Episode #20 feat. Nicole Papayans: Setbacks, Strength and Success: The Mindset of a Resilient Dancer
In this episode, we sit down with Nicole Papayans, a dedicated dancer whose journey spans ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and song-team performances, among other styles. Nicole shares the highs and lows of her dance career, from her early passion for movement to the mental and physical challenges of competitive dance. She dives into the pressures of body image, the toll of toxic dance coaches and environments, and the struggle of identity loss after stepping away from performance.
Nicole opens up about her transition from high school to college to professional dance, her experiences in different dance styles, and the mental resilience required to thrive in such a demanding field. Now focused on personal training and coaching, she offers insights into preventing burnout, redefining success, and how she wants to create a healthier dance culture. Whether you're an athlete, a performer, or anyone navigating setbacks, Nicole’s story is a testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the power of embracing change.
🌟 Key Takeaways:
-The Mental Challenges of Dance – Overcoming self-doubt, body image struggles, and high expectations.
-Identity Beyond Performance – Coping with the transition away from competitive dance.
-Lessons From Hip-Hop & Jazz – The unique mental and physical demands of each style.
-Coaching & Preventing Burnout – How Nicole is reshaping the way dancers approach training.
-Facing Adversity Head-On – Finding resilience in the face of setbacks and toxic environments.
-Advice for Young Dancers – What Nicole wishes she knew earlier in her career.
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⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 - Podcast Introduction
0:10 - Well-Traveled Promo
1:10 - Subscription Promo
1:46 - Nicole Papayans Introduction & Dance Background
9:09 - Origins of Dance Career
14:30 - Younger Years of Dance
26:16 - College To Professional Transition
30:19 - Nicole’s Social Media
31:18 - Hip Hop Dance Experience
40:03 - Jazz Dance Experience
44:49 - Toxic Jazz Stories
52:00 - Current Relationship With Dance
54:01 - Mental Challenges of Dance Career
1:06:46 - Body Image Discussion
1:11:11 - Nicole’s Coaching/Training Philosophy
1:15:25 - Struggling With Identity Loss
1:19:50 - Brainstorming About What’s Next
1:25:05 - Nicole’s Vision For Preventing Burnout In Dance
1:29:08 - How Coaches Should View Dance Participation
1:30:24 - Advice For Her Younger Self
1:34:01 - What Needs to Change In Dance Culture
1:37:53 - Closing Thoughts
🔗 Follow Nicole Papayans:
Instagram: @papayansfitness
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💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Whether it’s resilience, identity, or the mental strength required in dance, drop your thoughts in the comments!
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others master their mental game. 🚀