231. Ballet's Harsh Beauty and the Life Lessons we Learn, with Emily Sayre Smith

In this episode of Passion for Dance, host Dr. Chelsea interviews former professional dancer and author Emily Sayre Smith. They delve into Emily's memoir 'Smart Ass Memoir of a Mouthy Girl,' discussing how ballet's lessons of resilience and perseverance profoundly shaped Emily's life. The conversation covers tough themes like overcoming addiction and personal hardships, as well as the transformative power of dance. Emily and Dr. Chelsea reflect on the complexities of ballet culture, the importance of speaking up, and the evolution of ballet's demands and expectations. Emily's journey illustrates how the challenges in ballet prepare dancers to handle life's adversities and underscores the need for the dance industry to continue to evolve. Get Emily's Book - Smartass: Memoir of a Mouthy Girl Other Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/231 Episode Breakdown: 00:20 Interview with Emily Sayer Smith: Ballet's Life Lessons 00:59 Emily's Personal Journey: Addiction and Resilience 02:02 The Impact of Ballet Culture 06:09 Navigating Challenges and Speaking Up 16:33 Emily's Memoir and Final Thoughts 37:16 Conclusion and Podcast Outro