Overview
Goh Ballet Academy is pleased to offer a health and wellness education program for our pre-professional and senior professional students as part of our annual curriculum. What we aim to achieve is to empower our students with strategies for injury prevention and self-awareness, knowledge of rehabilitation for performance needs, and an understanding of the psychology of performance. As well as this students are equipped in recognizing areas needing support, dealing with anxiety and psychological issues related to performing, how to achieve better focus and maximise retention of information in the classroom, and nutritional education for what the body needs to perform at its best.
It is our pleasure to welcome Mental Skills Trainer, Lauren Ritchie MEd. BA. ESFCC. to conduct these classes at our academy. Lauren Ritchie has been studying, researching, and educating dancers on the physical, emotional and mental intricacies of dance. Lauren has made it her life’s work to support dancers to be their best – mind, body and spirit. Recognizing the lack of mental skills training in dance, Lauren has created programs and exercises dedicated to educating and empowering dancers mental health and fitness to optimize their training. From her MEd in Coaching Studies to a BA in Professional Communications, to multiple Yoga certifications and an accredited Art & Science of Coaching Certification, Lauren has a unique blend of education and resources that offer a holistic training approach for dancers.
Lauren has firsthand knowledge of the attributes required to achieve and sustain peak performance. She was a highly competitive and decorated dancer having classically trained in ballet, jazz, tap and lyrical. After completing her A.R.A.D, Lauren knew she “wanted to dance” but had little guidance and awareness of the true process of transitioning into a professional dance career. This is why Lauren has created and hosts The Dance Podcast; an invaluable resource dedicated to inspire and educate dancers, teachers, and parents through candid conversations with industry professionals.
Lauren is an established facilitator and speaker, delivering workshops to prestigious schools and training programs. She is the co-founder of the Dance Teacher reTREAT and has also facilitated and contributed to the DTRC’s on the Move workshops speaking to aspiring dancers in Calgary. Her career achievements had been recognized as she was a recipient of the Edmontonian’s Top 20 under 30. Lauren’s engaging and encouraging teaching style has inspired dance teachers and students across the country to use dance as a practice of high-performance living and an exploration of their unique self.
Lauren Ritchie MEd. BA. ESFCC