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PODCAST

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and

arts performing arts

All Episodes

48:29

78. From Professional Ballerina to CEO: How Genevieve...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/11/24

A teenage ballerina with a sketch in a notebook had no idea it would one day spark a global franchise. In this episode, Genevieve Custer Weeks, former professional dancer and founder of Tutu School, shares the journey that took her from training at Ballet Chicago at just fifteen to leading 140 (and counting!) boutique ballet schools across the US, Canada, and the UK.Genevieve reflects on the courage it took to move away from home so young, the gratitude she discovered for her family, and the setback

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48:56

77. Innovating Ballet Education: Elizabeth Troxler on...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/11/17

In this inspiring episode I’m joined by Elizabeth Troxler - a ballet teacher, choreographer, performer with over 30 years of experience training dancers from beginners to professionals.Elizabeth shares her journey from her first dance class at age five to a professional career spanning ballet and musical theater. She discusses how she transitioned from performer to choreographer and educator, the importance of versatility for dancers today, and how to cultivate confidence and self-awareness in the

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48:14

76. Love Your Body (or Don't) with Katrena Cohea

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/11/10

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Katrena Cohea, the creator behind Your Body Image BFF, to explore how dance educators can reframe conversations around body image, teaching methods, and dancer wellness.Katrena shares her journey from bunhead to flamenco dancer to teacher and studio owner, and how her experiences led her to create resources that help teachers integrate body neutrality and self-respect into dance training. Together, we discuss how early messages about body image begin

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31:21

75. What Your Dance Teacher Wants You to Know

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/11/03

In this heartfelt solo episode, I’m putting on my dance teacher hat to share the things every dance educator wishes their students understood, drawing from over 15 years of teaching experience.You’ll hear practical insight and honest reminders that can completely shift the way you show up in class. From respecting the process to understanding feedback and showing up with positive energy, this episode is packed with wisdom for dancers at every stage of training.Key points in this episode: Why your

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55:52

74. Pivot for Dancer's Kaylee Randall on Redefining...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/10/27

Today’s conversation is one that every dancer - current or retired - needs to hear. I’m joined by Kaylee Randall, a former professional dancer who spent nearly a decade performing on cruise ships, in theme parks, and in Las Vegas. After an incredible performing career, Kaylee made a bold move to Australia in 2018, where she founded Pivot for Dancers, a platform dedicated to helping professional dancers find meaning off the stage and confidently step into their next chapter.In this episode, Kaylee

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44:26

73. Under Pressure to Be Perfect with Rachael Dailey...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/10/20

In this week’s insightful episode, I am joined by Ali Block and Rachael Dailey Goodwin. Ali is a former professional ballerina. She studied psychology at Columbia University and currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Lab Manager at Icahn School of Medicine. Rachael is a former dancer and is currently Assistant Professor of Management at Syracuse University Whitman School of Management.Together with Lyndon Garrett, they recently published an incredible research paper titled: Under

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58:12

72. Behind the Curtain with Lauren Ostrander McArdle:...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/10/13

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by former professional ballerina and performance psychology expert Lauren Ostrander McArdle. Lauren danced with companies including the National Ballet of Canada and as a soloist with Sarasota Ballet and now holds a Master’s Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. She is the founder of Behind the Curtain, a platform dedicated to equipping dancers with the mental tools they need to thrive on and off the stage.Lauren shares her

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48:09

71. Mr. Brainy Ballerina Unplugged: The Partner's POV...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/10/06

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m joined by my husband, THE Mr. Brainy Ballerina Steve Sloan, to reflect on our journey together - from his background as a college soccer player to supporting my career as a professional dancer, and now navigating life as parents. We share stories from our early days of dating, his first impressions of the ballet world, and the infamous “apple crisp incident” during tech week.Steve also opens up about the sacrifices we’ve both made for each other’s careers, how his

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52:04

70. Dream Big, Make It Happen: Hannah Martin's...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/09/29

What does it take to go from Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnast to professional ballerina with the Birmingham Royal Ballet? In this episode, Hannah Martin shares her remarkable journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers dream big and make it happen.What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Hannah’s early career as a rhythmic gymnast, including competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and earning 22 national titles. The key differences between

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53:56

69. Listening to your Body with "The Therapist who...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/09/22

In this episode, I sit down with Erica Hornthal, licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist, to explore the transformative power of movement for emotional and mental health. Known as “The Therapist Who Moves You”, Erica shares how dance and movement therapy can help us reconnect to our bodies, regulate the nervous system, and rewire patterns shaped by trauma, stress, and perfectionism.We unpack misconceptions about dance therapy, the challenges dancers face

