# 26. why dancers are built for more: navigating performing professionally to pilates studio owner & teacher ft Kelsey Lewinski

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kicking-it-real-7560311/26-why-dancers-are-built-for-more-navigating-performing-professionally-to-pilates-studio-owner-teacher-ft-kelsey-lewinski
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kicking-it-real-7560311/26-why-dancers-are-built-for-more-navigating-performing-professionally-to-pilates-studio-owner-teacher-ft-kelsey-lewinski.md
Podcast: [Kicking It Real](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kicking-it-real-7560311)
Published: 2026-04-01T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kicking-it-real-podcast/episodes/26--why-dancers-are-built-for-more-navigating-performing-professionally-to-pilates-studio-owner--teacher-ft-Kelsey-Lewinski-e3h18nq
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/10ad936d0/podcast/play/117530810/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-2-26%2F420841385-44100-2-2da57873251e5.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/kicking-it-real-7560311/episodes/26-why-dancers-are-built-for-more-navigating-performing-professionally-to-pilates-studio-owner-teacher-ft-kelsey-lewinski
Duration seconds: 3579

## Resource

In today's episode, I’m sitting down with Kelsey Lewinski, a former professional dancer turned Pilates studio owner, teacher, and choreographer. We talk about her journey from growing up in dance to performing professionally, and ultimately making the decision to step away from performing to pursue something that felt more aligned. This conversation dives into identity, burnout, and what it looks like to redefine success on your own terms. Kelsey shares the realities of the dance industry, the transition out of it, and how her experience as a dancer shaped the way she built her business. We also talk about longevity in movement, the difference between performing and teaching, and why being a dancer doesn’t end when you stop performing. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your next step or questioned a path you once wanted so badly, this episode is for you. Stay in the loop with me 👇🏼🤍 Instagram: @kickingitrealpod @potentiallygabby TikTok: @potentiallygabby Episode requests: kickingitrealpod@gmail.com Find Kelsey here👇🏼 IG: @kelssleww & @studio_kore

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