Perspectives: Zooming in on Dance Leadership featuring Erika Mayall
Get to Know Erika:
Where are you from and where are you based now?
North Vancouver, BC for both questions ;)
What are your roles in the dance industry?
Owner and Physiotherapist at Allegro Performance + Wellness
What are your top 3 favourite credits or jobs from your dance career?
I'm going to answer this a little differently and name my top 3 favourite jobs I provided backstage physio coverage for - Paul McCartney On The Run Tour; Alberta Ballet - Nutcracker; Les Ballet Jazz de Montreal - Dance Me
"…I feel like it's my responsibility to show the industry what is possible when we embrace change and don't just settle for the status quo…”
Photo of Erika Mayall
How do you define leadership in the dance industry, and how does it shape your work in dancer health, education, and mentorship?
To me, leadership means leading by example and measuring success not by personal achievements, but by the success of the collective around you. Great leaders don't just lead from the front, but have the ability to inspire other people around them to see what's possible and become leaders as well. For my role in the dance industry - specifically in promoting dancer health and wellness - I feel like it's my responsibility to show the industry what is possible when we embrace change and don't just settle for the status quo and follow 'tradition'.
What do you love most about working in the dance industry?
The passion of the people involved. No one falls in love with dance for the money, and that's evident by the amount of time, care, attention and passion that people are willing to pour into the industry, simply for the love of dance.
What is your vision for the future of the dance industry, and how do you hope leadership, inclusivity, and mentorship will evolve?
I want to see a dance industry where dancers are cared for, respected and valued as both humans and artists. Dancers are the backbone of the industry, but are not always treated with the care and respect they deserve. When we fully support our dancers - whether that be their physical health, mental wellness, financial security, etc - we'll see a ripple effect throughout the whole dance industry for the better.
Who has been a mentor in your dance career, and how has their guidance influenced your path in dance and in physiotherapy?
Astrid Sherman was one of my first mentors and continues to be a positive influence in my life. She was one of my dance teachers growing up, but became a huge supporter and mentor when I transitioned into a physiotherapy career. She provided numerous opportunities for me to work collaboratively with her dancers, and encouraged me in my early clinical career. She has big dreams and visions, and an incredible ability to make connections within the dance industry. Her impact on me continues to shape a lot of the work I do today, and her ability to envision a better dance world continues to be an inspiration to me.
What is one essential piece of advice you would give to young dancers or those entering the dance industry?
Don't forget your why. It's so easy to get wrapped up in competition and comparison within the dance industry, but try not to lose sight of what made you fall in love with dance in the first place.
Thank you, Erika, for sharing your insights, experiences, and passion for dancer health, leadership, and mentorship in the dance industry. You can stay connected with Erika via Instagram: @DancePhysioErika and her podcast: The Dance Physio Podcast available on all of your favourite podcast platforms!
