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PODCAST

Ballet Help Desk

Jenny Huang and Brett Gardner

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your dancer"s ballet path and we know navigating the world of ballet training can be challenging. The Ballet Help Desk podcast is here to help! Tune in for expert insights on supporting your student"s ballet education. We cover key topics like summer intensives, ballet competitions, full-time and postgraduate training, health and wellness, boys in ballet and more. Hear valuable advice from leading professionals across the ballet world to help your

arts performing arts

All Episodes

01:35:55

#NoThirds: Thoughts From the Front of the Room

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/06/26

What do ballet teachers really want students and parents to understand? In this episode of #NoThirds, we tackle issues in ballet training from the perspective of the teacher -- what frustrates them, what motivates them, and what they wish families better understood about the training process. From managing expectations to building trust, we dig into the unseen dynamics that shape every class and rehearsal and student/teacher relationship. Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School More

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01:37:22

Miriam Landis: Finding Her Voice Beyond the Stage

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/06/25

Miriam Landis trained at the School of American Ballet, danced with Miami City Ballet, and now teaches at Pacific Northwest Ballet, all experiences that informed her work as the author of three young adult novels set in the ballet world. In this episode, she talks about the reality of the professional ballet path, the emotional and practical sides of stepping away from performing, and how her cultural background shaped her journey. Miriam also discusses what led her to transition out of ballet, how

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52:45

Erika Mayall, MPT: The Importance of Ballet-Specific...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/06/19

In Part 2 of our two-part interview with physical therapist Erika Mayall, we explore how ballet schools are supporting dancer health—and where they still fall short. Erika offers practical advice for dancers and families without access to dance-specific care, busts common ballet injury myths, and shares her favorite recovery tools and daily habits for long-term wellness. She also discusses how to recognize genuine wellness support versus “checking the box” in schools and what one key change could

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01:00:48

Erika Mayall, MPT: The Importance of Ballet-Specific...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/06/18

In Part 1 of our two-part interview with physical therapist Erika Mayall of Allegro Performance and Wellness, we dive into why ballet dancers need specialized care from providers who truly understand the unique demands ballet puts on the body. Erika shares her journey into working with dancers, how injury prevention differs for ballet artists, common misdiagnoses, and early warning signs dancers and parents should watch for. She also offers guidance on choosing the right specialist and how dancers

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01:16:05

Louisville Ballet’s Four-Year Studio Company: How It...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/06/11

Considering full-time or summer training at Louisville Ballet? Artistic Director Mikelle Bruzina and School Director Christy Corbitt Krieger explain how the school is structured, what the studio company experience involves, and how dancers transition into professional careers. They also share insights on tuition, housing, casting, and how dancers are recruited. This episode offers a clear, behind-the-scenes look for dancers and families exploring the path through Louisville Ballet. Learn more about

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01:18:22

Full Circle: Madison Keesler's Ballet Journey

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/06/04

Former San Francisco Ballet soloist Madison Keesler shares the twists and turns of her ballet path—from falling in love with dance to navigating career pivots and returning to SFB more than once. She talks about leaving at the height of her career, what she’s up to now in New York, and the launch of Pointe of View, her new consulting business for dancers. Plus, she offers thoughtful advice for students hoping to go pro. You can find Madison on Instagram: @madisonkeesler or on her website Interested

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01:30:22

#NoThirds: Should You Compete or Just Train?

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/05/29

Ballet competitions are more common than ever—but do dancers really need them? In our latest episode of #NoThirds, Fran weighs in on the role competitions play in today’s training landscape. He tackles key questions from parents and dancers alike: Are comps essential for landing trainee or second company spots? Do they actually help with long-term career goals? Why are so many schools and companies participating now? What’s the real value compared to strong training and company performances? Fran

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01:13:23

Victoria Mazzarelli on Nurturing Talent at Nutmeg...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/05/28

Victoria Mazzarelli, Artistic Director of the Nutmeg Conservatory, joins us to share what sets this independent ballet conservatory apart. Widely known for its warm and nurturing environment, Victoria covers everything from curriculum and housing to performance opportunities, as well as the school's postgraduate program. She also explains how Nutmeg supports its students both in and out of the studio, what kind of dancer thrives in their environment, and how they help students navigate big decisions

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52:26

Barre Trash: Style With a Healthy Dose of Side-Eye

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/05/21

We all know that dancers have their own unique style. Welcome to our interview with the founders of Barre Trash, Lucas Labrador and Louis DeFelice as they let us in on ballet’s not-so-glamorous side—with honesty, humor, and a sharp eye for merch. In this episode, they talk about how Barre Trash was born, what the name really means, and how their side hustle turned into a platform for both laughter and change. From surviving on dancer salaries to calling out industry nonsense, Lucas and Louis share

