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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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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• Ballet Help Desk
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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.

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

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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 their website.

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• Ballet Help Desk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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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 thrive in the ballet world. For anyone who has ever scratched their head when they heard people refer to potential or facility, this interview is a must-listen! You can learn more about Fran on his website.

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• Ballet Help Desk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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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 shares an innovative technique she developed to help dancers dye pointe shoes to match skin tones. By offering this simple, affordable solution, she’s contributing to greater inclusivity in ballet, ensuring all dancers can feel beautiful.

Learn more about Lauren Anderson on her website: 

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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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 standards of “potential” and “facility” in ballet versus other sports. She also explains how mental flexibility can support a dancer’s growth, while discussing the evolving role of parents as their dancers progress toward potential careers. Don’t miss this deep dive into practical advice and supportive strategies for navigating the ballet world with clarity and resilience.

You can learn more about Elizabeth on her website.

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• Ballet Help Desk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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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 episode is for you.

Learn more about AGMA on their website. 

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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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
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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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
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• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI