Avsnitt
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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 college offers against trainee spots, or wondering what kind of future the college path can offer, Allison brings clarity—and candor.
If you're a college student, be sure to check out the artÉmotion Collegiate Ballet Summer Intensive that Allison and Rex Tilton run.
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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, crazy pointe shoe hacks, and more.
If you're a dancer, parent, or just pointe shoe curious, this episode is packed with insights (and some wild fitting stories). Tune in!
Learn more about Riley:
Instagram: @rileythomasweber
TikTok: rileythomasweberMore Links:
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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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 SchoolMore Links:
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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 Links:
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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 recruitment, summer intensive considerations, and how PNB supports dancers who don’t get promoted. If you're interested in PNB’s Professional Division, this episode is a must-listen!
Learn more about Pacific Northwest Ballet School Read Summer Reviews of Pacific Northwest Ballet School Read Year-Round Reviews of Pacific Northwest Ballet SchoolMore Links:
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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 — and what steps they believe are still needed.
Learn More about the Dance Data Project on their website
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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 job market, the challenges of rebuilding boys’ programs post-COVID, and DTH’s efforts to change perceptions about male dancers. Plus, in our Ballet Lightning Round, Tai shares pivotal moments from her own training, the best advice she ever received, and what excites her about the future of ballet.
Learn More about the Dance Theatre of Harlem School on their website
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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:
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https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future
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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, including details on the school’s new college credit collaboration, summer intensive plans, and support for pre-professional dancers navigating career decisions. As a bonus, be sure to listen to the end for an announcement about an exciting new program being launched by the school.
You can learn more about Orlando Ballet School at these links:
OBII and Trainee Programs Read Summer Reviews of Orlando Ballet School Read Year-Round Reviews of Orlando Ballet SchoolMore Links:
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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 schools and what’s ahead under her leadership.
You can learn more about San Francisco Ballet School at these links:
SFBS Summer Intensive Programs School Year Programs Read Summer Reviews of SFBS Read Year-Round Reviews of SFBSMore Links:
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https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future
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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 effectiveness of wellness programs, and what it takes to truly reform ballet education. If you’ve ever considered European training for your dancer, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
You can learn more about Stepanie and Aus Dancers Overseas on their website.
Links:
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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 during the week in Lausanne, and how winners are chosen. Cynthia offers valuable insights into coaching, choreography, and the role competitions play in ballet training today.
Links:
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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 much-needed support during challenging times.
Learn more about The Ballet Agency
If you are a dancer in need of assistance, please fill out this form
If you would like to help, you can DM Brittany at:
@The Ballet Agency @TheBallerinaMore Links:
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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 opportunities and health initiatives. Plus, insights on auditions, placement decisions, and what sets PBT apart in post-graduate training.
You can learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School at these links:
PBT Summer Intensive Programs School Year ProgramsMore Links:
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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 Ballet Theatre School at these links:
OBT2 Audition Information OBT Summer Intensive ProgramsMore Links:
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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 Academy chooses to compete and how it benefits their dancers. Whether you're aiming for a spot in the studio company or looking to join the Academy, this episode has the details you need!
You can learn more about Colorado Ballet Academy at these links:
Colorado Ballet Summer Intensive Programs Young Dancer Workshop - be sure to read about CBA's new family friendly housing opportunity for young dancers!More Links:
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"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 professional dancers.
For dancers considering serious training or pursuing a career in ballet, the DataPointes Guide is an invaluable tool to navigate the journey.
DataPointes Guide: https://datapointesguide.com/
Links:
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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.
Links:
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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.
Links:
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https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future
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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 training philosophy, and how he hopes to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of artists, while still holding dancers to the highest of artistic standards that the company is known for.
You can learn more about Birmingham Royal Ballet 2 on their website.
Links:
Ballet Help Desk Holiday Gift Guide Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDeskMusic from #Uppbeat:
https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future
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