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01:21:48

How DeCruz Ballet Is Changing Ballet Training

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/05/14

Why open a ballet school in San Antonio? Former Pacific Northwest Ballet principals Lindsi Dec and Karel Cruz share what inspired them to found DeCruz Ballet, how their training model stands apart, and where they see their school fitting into the evolving ballet ecosystem. They discuss everything from attracting male students and navigating competition culture, to counseling dancers through audition season and offering guidance on college ballet paths and postgrad training. With honest insight and a

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01:34:26

Silas Farley on Ballet, Belonging, and Life After...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/05/07

Silas Farley walked away from his performing career while he was arguably at the top of his game. In this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Farley—former New York City Ballet dancer and current choreographer, educator, and leader—reflects on his journey through the ballet world. He shares how his cultural background shaped his experience, the pressures of representation, and what ultimately led him to step away from the stage at a young age. Silas opens up about the emotional challenges

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01:00:58

#NoThirds: Fran Veyette - Postgrad Reality Check - Pt. 2

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/05/01

In Part 2 of our conversation with Fran Veyette, we dig into the realities of postgraduate training—what kind of “help” programs actually offer (and what dancers should be asking for), how long is too long to stay in a bridge program, and why some dancers move quickly into company jobs while others spin their wheels. We talk about whether dancers are truly company-ready at high school graduation, the myth (or not) of lateral moves, and the sometimes unspoken rules of getting hired. Plus: Fran’s take

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01:08:26

Inside USC Kaufman & What Makes This Dance Program...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/04/30

Jackie Kopcsak, a founding faculty member and Associate Professor of Practice at USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, joins us to unpack what makes USC’s program unique—from its one-of-a-kind curriculum and career planning resources to how students balance ballet, choreography, and cross-disciplinary training. We discuss what the school looks for in applicants, how students launch into professional dance and arts careers, and why USC’s location in Los Angeles opens doors for both training and jobs

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51:09

#NoThirds with Fran Veyette: Postgrad Reality Check -...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/04/24

Postgraduate ballet training is often sold as the final step before a professional contract—but how much of what dancers and parents hear is actually true? In this first episode of a two-part series, Fran Veyette joins us to break down the current state of postgraduate programs. We talk about the rise of bridge-level training, how to evaluate the value of doing a second year in a program, and whether the “big name” schools really give dancers an edge. Fran also shares his take on the gender gap in

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01:39:08

Elizabeth Gillaspy and Jessica Zeller on the Dance...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/04/23

Elizabeth Gillaspy and Jessica Zeller of Texas Christian University join us to break down what makes TCU’s dance program unique—from its dual emphasis on ballet and modern, to performance and choreographic opportunities, to how it prepares students for both performing and dance-adjacent careers. They walk us through a typical day of training, the audition and admissions process, and what TCU looks for in prospective students. We also discuss challenges in attracting male dancers, how students spend

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01:19:04

Michael Bearden on OU’s College Dance Path

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/04/16

Michael Bearden, Director of the University of Oklahoma School of Dance, joins us to talk about what makes OU’s program stand out. With three distinct tracks—ballet, modern, and pedagogy—OU offers a robust performance schedule, new choreographic opportunities, and wellness support for its students. We dig into the admission process, scholarship landscape, and what career outcomes look like for OU grads. Michael also shares advice for dancers choosing between college and company life, and gives

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01:25:47

Why Allison DeBona Chose College Before Going Pro

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/04/09

Allison DeBona took the road less traveled—college before company—and it led to a successful ballet career. In this episode, she breaks down why she chose Indiana University, what she gained from the experience, and how the college route stacks up against full-time conservatory training. We talk about career outcomes, adjustment challenges, and shifting industry perceptions around college ballet programs. She also answers whether or not she would choose the same path again. If you're weighing

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01:39:12

Pointe Shoe Secrets with Riley Weber

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/04/02

Pointe shoe fittings can feel like a mystery—but Riley Weber, a well-known pointe shoe fitter for Nikolay, is here to break it all down! In this episode, we talk about what to expect at a fitting, how to tell if a fitter knows what they’re doing, and why dancers shouldn’t just settle for “fine.” Riley addresses common fitting issues (like sinking!), the truth about toe pads, and why some shoes are impossible to get in stock. Plus, we get into listener questions on hypermobility, online fittings,

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01:10:02

#NoThirds With Fran Veyette: Boys in Ballet

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/03/27

Boys in ballet face unique challenges—but also unique opportunities. In this episode of #NoThirds, Fran Veyette gets real about training, summer intensives, scholarships for boys, and what needs to change to better support young male dancers on their journey. Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School More Links: Support Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Ballet Help Desk Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay

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43:28

Dr. Selina Shah on Pointe Readiness

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/03/26

Before stepping onto pointe, make sure you're ready. Dr. Selina Shah, a sports and dance medicine specialist, shares what dancers and parents need to know— from the ideal starting age to strength exercises, medical evaluations, and the impact of hypermobility. With experience treating professional dancers, Broadway performers, and Olympic athletes, she also offers tips on working with fitters, toe pads, and turnout to ensure a safe transition to pointe. Learn more about Dr. Shah More

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