On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance" we are joined by two leaders of the School Of American Ballet, Jenifer Ringer, Director Of Intermediate/Advanced Divisions and Artistic Programming, and Aesha Ash, Head Of Artistic Health and Wellness. They tell us about their own experiences as students at the school before heading onto illustrious careers at the New York City Ballet, what goes into planning the curriculum and various programs the school offers, and most excitingly, how the recently opened wellness center is impacting the day to training and student experience at SAB. For more information on all things SAB, visit sab.org. 

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Today on "Conversations On Dance", our episode centers on the new documentary film "About Face: Disrupting Ballet", which follows two asian dancers, Phil Chan and Georgina Pazcougin, in their effort to eliminate racial stereotypes pervasive in ballet performances across the world. Director/Producer Jennifer Lin and Producer Cory Stieg join us to talk about their personal experiences with racial caricatures in dance, how their initial introduction to Phil and Gina led to the idea for the film, and the work they do and the film itself will be a catalyst for change in the dance world. "About Face" will be the spotlight feature of the closing night of the Dance On Camera Festival, this February 8th at Symphony Space in New York City. 

Follow updates on the film on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboutface_film/

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Get audition ready with The Royal Ballet School’s new bundle of online audition classes. Whether you are auditioning for entry into The Royal Ballet School or seeking insights into general audition preparation to conquer those nerves, this brand-new series of online classes is the perfect tool for you. From artistic expression and musicality to improving your strength and flexibility, these classes will help you feel confident for whenever and wherever you audition. To get started go to ondemand.royalballetschool.org.uk 

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On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance" we are joined by American Ballet Theatre ballerina Zimmi Coker. Zimmi recounts how, as a former dance herself, her mother gently guided her through her initial training, how she fell in love with ABT and began to receive plum roles in major full length works, and, most harrowingly, how she overcame a devastating injury that had her pulling out of performances and in searing pain for more than a year and a half. Zimmi will be performing featured roles in ABT's upcoming seasons at the Koch Theater and the MET in New York City; follow her on instagram at @zimmi9 for further updates on her casting. 

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On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by Kari Brunson Wright, Josh Spell and Rachel Coats, founders of the ILUMN Collective and former professional dancers turned therapists and coaches. We talk the various mental health challenges they faced as dancers, how they came together to create a program to offer people of all stripes in the dance world a way to overcome those hurdles and the specifics of some of the methods they are now offering at ILUMN. The sessions offered at ILUMN are customized towards all kinds of people in the dancer world: not only students and professional dancers, but former dancers, teachers, directors and rehearsal directors. To set up your first ILUMN session, visit www.theilumncollective.com or download the app for short, powerful audio sessions you can access at any time. 

Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/ilumn/id6751722723

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Today it's just Michael and Rebecca for our annual look back over the year. Enjoy! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year everyone! We will be back with a new episode on January 7th, 2026.

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Miami City Ballet Nutcracker running through 12/28: https://www.miamicityballet.org/tickets-and-events/202526-season/nutcracker/#e214

Miami City Ballet world premiere by Alexei Ratmansky: https://www.miamicityballet.org/tickets-and-events/202526-season/winter/

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On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we dive into the new documentary "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield", a film that explores the chaotic, thrilling experience of a huge team of dancers, artists and volunteers coming together to ensure that the "Nutcracker" holiday tradition could continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are joined by the choreographer Troy Schumacher and ballerina Ashley Laracey, the Sugar Plum Fairy in this production, both veteran NYCB soloists who had not had a year without Nutcracker in their lives for more than two decades. They take us through the numerous complications to consider while mounting the production, from legal constraints, health concerns and the logistics of building a massive production in just five weeks, and how this experience ultimately came to be a documentary that perfectly encapsulates a moment unlike any of us shall ever experience again in our lives. "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield" will be available to stream on demand from December 21st through January 5th through the website nutcrackerfilm.com.  

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On today's episode of Conversations On Dance, we are joined by author Elizabeth Kendall. Elizabeth has written numerous books on dance, her most recent, "Balanchine Finds His America: A Tale Of Love Lost And Ballet Reborn" is on shelves now. Elizabeth takes us through her journey to writing on dance, why Balanchine has become such an important figure to her as a writer, and the varied processes through which she researches, writes and edits her work. To purchase "Balanchine Finds His America", perhaps as a holiday gift or some excellent solo travel reading material, grab your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49QmfDa.

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Did you know you can train with The Royal Ballet School anywhere, anytime with their online library of pre-recorded classes? And this Cyber Monday, they’re offering two classes for the price of one! Explore a collection of over 50 unique classes, including ballet, contemporary, character, pilates and adult classes with this limited-time offer. Learn from the School’s expert artistic faculty and guest teachers from the comfort of your home and receive lifetime access to your purchased classes.

Go to ondemand.royalballetschool.org.uk, add two or more classes to your cart and enter code CODOFFER to receive a £12 discount, equivalent to the price of one class.* But be quick, offer ends this Sunday 7 December 2025.

*Excludes all bundles and new Junior Associate insight classes.

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Today on Conversations on Dance, we welcome back a listener favorite and our friend, Alastair Macaulay, former Chief Dance Critic for the New York Times. This past week, on Friday November 14th, Alastair hosted an event at the New York Public Library where he examined films of revered Balanchine ballerina, Suzanne Farrell. Alastair tells us about how research for this event, talks about the films he showed, and other tidbits on Suzanne’s career and dancing. At the end, Alastair talks about his City Center Studio 5 event which is available to watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAkP-QnDpL0 

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SPONSOR: The Royal Ballet School are bringing their diverse programme of non-selective and selective Intensive Courses for students aged 8-19 to London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and for the first time, Los Angeles next summer!

Explore your love for dance in a supportive environment, as the School’s expert Artistic staff and guest coaches guide you in a variety of styles to hone your technique, artistry and musicality.  

Classes include classical ballet, repertoire, contemporary, choreography, character, body conditioning, pas de deux, stagecraft and pointe work.

Don’t miss your chance to train with one of the world’s leading centres for classical ballet training. Applications are now open. Head to royalballetschool.org.uk to secure your spot today.  

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Today on Conversations on Dance, we hear about a new documentary film about ballet and war in Ukraine, "The Sky Was On Fire." We are joined by the film's Producer Julie Meyer and EP/DP Michael Murray. Julie and Michael tell us about how this story came to them, how they built trust with the subject's of the film, why they feel these stories are important to tell, and how they hope the film will make an impact. At the end, Michael talks about an organization that is raising money for Ukraine called, Razom for Ukraine. You can find more information and make a donation at https://www.razomforukraine.org/

Watch the trailer here.

Adrenaline Films: https://adrenalinefilms.com/

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This episode was recorded live on October 19, 2025 at The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami before the opening of Miami City Ballet's 40th anniversary season. Guests in this episode are Tony Award winning choreographer and former Miami City Ballet Principal Dancer, Patricia Delgado, and Miami City Ballet Artistic Director, Gonzalo Garcia.

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