Ballet Help Desk

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 thr...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 t...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 out...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 Sc...

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...

Pacific Northwest Ballet School operates differently from many other company-affiliated programs. In this episode, Denise Bolstad, Managing Director of PNB School, breaks down what sets it apart. We explore the structure of the Professional Division, how dancers are selected, training expectations, performance opportunities, and the path from PD to the main company. Denise also shares insights on...

Elizabeth Yntema and Tracey Bonner, from the Dance Data Project, join us to discuss their mission to shine a light gender inequity in ballet. They share how their data-driven research highlights gaps in leadership roles, how parents and dancers can use their findings, and the changes they've seen since launching the organization. Hear how DDP is working to create a more inclusive ballet world — an...

Tai Jimenez, Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem School, joins us to discuss her journey in ballet and her vision for training the next generation of dancers. She breaks down the school's structure, why DTH remains an afterschool program, her plans for future growth of their trianing programs as well as how they help students transition into professional careers. We also explore the current jo...

Introducing  #NoThirds , an unfiltered look at what  really happens behind the scenes in ballet. Ballet Help Desk is joined by Fran Veyette, as he pulls back the curtain on the realities of training, company life, and the industry's unspoken rules. No scripts or platitudes — just honest conversations about what dancers and parents need to know.   Links: Support Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Jou...

Christopher Alloways-Ramsey recently took the helm at Orlando Ballet School, and we sat down with him to discuss his vision, challenges, and what's next for the school. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on the structure of the academy, including postgraduate levels, recruitment pathways, and how Orlando Ballet transitions dancers from student to professional. We also cover audience questions...

Grace Holmes, the head of San Francisco Ballet School, joins us to discuss her vision for the school, from training curriculum and performance opportunities to scholarships and student wellness. We also discussed the culture at SFBS, recent changes to the trainee program, and how the school prepares students for professional careers. Tune in for an in-depth look at one of the country's top ballet...

The European ballet training system has long been admired, but how does it really compare to training in the U.S.? In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Potreck, founder of Aus Dancers Overseas, to discuss the key differences, the biggest challenges European ballet schools have faced, and how recent scandals have sparked change. We also explore the role of journalists in exposing abuse, the...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk We sit down with Cynthia Harvey to discuss the Prix de Lausanne, one of the world's top ballet competitions. Cynthia shares how she got started in ballet, key moments in her training, and the teachers who influenced her career. We also explore the history of the Prix, how students are selected, what happens duri...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk Join us for a conversation with Brittany Cavaco, founder of The Ballet Agency. Brittany explains how her agency connects top-tier dancers and ballet artists with media projects, elevating the quality of ballet in entertainment. She also shares how she's helping dancers impacted by natural disasters, providing mu...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk Raymond Rodriguez, Dean of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, offers an in-depth look at the school's advanced levels, graduate program, and pathways into the main company. He shares how PBT supports dancers on their journey, covering everything from relocation advice and program structure to performance opportun...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 su...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 CB...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk "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...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 gen...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 pro...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 prog...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 ep...

Listen to Ballet Help Desk ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ BalletHelpDesk 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 ongo...