Deborah is on her way to help you, the aspiring male ballerina or ballet dancer, to gain greater understanding and control over the demanding world you live in.

Any student of music, writing and performance of any kind needs to know some survival techniques to maintain emotional intelligence and continue with positive thinking. Each new class, with new exams and fierce competitions, can cause implosions of self-doubt. How do you take control of your mental and emotional space before that important event? Or so you can get a good night’s sleep every night?

Deborah designed this book so that teens and tweens could discover that there is a way to initiate a dialogue about self-sabotaging beliefs and thoughts that influence both their patterns of behavior and success. This 48-page book introduces eight teens with common problems and challenges, like how to take charge of their feelings and how to act like a pro in the dance studio or anywhere and everywhere. You will learn techniques such as Mental Rehearsal, Create a Feeling, Refocus and Act as if it is very powerful. These fun (but truly amazing) activities will help train your brain, whether you are a teenager or an adult who starts ballet late, to success.

As a ballet teacher, I have always encouraged students to look outside of dance classes for ways to help them deal with their frustrations, fears, and struggles with the competitive and perfectionistic aspects of the performing arts. I believe that private, independent study is best for people – directed contemplation and the application of uplifting creative techniques to maintain a positive outlook, in their own way.

That is the challenge in itself: finding your own path. “Train Your Brain: A Guide to Teen Wellness” is a wonderful first step on that road.