What if your classes could do more than build dance skills? In this episode, Dr. Leisha Straughn unpacks the Four C’s every teacher needs: Confidence, Competence, Connection & Character, and how to weave them into your studio with simple, intentional strategies. Walk away with tools you can use right away, plus discover Project Score, a free resource designed to help teachers put the Four C’s into action.

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Dr. Leisha Strachan is a professor at the University of Manitoba with a research focus on positive youth development through sport. She is also interested in research with coaches and parents in the deliberate delivery of positive sport experiences for children and youth.

Research Areas

• Positive youth development
• Sport participation
• Children
• Youth
• Sport psychology

Education

• Doctor of Philosopy - Sport Psychology, Queen’s University (2008)
• Master of Human Kinetics - Sport Psychology, University of Windsor (2004)
• Bachelor of Education, University of Manitoba (1999)
• Bachelor of Physical Education, University of Manitoba (1997)

Leisha has been involved in sport and dance for the majority of her life. She began baton twirling at Crestview Community Club in Winnipeg at the age of 5 and continued for 18 years. She is a former Canadian Senior Freestyle Champion (1994), Grand National Solo and 2-Baton champion (1994), CBTF Senior Athlete and Overall Athlete of the Year (1994), and a 7-time Canadian Contingent member competing in freestyle (highest placing - 6th in 1994) and pair events garnering 2 world bronze medals for her efforts (with Kristin Macaraeg). In her time on the national team, she traveled to France, Japan, Holland, Italy, and Hawaii. Leisha is one of the founding coaches of Aerial Fusion Baton, which has been in existence for 25 years. In addition to being a Level 3 certified coach, she is also certified as a Module 1 teacher in Acrobatic Arts. She is also a certified M1, M2, M3, and Masters judge. She has had the opportunity to coach provincial and national team members and continues to choreograph for different athletes across Canada, England, and Scotland.

IG @drls250

Previous Episodes

Ep 4 Protecting Your Mental Health Dr Leisha Strachan

Ep 31 Overcoming Dancer Anxiety + Mental Blocks with Dr. Leisha Strachan

Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt 1

Ep. 69 Turning Dance Transitions into Triumphs with Dr. Leisha Strachan, Pt. 2

Ep. 97 Mental Skills for Acro Success with Dr. Leisha Strachan