Training Dancers’ Minds Like They Train Their Bodies
with Ashley Mowrey
Whether you’re a dancer who’s ready to stop comparing herself and start feeling confident, a teacher who wants to regain her passion for teaching and stop feeling so burnt out, or a parent who wants to help… you’re in the right place. As a competition dancer turned dance teacher and company director, I saw a need for dancers and teachers to gain access to the tools to let go of insecurities and fears, have the courage and confidence it takes to stand out in the dance world, and have the inner strength needed to handle criticism and critiques.
We are in a new era of dance where the talent is getting younger, the stress and pressure greater, and the burnout sooner. There is a need for us all to build mental and emotional resilience and strength while we are training our bodies so rigorously.
During my years as a teenage competitive dancer out of Dallas, I was my own worst critic. My fear of not being perfect was often crippling. I was a people-pleaser who hustled for her worth and identity from her dance teacher and awards. This led to years of anxiety and eventually burnout.
As I began teaching and directing, I often saw these same struggles come up for my students. It was then that I was fueled with a passion to create change. After receiving my degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas, I trained with Life Coach and Author Tara Mohr to become a facilitator in her Playing Big Leadership Program for Women. Now, I bring this knowledge and experience to the dance community through individual coaching and workshops. I see clients in person in Fayetteville, AR and via Skype or FaceTime all over the country. I also travel to studios for my customized group workshops where I bring all of my material to your company, teachers, and parents.
When I connected with the ladies of Apolla Performance, I felt like I had met kindred spirits. I was so inspired by not only their revolutionary products, Apolla Shocks, but also their mission of health and wellness for the whole dancer...mind, body, and spirit. Each month, through Apolla Performance, I will be bringing you research, tips, and tools to calm the mind, create inner strength, and cultivate self-confidence. Like Apolla, my goal as a Performance Mindset Coach is to bring dancers, dance teachers, and dancer parents resources to increase longevity and reduce stress. My goal for you is to have what you need to navigate the dance world with a healthy and positive mindset. Together, we can build a dance community where dancers train their hearts and minds as they train their bodies.
In the meantime, check out my website to learn more and see how we can start working together today! You can also find me on Instagram for more free tools, resources, and inspiration. Chat soon!
Ashley Mowrey is a Performance Mindset Coach located in Fayetteville, AR. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of Arkansas and is a trained facilitator in Tara Mohr’s Playing Big Leadership Program for Women. Ashley trained as a competitive dancer out of Dallas, TX before teaching and eventually directing a company and dance studio in Fayetteville, AR. It was during those years that she felt drawn towards the dancer’s mindset and the need for training and tools in the dance community. Now, as a Performance Mindset Coach, she is also a dance specialist with Dancers for Doctors. Ashley has also recently been featured on Dance Studio Amplified Podcast, (Ep. 14), Dance Boss University Mastermind guest presenter, and will be on an upcoming episode of Dance Boss Podcast.
