In this episode of At The Vanguard, host Christopher Lloyd Bratten-Zappala sits down with Michelle Loucadoux and Kristin Deiss, founders of Danscend — a groundbreaking organization bringing mental wellness education to the dance world.

Together, they unpack the myths and realities of mental health in the arts, exploring why toughness and compassion are not opposites, how the dance industry can evolve beyond tradition, and what it means to truly support artists from the inside out.

From confronting perfectionism and body image to re-defining what it means to be “mentally tough”, Michelle and Kristin share personal stories, hard truths, and practical tools for dancers, teachers, and anyone striving for resilience in a demanding world.

Key Topics:

• Why “mental health” and “mental comfort” are not the same thing
• Building mental toughness without losing compassion
• The hidden toll of comparison and social media
• How Danscend helps dancers, educators, and studios create healthier spaces
• The future of mental-wellness education in the performing arts

Listen to learn: How awareness, science, and community can transform not just dancers—but humans.

Learn more: www.danscend.com Instagram: @danscendofficial YouTube: @danscend Contact: hello@danscend.com

At The Vanguard — Elevating the arts. Empowering the artist.