Company Secrets: Ballet Unfiltered

In the Season 2 premiere of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, Jared Redick sits down with the fantastic choreographer Val Caniparoli, whose five different Nutcracker productions, created for companies across the U.S. and abroad, give him an unmatched perspective on ballet’s biggest holiday tradition.

With over 50 years at San Francisco Ballet and more than 200 ballets to his name, Val shares how he approaches reinventing a story that must remain both financially essential and artistically alive. He talks about the pressures of creating a production that returns year after year, the importance of community and tradition, and why Act I is the most challenging part of the ballet. Jared and Val also dive into the Christensen brothers’ historic legacy, the balance between innovation and audience expectations, and how subtle updates can keep Nutcracker relevant for today’s families.

Along the way, Val offers insight, humor, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a holiday classic feel fresh, without breaking what already works.

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In this season finale, Jared sits down with the incomparable Gillian Murphy, whose extraordinary 29-year career with American Ballet Theatre made her one of the defining ballerinas of her generation. From Swan Lake to new works by Ratmansky and Wheeldon, Gillian reflects on her remarkable journey—what it means to dance with freedom, the power of presence, and the perspective that comes from a lifetime on stage.

Now retired from performing and serving as Artistic Associate at American Repertory Ballet, she opens up about motherhood, identity, and how she’s channeling her artistry into teaching and leadership. It’s an inspiring, candid conversation about transition, purpose, and what it means to continue growing beyond the spotlight.

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In this episode, Jared sits down with the incomparable Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre and one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation. Declared by The New York Times as “America’s quintessential American ballerina,” Susan reflects on her extraordinary performing career, her leadership journey from the stage to the boardroom, and what it takes to sustain excellence in one of the world’s great ballet companies.

From shaping ABT’s 85th anniversary season to mentoring the next generation, Susan shares candid insights on artistic vision, mental resilience, and the qualities she looks for when hiring dancers. She also opens up about the importance of self-responsibility, positivity, and lifelong growth—wisdom for artists at every stage.

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In this episode, Jared sits down with Cervilio  Amador, Artistic Director of Cincinnati Ballet, to explore what it means to lead one of the nation’s most respected ballet companies. Born and trained in Cuba, Cervilio began his professional journey with the National Ballet of Cuba before joining Cincinnati Ballet, where he quickly rose to become one of the youngest principal dancers in the company’s history.

Now, after a remarkable 16-year stage career and a powerful transition into leadership, Cervilio shares candid insights about balancing artistry and administration, building a healthy company culture, and supporting the next generation of dancers through Cincinnati Ballet’s training pipeline. He discusses what he looks for in auditions, how he manages multiple constituencies from dancers to donors, and the mindset that sustained him throughout his performing career.

From defecting from Cuba to directing in Cincinnati, Cervilio’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and purpose-driven leadership, a must-listen for anyone curious about what it truly takes to guide a forward-looking ballet company.

Cincinnati Ballet company site:

www.cincinnatiballet.org

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In this episode, Jared sits down with Aaron Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet. A former principal dancer with Ballet Frankfurt under William Forsythe, Aaron has built an extraordinary career bridging classical tradition and contemporary innovation. After 17 years leading Semperoper Ballett in Dresden, he returned to ENB in 2023 to shape a new chapter for the company.

Aaron shares candid insights into the realities of running a major ballet organization, from building a five-year artistic and business strategy to reimagining ENB’s touring model, brand identity, and audience engagement. He discusses the importance of culture, mental health support for dancers, and the balance between honoring the classics and fostering innovation.

For dancers, Aaron pulls back the curtain on ENB’s audition and hiring process, and what qualities catch his eye in the studio

Whether you’re an aspiring dancer, a ballet lover, or someone curious about the inner workings of a world-class company, this conversation offers a rare look at artistic leadership grounded in vision, strategy, and care for people.

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In this episode, Daniela Cardim, artistic director of Ballet Arizona, delves into the audition process and what she looks for in dancers. She emphasizes the importance of personality and artistry, noting that dancers who express themselves and show creativity during auditions stand out. Daniela explains that while technical skill is crucial, the ability to convey emotion and engage with the audience is equally important. She advises dancers not to be discouraged by rejections, as auditions are often about finding the right fit for specific roles or company needs. Daniela also highlights the significance of open communication, encouraging dancers to advocate for themselves and share any concerns with the artistic staff. The episode provides valuable insights for dancers on how to navigate auditions and thrive in a professional company environment.

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Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Ma Cong, the new Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet. From his beginnings at the Beijing Dance Academy to his rise as a principal dancer and renowned choreographer, Ma shares his vision for the future of the company. Discover how his unique blend of creativity and leadership is shaping Richmond Ballet's path forward, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for dancers and audiences alike. Aspiring dancers will gain valuable insights into the company's nurturing atmosphere and the opportunities for growth and artistic expression that await them at Richmond Ballet.

www.richmondballet.com

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In this special episode of Company Secrets: Ballet Unfiltered, Jared sits down with Larissa Saveliev, Founder and Artistic Director of Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), the world’s largest international student ballet competition. This special episode is a must-listen for students, dancers, teachers, and parents who are competing or considering competing in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). 

Larissa shares candid insights on what dancers need to know to stand out, YAGP's origins and global impact, what makes YAGP unique, the role competitions play in a dancer’s growth, and how opportunities created on this stage have shaped countless careers. 

Whether you’re preparing to compete, guiding and/ or coaching students, supporting your child as they prepare for the competition, or simply curious about how YAGP became such a powerful force in the ballet world, this conversation offers a valuable perspective you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode, we delve into the artistic vision and leadership of Septime Weber, the dynamic Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet. With a commitment to nurturing young talent, Weber shares invaluable insights for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation and understanding the broader context of their craft. Discover how his innovative productions, like "Romeo and Juliet" set in 1960s Hong Kong, reflect the unique cultural fusion of the city. Learn how Hong Kong Ballet's international environment and Weber's leadership provide a vibrant platform for young dancers to grow and thrive. Tune in to explore how Weber's journey and vision continue to inspire the next generation of ballet artists in Hong Kong and beyond.

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This week on Company Secrets, Jared sits down with Kathleen Breen Combes, Artistic and Executive Director of Ballet Rhode Island. A former principal dancer with Boston Ballet — once described by The New York Times as “a ballerina of colossal scale and boldness” — Kathleen brings both artistic depth and business acumen to her leadership role.

In this candid conversation, she shares what it’s really like to wear both the artistic and executive hats, how she curates seasons, and the challenges and rewards of growing a small company into a statewide cultural force. Kathleen also discusses what she looks for in dancers, how she approaches auditions, and why transparency and trust are central to her leadership.

For young dancers, her advice is clear: don’t waste time, focus on your own path, and seize every opportunity. Kathleen also reflects on the importance of understanding the business side of the art form, her own journey of pursuing further education mid-career, and why building supportive company culture is essential to making ballet relevant and accessible today.

Show Notes:

Company Website: https://balletri.org/

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