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54:23

68. Fueling the Mind-Body Connection with Registered...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/09/15

In this episode, I’m joined by registered sports dietitian Lisa Rivera, who brings her unique background in both dance and nutrition to the conversation. Lisa shares her personal journey of healing her relationship with food, how proper fueling transformed her dance career, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.From understanding the mind-body connection to diving into gut health, brain function, stress management, and supplements, this episode

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25:45

67. My Program Launch Failed (So Let's Talk About...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/09/08

In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about one of the hardest parts of being a dancer (and a human) - rejection. I recently launched a brand new mentorship program - and it totally flopped. So I’m sharing with you the process I used to coach myself through the disappointment and the lessons I learned along the way.Key Points in this Episode: Why rejection doesn’t define your worth as a dancer or artist The hidden wins in experiences that don’t go as planned Common mistakes dancers (and

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48:39

66. The Future of Dance Education with Dance Device...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/08/25

In this week’s inspiring episode, I’m joined by Brooklyn-based creative leader and founder of Dance Device Lab, Brandon Cournay. From his unexpected start in a small-town Michigan dance studio to earning a spot at Juilliard and building a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director, executive director and business owner, Brandon shares his multifaceted journey through the dance world.Key “Pointes” in this Episode🩰How a musical theater camp unexpectedly launched his dance

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48:57

65. Inside the Raising Leaders Program with Kerry...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/08/18

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, we sit down with Kerry Nicholls, Director of Artist Development at San Francisco Ballet, to explore the groundbreaking Raising Leaders program.We dive deep into how the Raising Leaders program is transforming professional dancers into empowered leaders both on and off the stage. Kerry shares how dancers are selected, what the two-year curriculum entails, and how the program bridges the gap between performing and planning for a meaningful

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46:39

64. Rewiring Ballet: Tim Lynch's Somatic Perspective...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/08/11

In this insightful episode, I’m joined by Tim Lynch to trace his remarkable journey from a hyperactive kid looking for an outlet for his energy to a career dancing at Pacific Northwest Ballet and beyond.He reflects on his 10-year career at PNB, the value of corps de ballet work, and highlights like dancing A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Agon at the Kennedy Center.We also explore Tim’s transition into education and how he built a thriving boys' program at PNB. Tim shares the philosophies that shape

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26:48

63. What I Wish I Understood as a Young Dancer (+...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/08/04

In this week’s solo episode, I’m reflecting on the most pivotal lessons I wish I had known as a young dancer. From perfectionism to career pivots, I’m sharing the emotional, mental, and practical challenges of transitioning from student to professional dancer + how to thrive through them.PLUS I have a special announcement - and you’re hearing it here first!Key “pointes” in this episode:🩰Why chasing perfection might be doing more harm than good🩰The surprising power of saying, “I don’t know.”🩰A

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65:10

62. The Truth About Being a Ballerina with Gavin Larsen

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/07/28

In this episode, I’m joined by former principal ballerina and author Gavin Larsen to discuss the full arc of a ballet career - from the innocence of a child’s first class to the quiet, often emotional decision to step away from the stage.With striking honesty and warmth, Gavin retraces her early, formative years as a student in New York, through the rigorous training at the School of American Ballet, into her professional years with major companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet, Alberta Ballet, and

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48:52

61. Understanding Hypermobility in Dancers with Dr....

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/07/21

In this enlightening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD — a former ballet dancer turned physician and founder of Hypermobility MD and Bendy Bodies. Dr. Bluestein is a leading expert in hypermobility disorders, especially among dancers, and she’s passionate about educating and empowering those living with conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).We dive into: What inspired Dr. Bluestein to specialize in hypermobility in dancers The difference between flexibility and

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44:03

60. Building New Narratives: Autumn Klein's...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/07/14

In this candid conversation, I’m joined by Autumn Klein, a principal dancer and accomplished artist whose career includes performing with Texas Ballet Theater, Oklahoma City Ballet, Ballet Frontier, and Ballet North Texas. Autumn, who is also the co-founder of New Narratives Dance, shares her unconventional journey through the dance world - from overcoming gaps in her classical training, stepping away from dance to attend college, and rising to the rank of principal after returning to her

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26:08

59. From Insecurity to Inspiration: Navigating the...

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ·

2025/07/07

In this week’s solo episode, I’m tackling a topic that comes up often for dancers: comparison.I dive deep into why comparison is a natural human instinct - rooted in evolutionary survival - and how it’s especially amplified in the world of ballet, where mirrors, corrections, and casting are constant. Rather than trying to eliminate comparison, this episode is full of empowering tools to reframe it into a source of motivation, self-awareness, and growth.Key “pointes” in this episode:🩰Why comparison

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