Consulting | Workshops | Teacher Training

Holistic Services for Schools & Institutions

Philosophy—

Over the past 20+ years, I have taken a compassionate approach, using evidence-based frameworks to train, coach and counsel hundreds of dancers as they made their dreams reality. However, as my practice evolved, I noticed the distinct absence of industry-specific mental health training and support for dance teachers, choreographers and artistic staff. While society continued to progress through movements like #metoo, scandals exposing widespread and pervasive abuse taking place in dance schools and companies brought about very little change within the industry. It’s time for those in positions of power to take the necessary steps to heal and interrupt the cycle of intergenerational trauma currently perpetuating. In simple terms, there is no longer room for stigma when it comes to acknowledging the need for mental health support and education at every level of the dance industry.

All dancers deserve to feel safe and supported. 

While it has long been understood that dance is a particularly challenging art form, until recently, this claim was not backed by research. In 2020, a study confirmed that professional dance ranked first as the most physically demanding career in the US. Aside from providing concrete evidence confirming the strenuous nature of this profession, studies like this shine a light on the importance and necessity of ongoing support for dancers from well-informed dance teachers, directors and dance-specific allied health professionals.

Our industry is at a crossroads. Together we can heal and shape the future of ballet.

By taking a bottom-up approach and supporting dancers, whilst also working from the top-down and providing specialised consulting and training to those in leadership positions, I believe tangible change in the dance industry is possible. I offer consulting, training and workshops with a focus on mental health literacy, cultural transformation, safe dance practice, policy creation and more. For further information, scroll down to explore my offerings, visit ‘About’ to learn more about my background and practice or click ‘Contact’ to get in to touch.

Kind Words—

“I have been following Jessica Cove for many years and viewing with admiration her teaching skills not only technically and artistically but her wonderful understanding of holistic training.

Jessica’s ability to understand each individual students needs is encompassed with her vast knowledge of empowering the importance of the mind body connection.

Jessica Cove spoke at the holiday school “Dance Evolution” in 2022 and the feedback from both students and parents was immensely impressive.

I highly recommend students in our industry to work with Jessica, she will assist them to overcome the pressures that they often feel in this highly competitive industry.”

—Marie Walton-Mahon OAM, Founder of Progressing Ballet Technique

“I was lucky enough to have the expertise of Jessica Cove at a time when my young artists needed the most support. Studying full-time dance during a pandemic proved to be really tough. Jess came on board to not only offer my dancers the tools to assist them through that particular period, but also gave them the gift of knowledge that they continue to utilise today to take on the dance industry with a healthy mind and strong sense of self.”

—Jessica Hesketh, Head of Contemporary, Brent Street

“In the challenging and stressful environment of the Ballet world, Jess is the little angel on my shoulder. The work we have done together, as well as her constant support has enabled me to further my dancing and build skills in resilience and positive thinking.”

— Bronte, Professional Dancer, Australia

“Warm, beautiful, compassionate and very informative... Great to have the handouts and exercises to support the information offered."

— Amanda Bollinger, Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy

“Vibrant, warm and professional. Jess has a beam and glow around her. Thank you for sharing your workshops with our lucky girls.”

— Jodi Branch, HQ / Dance Edge Studios

“Very professional, informative and positive... the kind of person you would open your soul to! Jess relates to the students and parents so well.”

— Rebecca Clarke, Redland Dance

Individual & Organisational Consulting—

Available to individuals and institutions, my consulting work is informed by 13 years in private practice , 20+ years of dance teaching, and 35 years of dedication to classical ballet. My style is personalised, accessible and process driven, with sessions tailored to meet your specific needs. I am passionate about effecting meaningful change and improving mental health outcomes for dancers of all ages and and believe this begins at school level. I offer professional guidance and support in a variety of areas including:

Individuals

Mindful School Selection

Career Guidance and Pathways

Meditation, Visualisation and Breath Work

Nervous System Education (Polyvagal Theory)

Audition and Performance Preparation

Evidence Based EFT (EBEFT, Tapping)

Dance Schools

Enhancing Academy Culture

Evidence Based EFT (EBEFT, Tapping)

Meditation, Visualisation and Breath Work

Wellness Policies and Procedures (Development)

Nervous System Education (Polyvagal Theory)

Restorative Yoga (BKS Iyengar Lineage)

Academic Schools

Improving School Culture

Evidence Based EFT (EBEFT, Tapping)

Meditation, Visualisation and Breath Work

Wellness Policies and Procedures (Development)

Nervous System Education (Polyvagal Theory)

Restorative Yoga (BKS Iyengar Lineage)

Teacher Training & Masterclasses—

I taught my very first ballet class at age 16 at the Vienna Opera Ballet school, covering for an absent teacher. From that moment I began to understand the power and responsibility that comes with leading a group of students. Over the following decades, my teaching style evolved to include much more than technique, musicality, artistry and dynamic. By incorporating mindfulness, mental health literacy and encouraging self-compassion, I have developed a uniquely holistic approach to teaching classical ballet. I offer teacher training and masterclasses spanning the breadth of my approach and am experienced in a variety styles, with a special focus on the Vaganova method. To explore my students achievements, including school placements, awards and company contracts, scroll to the ‘ Outcomes’ dropdown menu below. 

Topics

Classical Ballet Technique

Mindset and Mental Wellness

Developing Self-Compassion in the Studio

Perfectionism, Confidence and Self-Sabotage

Audition and Competition Preparation

Dynamic, Musicality and Artistry

Classical Syllabi

The Vaganova Method

Trained by Nadia Tchkonova, pupil of Agrippina Vaganoa and tutor at the Vaganova Academy for 24 years

Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)

Trained by Anne Fraser, RAD Vocational Examiner

Classical Dance Australia (CDA)

Trained by John Byrne, creator of CDA

Inclusions

Follow-up email support

Take-home printed workbooks

Available face to face and via Zoom

Discounted 1:1 initial sessions

Parents attend free of charge

All materials supplied

Workshops & Seminars—

Over the past 13 years I have offered workshops to dance students, teachers and parents with a focus on mental health literacy and whole-food nutrition. As I have continued to engage in ongoing study, my offerings have expanded to incorporate a diverse mix of modalities and frameworks. Each workshop is tailored to meet the specific needs of my audience with no two presentations ever the same. By sharing my passion for dancer well-being, my aim is to create a ripple effect within our industry, leading to widespread change and healing, benefiting both the individual and collective. I currently present the following offerings:

Topics

Psychological Wellness

Self-Worth and Self-Compassion

Perfectionism and Self-Sabotage

Whole-food Nutrition (Integrative Nutrition)

Audition and Performance Preparation

Mindful Finishing School Selection

Modalities

Meditation and Visualisation

Evidence Based EFT (EBEFT, Tapping)

Mindful Self-Compassion (Dr Kristen Neff)

Polyvagal Theory (Dr Stephen Porges & Deb Dana)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Restorative Yoga (BKS Iyengar Lineage)

Inclusions

Follow-up email support

Take-home printed workbooks

Available face to face and via Zoom

Teachers and Parents attend free of charge

Discounted 1:1 initial sessions

All materials supplied

Book Your Free 15 min call—

I understand that taking the first step towards change can be daunting. Before deciding what is right for you, it's vital to feel comfortable and connected. Please feel free to speak with me; I welcome your questions and am here to discuss how we may work together.

Particulars—

  • Initial Session $250 (1.5hrs)

    Follow-up Sessions $180/hr pro rata

    Pro Dancer Rate $150/hr pro rata

    NB. Sliding scale fees are available for clients experiencing financial hardship. Please get in touch via my Contact page to apply.

  • Please visit my contact page to get in touch or make a booking.

  • Private Health rebates available from the following funds:

    • Medibank

    • AHM Health Insurance

    • Police Health Fund

    • Phoenix Health

    • see-u by HBF (previously CUA)

    • St Luke's Health

    • Emergency Services Health

    • Westfund

    • Teachers Union Health

    • GMHBA Health Insurance

    • AIA Health Insurance

    • Mildura Health

    • Teachers Health

    • Nurses & Midwives Health

    • Unihealth

    Please contact your health fund to confirm limits and inclusions relative to your level of cover.

    • Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy (current)

    • Master of Biomedical Meditation Therapy and Allied Health (2022)

    • Diploma of Counselling (2016)

    • Associate Degree, Fine Arts - Dance (2006)

    • Internal Family Systems Immersion (IFS, 2024)

    • Clinical EFT Practitioner Training (EBEFT, 2023)

    • Classical Dance Australia Teacher Training (CDA, 2019)

    • Advanced Royal Academy of Dance & Solo Seal (RAD, 1998)

    • Australian Counselling Association (Lv 2)

    • International Association for Dance Medicine & Science

    • International Institute for Complimentary Therapists

Outcomes—

    • Paris Opera Ballet

    • Bayerisches Staatsballett

    • Leipzig Ballet

    • English National Ballet

    • Dutch National Ballet

    • Dutch National Junior Company

    • Queensland Ballet

    • Royal New Zealand Ballet

    • Ballet Nice Méditerrannée

    • Royal Ballet School

    • John Cranko Schule

    • Dutch National Ballet Academy

    • European School of Ballet

    • The School of the Hamburg Ballet

    • Vienna Opera Ballet Academy

    • Ballettschule Theatre Basel

    • English National Ballet School

    • The Australian Ballet School

    • Queensland Ballet Academy

    • Queensland University of Technology

    • WA Academy of Performing Arts

    • New Zealand School of Dance

    • Elmhurst Ballet School

    • Alberta Ballet School

    • Royal Winnipeg Ballet School

    • Huston Ballet Academy

  • Supporting clients when they choose to transition away from dance is an honour. Former clients have gone on to peruse careers in:

    • Law

    • Nutrition

    • Personal Training

    • Counselling

    • Visual Arts

    • Nursing

    • Dentistry

    • Teaching

    • Diving

  • Prix de Lausanne—

    • Prize winner

    • Finalists

    • Semi-Finalists

    Sydney Eisteddfod—

    • Senior Ballet Scholarship, winner

    • Junior Ballet Scholarship, Artistry Award

    Youth America Grand Prix—

    • Senior Grand Prix

    • Senior Classical, winner

    • Junior Classical, winner

    • Contemporary, prize winners

    • Top 12 Finalists

    • Scholarships

    Alanna Haines Awards—

    • Senior, winner

    • Junior, winner

    • Audience Choice Award

    • Scholarships

    • Finalists and Semi-Finalists

    RAD Geneé Awards—

    • Silver medalist

    • Finalists and Semi-Finalists

    RAD Advanced I Bursary—

    • Finalists

    RAD Jacqueline Moreland Awards—

    • Prize winners and finalists (all levels)

    • ABS Scholarships

    • Audience Choice Awards

    Sunshine Coast Repertoire—

    • Junior, winners

    • Intermediate, winners and runner-up

    BPAC Scholarship—

    • Classical, prize winners and finalists

    • Contemporary, prize winners and finalists

    • Australian Ballet School Scholarships

  • Students and clients, past and present.

Social Media—

Green Flags in Dance Schools: Lunch Break Edition Creating a healthy, safe and supportive environment for dance students during their breaks starts with the basics: 🌱 Ensuring adequate supervision, 🌱 Creating and respecting boundaries, 🌱 Unders
Green Flags in Dance Schools: Lunch Break Edition (see adjacent posts to explore this infographic series) Creating a healthy, safe and supportive environment for dance students during their breaks starts with the basics: 🌱 Ensuring adequate superv
Green Flags in Dance Schools: Lunch Break Edition Creating a healthy, safe and supportive environment for dance students during their breaks starts with the basics: 🌱 Ensuring adequate supervision, 🌱 Creating and respecting boundaries, 🌱 Underst
It’s time Directors and staff stopped hiding behind coded language in dance. While harmful ‘weight talks’ may be disguised behind coded language, their impact is still the same: - Manipulation via coercive control - Poor physical a
It’s time Directors and staff stopped hiding behind coded language in dance. While harmful ‘weight talks’ may be disguised behind coded language, their impact is still the same: - Manipulation via coercive control - Poor physical a
It’s time Directors and staff stopped hiding behind coded language in dance. While harmful ‘weight talks’ may be disguised behind coded language, their impact is still the same: - Manipulation via coercive control - Poor physical a
In our next instalment of this ongoing polyvagal series, we’ll be focusing on the unique characteristics of each of the three main Polyvagal states: Safe + Social Fight - Flight Shutdown - Collapse Becoming familiar with the specific traits o
In our next instalment of this ongoing polyvagal series, we’ll be focusing on the unique characteristics of each of the three main Polyvagal states: Safe + Social Fight - Flight Shutdown - Collapse Becoming familiar with the specific traits o
In our next instalment of this ongoing polyvagal series, we’ll be focusing on the unique characteristics of each of the three main Polyvagal states: Safe + Social Fight - Flight Shutdown - Collapse Becoming familiar with the specific traits o
Creating an environment that is highly conducive to learning and growth requires certain key elements: skilled teachers, proper equipment, and, of course, receptive students. How receptive our students are depends on many factors, with one important
Creating an environment that is highly conducive to learning and growth requires certain key elements: skilled teachers, proper equipment, and, of course, receptive students. How receptive our students are depends on many factors, with one important
Creating an environment that is highly conducive to learning and growth requires certain key elements: skilled teachers, proper equipment, and, of course, receptive students. How receptive our students are depends on many factors, with one important
Ensuring my counselling, coaching, and consulting clients have a solid understanding of their autonomic nervous system through Polyvagal Theory is an essential component of my practice. By befriending the autonomic nervous system and exploring the t
Ensuring my counselling, coaching, and consulting clients have a solid understanding of their autonomic nervous system through Polyvagal Theory is an essential component of my practice. By befriending the autonomic nervous system and exploring the t
Ensuring my counselling, coaching, and consulting clients have a solid understanding of their autonomic nervous system through Polyvagal Theory is an essential component of my practice. By befriending the autonomic nervous system and exploring the t
In Australia, and many other countries, private dance education remains largely unregulated. Seeking support, asking the right questions and carefully researching schools/institutions can help to ensure you are entering a safe and professional enviro
In Australia, and many other countries, private dance education remains largely unregulated. Seeking support, asking the right questions and carefully researching schools/institutions can help to ensure you are entering a safe and professional enviro
In Australia, and many other countries, private dance education remains largely unregulated. Seeking support, asking the right questions and carefully researching schools/institutions can help to ensure you are entering a safe and professional enviro