An Inspired Chat with Dawn Smith-Theodore

Dawn Smith-Theodore shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Dawn, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Communication……. It is so important to be able to communicate in relationships. I think in the age of social media, it is easy to hide behind the screen. Communication involves both being able to speak your truth and also to be able listen to what the other person is saying.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi…… I am Dawn Smith-Theodore, a respected psychotherapist and eating disorder expert with over twenty-five years of experience as well as being recovered from anorexia. I was a professional dancer, a former flight attendant, and owned a dance studio in Los Angeles for twenty-five years. I am the author of 2 books…. “TuTu Thin…. A Guide to Dancing without an Eating Disorder” and “mother, Men and Me, A Memoir of Anxiety, Anorexia and Affairs.” I am also the host of the show “TuTu Thin: A Podcast for Dancers,” The podcast is in its 4th season. I am an international speaker and enjoy providing insights from a dance professional’s perspective, helping dancers and parents around the world navigate healthy living.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I truly believed that I was ugly and that I was not worthy of friendships. I was born with no enamel on my teeth and kids made fun of me and called me “old Yeller.”

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are beautiful inside and out. You deserve love, friends and family. You are an amazing human and I am hoping you begin to see what others see in you.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely….. I am a very authentic and transparent individual. I am honest and want people to know me for who I am. I am proud of myself and my journey through life.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel at peace when I am paddle boarding on the ocean in either Malibu or Maui. I feel like I am with God and I see all the beauty of this world. It is a place where I am free from my cell phone, texts, e mails and can just be free.