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Katie Sopoci Drake and Zoica Tovar from the Washington School of Ballet break down their Junior and Senior Repertory Week programs in this episode.

The two programs serve different levels of dancers, and our guests explain how each one works and what participants can expect. They discuss the school's teaching methods, how they work with different learning styles, and what it takes to move from student training to professional dancing.

The conversation covers mentorship structures, choreography opportunities for participants, and performance requirements at each level. Katie and Zoica also share what traits they look for in successful dancers and how artistic director Edwaard Liang's involvement shapes the training experience.

If you're researching summer intensives or want to understand how pre-professional ballet training works, this episode provides a practical look at what happens during these programs and why the school structures them the way they do.

Learn more about The Washington School of Ballet's Summer Programs here: https://www.washingtonballet.org/nw-summer-intensives/

Takeaways:

• The Junior Repertory Experience is designed for aspiring dancers aged 12-17.
• The Senior Repertory Experience mirrors a company training week for dancers aged 15-22.
• Both programs culminate in a performance for family and friends.
• Edwaard Liang's involvement enhances the quality of training and choreography.
• Dancers learn to adapt quickly to different styles and choreographers.
• The programs focus on building stamina, artistry, and technical skills.
• Students are encouraged to ask questions about their future careers.
• Choreography and composition classes are integral to the training.
• The audition process is open to video submissions.
• The programs aim to develop well-rounded artists, not just professional dancers.

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Music from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Audition season is here again, and we're revisiting one of our most requested conversations. In this episode, Jess Spinner, founder of The Whole Dancer, breaks down how dancers can create an audition approach that actually works for them. She shares strategies for choosing auditions, tailoring a plan to the type of job you're pursuing, and managing the mental, physical, and emotional pressure that comes with this time of year.

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In Part 2 of our #NoThirds series on bullying in ballet, we dig deeper into accountability, emotional health, and what it actually looks like to navigate harmful dynamics inside dance environments. Our guests explore how parents, students, and schools can recognize the signs of toxic training, respond to concerning behavior, and create space for honest conversations about what dancers are experiencing.

As we address listener questions, we discuss the importance of listening closely to children, understanding the emotions behind their reactions, and knowing when a parent needs to step in. We also look at how communication with school leadership can resolve issues, why empowering dancers to speak up matters, and how consistent check-ins at home help identify problems early. The episode touches on the influence of social media and the value of reviews in pushing programs to improve.

Part 2 continues the conversation parents and dancers need right now.

Learn more about Kelsey Fyffe: https://www.livemindfullypsychotherapy.com/dancers-athletes

Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount: https://ballethelpdesk.com/backtoschool/

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Key Takeaways • Accountability is essential for healthy dance environments • Understanding a child's behavior helps address bullying • Open conversations about feelings support emotional awareness • Toxic training situations can affect long-term mental health • Parents need to recognize when intervention is needed • Communication with school administration is part of the solution • Parents should stay proactive in protecting their child's well-being • Encouraging dancers to use their voices can reduce bullying • Regular check-ins at home help identify problems early • Reviews and feedback can drive meaningful change in schools

Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

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In Part 1 of our #NoThirds series on bullying in ballet, we sit down with two experts to unpack what bullying looks like in today's dance world. Dr. Suzette Takei, a longtime middle school principal with a PhD, and Kelsey Fyffe, a licensed therapist who works with high-performing dancers and athletes, offer clear, grounded insight into how bullying is defined, how it develops, and how it affects young people.

Fran Veyette adds his perspective from inside the ballet studio and helps frame how these issues can show up in day-to-day training.

Together, the conversation explores the difference between bullying and abuse, the influence of social media, the roles parents and teachers play in responding to problems, and the importance of emotional awareness in preventing unhealthy environments.

This episode sets the stage for understanding how bullying takes root in ballet settings and how families, teachers, and students can work toward building a more supportive studio culture. In part 2, we begin to address the listener questions we received.

Learn more about Kelsey Fyffe: https://www.livemindfullypsychotherapy.com/dancers-athletes

Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount: https://ballethelpdesk.com/backtoschool/

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https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

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In Part 2 of our conversation with Troy Schumacher, Sara Mearns and Annie Sundberg, we pick up as opening night of The Nutcracker at Wethersfield draws near. From a massive snowstorm that nearly shut everything down to the emotions that swept over the dancers once the curtain finally rose, Troy shares what it took to bring this extraordinary production to life in the middle of a pandemic.

The Nutcracker at Wethersfield documentary has its world premiere at DocNYC on November 16th and 20th, followed by a theatrical release at select cinemas, including a special screening and Q&A on December 13th at the New Plaza Cinema in New York.

Find out if the film is screening near you at nutcrackerfilm.com. Dance companies and schools can also request to host their own screening via the site. The film will be available to stream on the GATHR app for a special holiday window from December 21 through January 5.

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License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

What would you do if, for the first time in forever, Nutcracker got canceled? This is what hundreds of thousands of ballet fans and thousands of dancers were faced with in the Winter of 2020. Covid had shut down the world and it was particularly bad in New York City. Enter Troy Schumacher, a soloist with the New York City Ballet and the founder of the Ballet Collective. Troy found a way to stage a Nutcracker, attract an audience and keep a bunch of dancers employed. Tune in to our two-part episode to hear all about how Troy pulled this off, why Sara Mearns got involved and how Emmy nominated filmmaker, Annie Sundberg captured all of it in a documentary that airs in November 2025.

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Music from #Uppbeat:

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License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

There's no such thing as a perfect path in ballet, and few people know that better than Francis Veyette, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School. In part 2 of this episode of #NoThirds, Fran continues to discuss the ups and downs of a dance career, how setbacks can create unexpected growth, and why parental support and trust are critical along the way. He also explains how dancers can better navigate feedback, understand company dynamics, and use peer networks to stay informed. It's a candid look at the messy, unpredictable reality of building a career in ballet, and how to make the most of it.

Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount.

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Avant Chamber Ballet is redefining what a regional ballet company can be – performing with live musicians, championing diversity and dancer wellness, and connecting with audiences far beyond traditional theaters. In this episode, Artistic Director Katie Puder and School Director Madelaine Boyce share how they've built a company that's both artistically ambitious and community-minded.

They discuss Avant's mission to make ballet more accessible across Dallas, why live music matters, and what makes their trainee program unique. You'll also hear their honest take on college vs. trainee paths, the realities of running a small company, and what today's dancers need to know about navigating the professional ballet world.

Tune in to hear what it takes to start, and sustain, a ballet company that does things differently.

Learn more about Avant Chamber Ballet on their website

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There's no such thing as a perfect path in ballet, and few people know that better than Francis Veyette, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School. In part 1 of this episode of #NoThirds, Fran talks about the ups and downs of a dance career, how setbacks can create unexpected growth, and why parental support and trust are critical along the way. He also explains how dancers can better navigate feedback, understand company dynamics, and use peer networks to stay informed. It's a candid look at the messy, unpredictable reality of building a career in ballet, and how to make the most of it.

Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount.

Links:

• Shop Our Back to Dance Guide
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Oğulcan Borova, Head of the Trainee and Studio Company Programs at the Grainger Academy, joins us to explain how the school is structured. The Conservatory provides intensive training, while the Trainee and Studio Company levels serve as postgraduate bridges to professional careers. Borova also discusses Winning Works, the academy's program where guest choreographers set new creations on students, offering them invaluable real-world experience. He also shares how mentorship, performance experience, and financial support combine to help dancers bridge the gap between the classroom and company life.

Learn more about the Grainger Academy on their website

Links:

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