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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

01:14:11

Dominic Walsh, Oregon Ballet Theatre

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/01/15

In this episode we chat with Dominic Walsh of Oregon Ballet Theatre. He shares insights into OBT’s trainee and second company levels, including class sizes, promotion timelines, costs, and performance opportunities. He also discusses health and wellness programs, how he and his team recruit, as well as career support once dancers join the school. For dancers and parents, this episode offers practical advice and a closer look at what sets OBT’s training programs apart. You can learn more about Oregon

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01:03:20

Erica Fischbach, Director of Colorado Ballet Academy

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/01/08

This week, we’re joined by Erica Fischbach, Director of Colorado Ballet Academy, to talk about the school’s full-time training programs, including the trainee and studio company levels. While the studio company is part of the main company, Erica shares everything you need to know about it. We also discuss how CBA recruits dancers, what interested students can do to be considered for admission, as well as the performance opportunities available at each level. Plus, Erica explains why Colorado Ballet

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41:35

Jason Yeung on the Realities of the Job Market in...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2025/01/01

"Becoming a professional ballet dancer in the United States requires years of training, dedication, and a bit of luck. With only a few thousand full-time positions available, the path is challenging and often uncertain." These words open the DataPointes Guide, a groundbreaking report developed by former dancer Jason Yeung. We sat down with Jason to explore how he used publicly available data to create an insightful resource that highlights which ballet training programs are producing the most

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01:38:14

Dan Guin on Boca Ballet Theatre's Summer Workshop for...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/12/25

Join us as we talk with Dan Guin, Co-Artistic Director of Boca Ballet Theatre, about their Advanced Summer Performance Workshop. This five-week program offers dancers the unique opportunity to work directly with artistic directors from top ballet companies, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. Dan shares how the workshop has become a launchpad for professional careers and what makes it such a standout summer experience. You can learn more about the Advanced Summer Workshop on their website

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01:12:22

Cindy Surman, Boca College Dance Fair

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/12/18

Ballet Help Desk interviews Cindy Surman of Boca Ballet Theater about their College Dance Fair, an event that brings together top college dance programs and aspiring dancers. Learn how the fair helps students and parents navigate higher education in dance, what sets it apart, and its role in shaping the next generation of performers. This episode offers practical insights for families weighing college dance as a potential option. You can learn more about the Boca College Dance Fair on their website

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01:22:50

Kit Holder, Birmingham Royal Ballet 2

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/12/11

Kit Holder, Artistic Coordinator of Birmingham Royal Ballet 2, offers an inside look at life within the company, from what a typical day looks like to the performance opportunities they can expect to the career planning support provided. He also addresses how the company prepares dancers for the demands of a professional ballet career, both inside and outside of the studio. Drawing on his graduate education in psychology, Holder shares how empathy and understanding shape his leadership style and

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47:13

Nicholas Ziegler, Finnish National Ballet Youth Company

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/12/04

What’s life like in the Finnish National Ballet Youth Company? Artistic Coordinator Nicholas Ziegler shares his insights on the program, discussing the dancers’ performance schedule, the structure of their compensation as well as the professional opportunities that set this youth company apart. Hear how the program balances intensive training with real-world experience to prepare young dancers for the demands of a ballet career. You can learn more about the Finnish National Ballet Youth Company on

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01:13:07

Fran Veyette on Potential, Body Type and Facility in...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/11/26

We're re-releasing one of our most popular episodes! Ballet Help Desk sat down with Francis Veyette, former principal dancer with Pennsylvania (now Philadelphia) Ballet, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School and newly appointed Rehearsal Director & Outreach Manager for Indianapolis Ballet. In this episode, Fran breaks down loaded terms like potential, facility, and body type, offering a practical understanding of what they mean. He also shares insights into the qualities dancers need to

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01:23:46

Lauren Anderson & Dr. Jessica Klanderud: Breaking...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/11/20

In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Anderson, the first Black principal dancer with Houston Ballet, and Dr. Jessica Klanderud, a professor of African American history and ballet parent. Lauren reflects on her groundbreaking career, shares her thoughts on ballet competitions, and discusses the industry's ongoing diversity challenges. Dr. Klanderud discusses the roots of traditionalism and why “Ballet is pink” just won’t work anymore. She also introduces Our Pointe, her YouTube channel where she

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01:03:47

Elizabeth Sullivan, Mental Fitness for Parents During...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/11/13

In this episode, Elizabeth Sullivan, a mentor to pre-professional dancers, discusses the concept of mental fitness and why it’s essential for ballet parents. We explore the challenges of guiding young dancers through an increasingly complex ballet landscape—where training opportunities are vast, but professional roles remain limited. Elizabeth offers insights into setting realistic expectations for audition season, from summer intensives to professional opportunities, and sheds light on the unique

