Dancing on the Edge: Tyrone Polastri’s Guide to Mastery and Personal Transformation

Interview with Ty Polastri

Q: Dancing on the Edge has such a powerful title and metaphor. What first inspired you to connect the progression of skiing—discovering, tuning, and dancing on your edge—with life’s journey?

A: Two observations. One is that this is skiing’s natural progression leading to mastery: we discover the skis’ edges, we practice using them in all conditions and environments, and then when competent we creatively express ourselves as in a dance. Second, I noticed people off the mountain going through the same personal and professional developmental progression that I call the Power Cycle: Beginning, Increasing, Sustaining and Completing. It’s our life cycle.

Q: How did you decide on the structure of the book, and what was most important for you to bring forward?

A: The structure follows the matriculation of being a competent skier or on the spiritual path to wholeness. Without mentioning it, it also follows the Zen progression of spiritual enlightenment—Satori, Kensho and Daigo-tetti. The book shifted from its original vision in response to the divisive and disrespectful nature of society, which is causing so much conflict, anxiety and adversity in our lives. Frankly, I felt angry and disempowered by the state of human affairs, and I don’t deal with anger and frustration. So I channeled my energy to positively contribute| practical tools described as the three pillars of empowerment: power, dignity and effectiveness to care for ourselves and others, and be useful for navigating challenges authentically, respectfully and responsibly.

Q: Readers have called your book timely and universally relevant. Did you write with a particular audience in mind, or did you envision it as a resource for anyone searching for balance and resilience?

A: The book’s four core audiences: professionals in transition, personal growth enthusiasts, coaches, leaders, and facilitators, and active adults and skiers. The book offers “personhood” growth skills grounded in the body for anyone at work, school or home.

Q: You’ve built a life around motion—skiing, cycling, teaching, and coaching—all of which seem to push the edge of both body and mind. Have you been able to identify the one driving force that keeps you going, the spark that moves you to keep trying new things? And more recently, what has cycling renewed in you or added to your sense of balance and mastery?

A: In the 80s, I took part in a Stanford Research video project about lifestyle segmentation. It was then that I learned I’m an experientialist-a person driven with an interest of experiencing things. Later, I named my three core values — health, creativity and productivity — as my guiding principles in personal and professional decision making. Cycling has been a long-term passion of mine since childhood. I pedaled to school, college, and work and continue to do so. I leverage that passion to share it with others as a strategy for regional economic and environmental sustainability.

Q: Your book cover is striking and perfectly aligned with the spirit of Dancing on the Edge. What inspired the design and color choices? 

A: For me, the cover needed to convey two polarizing realities meeting, with curves reflecting the changing undulation of a mountain slope and life. I also wanted it to be minimalist within the Japanese/Zen tradition. I felt the simplicity of design and the dominant black and white would dramatically differentiate it from the current cover trends of complex illustrations. I wanted someone to see it and read the title from 12 feet away.

Q: When you look back on your life and all the chapters that have brought you here—from skiing in the USSR to building schools, coaching, writing, and leading communities—what are you most proud of? Is there one accomplishment or moment that feels like the truest reflection of your purpose? 

A: The truest reflection of my life’s purpose has been and continues to be developing skills, growing compassionately with understanding, and being of service to others as a creative expression of life’s gift. All my education, training and experiences has that as my common purpose. Many paths, leading to one Ty.

Q: Your life so far has been full of adventure—skiing across borders, building businesses, teaching, leading, and cycling for community change. Are there any new adventures on the horizon that you’re excited about, whether in writing, sports, or personal mastery?

I continue scaling my offers to reach increasingly more people. I’m considering one or two more books. However, at the moment, I’m thrilled to be advising the board of directors of a local spiritual center in building their community through clarity of vision, messaging and programs. I’m also a speaker and offer workshops. Speaking may offer another way of authentically connecting with a larger audience.

Q: Since publishing, has any reader response (encouraging, surprising, or deeply personal) stood out to you in a way that left a lasting impression?

A: I am touched when people share how the book clarifies, inspires, or validates the relevance of the content in their lives and how they see it as an essential tool for our times.

Q: How does the book address market trends?

A: The book emerges when emotional resilience, adaptability, and self-leadership are critical competencies. It leverages a compelling mix of somatics, narrative, and neuroscience to navigate transformation. I believe the book addresses the increasing demand for somatic-based self-help; the popularity of mindfulness & embodiment practices; continued growth of resilience and emotional intelligence; and the need for adaptive, purpose-aligned frameworks for changing economies. It can serve both as a guide and a companion on one’s transformation journey.

Q: Judges for the Positive Impact Awards—coming from all walks of life and representing a wide range of perspectives—collectively agreed that your book is both timely and timeless. They described it as much needed, full of universal lessons, and a work that everyone should read. How does it feel to know that your story and message are resonating in such a powerful and unanimous way? 

A: It deeply touches my heart and essence. It serves as a validation that others recognize the importance and timely need of developing our personhood skills for a transforming world with uncertainties.

Q: Looking back, how has writing this book changed you or perhaps clarified your own edge?

A: In many respects, the book charts my personal mastery journey. I regularly return to it to remember and practice these essential life skills. I love the Edge Performance process as it helps me and others manage adversity and uncertainties with dignified presence and movement.

Q: Beyond the book itself, what do you most want people to know about your journey?

A: It’s not so much about my journey as it is about theirs. I hope that in sharing my insights, experiences, body-centered exercises and personal stories, they will awaken a curiosity to seek their own self-knowledge about their gifts and aspirations — recognizing we are all on a common journey, yet on individual paths, in our own time and place.

Q: Beyond what we’ve discussed today, is there a message or reflection you’d like to leave with our readers? 

A: Seek understanding of your unique voice, passion and destiny. Own it, develop it and share it with the world. No one is like you in the entire universe. Your shared vision and gifts of a promising future can contribute to human evolution. How cool is that?

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