In this episode of Athletistry: Ballet Evolution, Shane Wuerthner dives deep into the mindset dancers need heading into competition season. Inspired by the story of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, he unpacks the myth of the "outcome" and why obsessing over results robs dancers of the joy they’ve earned.

You’ll walk away with a grounded, powerful mindset to approach your next performance — not with fear, but with purpose.

🎯 If you've ever felt anxious before walking onstage, this one's for you.

⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome back
01:30 – The inspiration: Way of the Peaceful Warrior
03:00 – The flower, the rock, and the real lesson
05:10 – Why dancers fear outcomes — and how to shift it
07:00 – The power of setting expectations instead of goals
08:45 – What to say to yourself before stepping on stage
10:30 – Releasing perfectionism and replacing it with joy
11:30 – Why fear creates panic—and how to stop living in “what ifs”
12:30 – Final mindset reminder for dancers heading into comps