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01:34:23

Griff Braun, American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA)

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/11/06

In this episode Griff Braun, National Organizing Director of the American Guild of Musical Artists, discusses the role of unions in the ballet world. Griff shares insights into AGMA’s advocacy for dancer rights, safety, and equitable treatment, including their recent work supporting the dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theater. He illustrated the challenges and victories in labor relations and why union representation is key for today’s dancers. For anyone interested in how AGMA supports the arts, this

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01:03:05

Caitlin Sloan, On Building Your Ballet Career With...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/10/30

In this episode, we talk with Caitlin Sloan, the Brainy Ballerina, about her approach to audition coaching. Caitlin explains how she helps students develop personalized audition strategies that consider more than just ballet, setting them up for success in and beyond the studio. Learn more about Caitlin and The Brainy Ballerina on her website. And, don't forget to check out her Audition Hub for all her great resources to help your dancer! Links: Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals Support

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01:10:04

Jess Spinner, The Whole Dancer, on Preparing Dancers...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/10/23

In this episode, Jess Spinner of The Whole Dancer shares her approach to helping ballet dancers navigate the audition circuit. She offers strategies for auditioning, advice on setting a personalized audition plan that aligns with the type of job they’re aiming for, and insights on the mental, physical, and emotional preparation needed to stay grounded and confident throughout the process. Learn more about Jess and The Whole Dancer on her website. Links: Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals

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01:24:01

Philip Neal, Ballet's Ultimate Cheerleader

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/10/16

In this episode, Philip Neal, former Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet and current Artistic Director of Next Generation Ballet, shares insights on shaping up and coming dancers, while championing the art of ballet. Neal discusses his transition from performing to directing, the importance of mentorship, and how he helps his dancers find placements in trainee and second company positions. He also highlights the balance between fostering excellence and keeping the passion for the art form

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57:31

Julie Bowers, Former Royal Ballet Dancer and Founder...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/10/09

In this episode, we sit down with Julie Bowers, former Royal Ballet dancer and founder of Grad Pro, an innovative program designed to help dancers bridge the gap between training and professional careers. Julie shares how her experiences and insights into the challenges dancers face in today's job market, especially post-Covid, led her to create the organization. We discuss the various programs offered, including postgraduate training, career mentoring, and international showcases, all aimed at

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37:24

Cecilia Iliesiu, PNB Principal Dancer: Career...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/10/02

In this episode, we chat with Cecilia Iliesiu, Principal Dancer at Pacific Northwest Ballet and a ballet career coach. As we're headed into audition season, Cecilia discusses the importance of networking in the industry and offers practical tips for aspiring artists on building meaningful connections, setting career goals, and making informed decisions. Her expertise provides essential guidance as dancers start to gather and send out their audition packages. Tune in for valuable advice that can

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01:34:42

Facebook Ballet Parent Groups: Moderators Unplugged...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/09/25

Sometimes you just need to talk to other ballet parents! In this episode, we chat with three moderators of large Facebook groups for parents and caregivers of dancers as they spill the tea on what really goes on behind the scenes (hint: it’s sometimes a delicate dance). In our wide-ranging conversation, they share their experiences navigating the challenges and rewards of moderating large communities of dance parents, along with some unexpected situations that left them saying, "Did that really just

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01:12:07

Shaping the Future of Ballet: Jaimie Tapper, Head of...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/09/18

In this episode we sit down with Jaimie Tapper, Head of Performance Coaching at The Royal Ballet, to explore the significant changes she’s witnessed in ballet schools since her own dancing days. Jaimie discusses key challenges today’s ballet students face and questions whether schools are being asked to take on responsibilities they may not be equipped for. She also underscores the importance of cultivating interests outside of ballet. While acknowledging that there’s still much

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51:14

Building Healthy Dancers: Inside Canada’s National...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/09/11

In this episode we talk with Rachel Bar, Director of Research and Health at Canada’s National Ballet School, about the comprehensive wellness program designed to support the physical and mental health of ballet students. Rachel shares how the school integrates science-based practices to promote long-term dancer health, foster resilience, and create a positive training environment. Learn more about Canada's National Ballet School on their website Links: Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals

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01:07:54

Mental Health Advocacy in Ballet: Kathleen Gaines,...

Ballet Help Desk ·

2024/09/04

In 2017, Kathleen Gaines shared her experience with depression in a Dance Magazine article titled “Why Are We Still So Bad at Addressing Dancers’ Mental Health?” The article quickly went viral, becoming one of the most-read in the magazine’s history, and inspired the creation of her organization, We Are Minding the Gap. In this episode, we sit down with Kathleen to discuss the challenges dancers face in the ballet world, from the pressures of perfectionism to the stigma surrounding

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