disaster to viewing it as a challenge can help dancers overcome the emotional and psychological challenges of injury.Social support plays a crucial role in the recovery process for dancers.Dancers should define success in ways that are within their control, rather than relying solely on external validation.Transitions between different forms of dance or giving up dancing altogether can be challenging, and it's important for dancers to have a strong sense of identity beyond being a dancer. Consider your values and what truly matters to you in life when transitioning out of dance.Reflect on who you admire and what you admire about them to identify your own values.Acknowledge and process the grief and loss that comes with leaving a dance career.The dance world can be more supportive by adopting a positive coaching approach and focusing on the whole athlete.Developing mental skills and self-awareness is crucial for dancers and beneficial for everyone.Chapters ➡00:00 Introduction00:54 Introducing Dr. Chelsea Pierotti01:13 Coping with Injuries03:38 Coping Mechanisms06:34 The Influence of Childhood Experiences08:29 Developing Resilience09:48 Transitioning from Dance12:11 The Role of Pain13:09 Challenges Faced by Hypermobile Dancers13:23 Supporting Dancers through Challenges17:49 The Importance of Social Support18:43 Grief and Loss of a Dance Career20:34 Developing Resilience and Coping Strategies24:57 The Importance of Values27:52 Shifting the Dance Culture29:25 Coping with Career Shifts33:22 Positive Coaching Approach35:55 Developing Mental Skills36:51 Applying Mental Skills to Life37:24 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Dance38:25 Mindset: Controlling the ControllablesConnect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.   Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.?Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.      YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! ???Learn about Dr. Pierotti:https://chelseapierotti.comhttps://instagram.com/dr.chelsea.pierotti #Dancers #Dance #Injuries #Transitions #Grief #MentalSkills #Hypermobility #Podcast #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD