It's Season Three!!!! We are back and can't wait for you all to hear what we have in store for this exciting new season. As we approach Valentine's Day, our Open Barre hosts discuss romance in ballet and take a look at some of the most romantic works on stage. Brandon reveals some of his favourite romantic lead roles to dance and Julia wonders what happens if you're just not feeling 'in the mood...'

It's Christmas!!! And it's our season finale! Joining us today is the Drosselmeyer of all Drosselmeyers - the incredible Gary Avis MBE, Principal Character Artist with The Royal Ballet. Gary tells us all about the roles that have shaped his career and what it it feels like to step into the shoes of each character - from noblemen to dollmakers! Brandon gives us the low down on the energy it takes to do the sword fight in 'Romeo & Juliet' and Julia wonders if 'ballet acting' can be taught...

We are so excited to welcome Jonathan Lo, Music Director of Northern Ballet, to Open Barre! Jonny has conducted orchestras all over the world and most recently hit our screens conducting for The Royal Ballet: Back on Stage live stream. He gives us all the goss on what it's like to manage an orchestra and conduct for a ballet. Brandon explains why he often wants the music louder and Julia wonders why conductors get so animated on their podium...

Joining us for episode four is Grace Blundell, former ballerina with The Royal Ballet, and Founder of GB Ballet and Fitness. Grace gives us the inside scoop on ways to stay fit and healthy and tells us what life after The Royal Ballet looks like. Brandon discusses his exercise regime and Julia wonders how dancers build their stamina...

In this episode we hear from ex-Birmingham Royal Ballet dancer Ruth Brill and current Birmingham Royal Baller dancer Kit Holder about their inspiring journeys into the realm of choreography. Our guests talk about what inspires them and what it's like creating in the studio, whilst Brandon gives the low down on his experience working with both Ruth and Kit. Julia wonders if there's ever any beef between dancers and choreographers...

What an exciting episode we have for you with not one but two special guests! Aiden O'Brien, The Royal Ballet, and Tzu-Chao Chou, Birmingham Royal Ballet, join our hosts to talk about their hobbies and passions outside of dance. Brandon tells us what's on his music playlist and Julia wonders what else dancers get up to off stage.

Welcome back to Open Barre! We are so excited to welcome Dansez as our official sponsor for Season Two! In this episode we welcome Samantha Carney, Managing Director at Dansez, to tell us more about the brand and the Dansez story. Brandon discusses the difference between studio clothing and on stage costumes whilst Julia wonders how to pronounce 'Dansez'!

It's the season finale for series one and what an episode we have for you! After looking back on the highs and lows of lockdown for a dancer, Brandon reveals which dancers inspire him and which online dance content got his attention through this bizarre year. Julia wonders if dancers are allowed to do extreme sports and the duo say goodbye...for now!

It's episode 5 and we are so excited to welcome our first guest to Open Barre - Principal Dancer at Birmingham Royal Ballet, Celine Gittens! Celine tells all about her journey into ballet and explains why she loves dancing with Brandon. Julia wonders how chemistry can be built in a partnership and Brandon reveals his recipe for being a supportive partner for his ballerina...

In our fourth episode, the hosts discuss the importance of fans and the audience. Brandon reveals the best gift he's ever received from a fan and Julia wonders what the stage door experience is like for a dancer. The hosts also get in touch with some dedicated ballet fans who reveal their favourite ballet memories...