The Balanced Ballerinas Podcast

Joel is a beautiful ballet dancer that has trained extensively with The Australian Ballet School and Queensland Ballet Academy. In fact, we both share a deep love and respect for Paul Boyd who listeners of the pod are well acquainted with having both been taught by him for many years.
During our conversation we dive into Joel's experience as a Prix de Lausanne finalist and how he has decided to move away from the traditional route of becoming a professional ballet dancer to explore feature film opportunities, event management and anything else that tickles his fancy when it comes to shaking up this industry.
Can you see why I'm a big fan of Joel? Young and full of spirit with just the right amount of rebel in him that shows respect to the dance industry whilst simultaneously questioning past practices and look at reinventing the wheel. Because of this I'm officially a Joel fan and I think you will be too after listening to this conversation.
Joel's most recent endeavour is to bring the most talented ballet dancers from across the world together to showcase their incredible ability over a series of two intimate evenings at South Bank’s Piazza Auditorium, which is an incredible outdoor stage that's fully undercover. Perfect for covid times!
Shortened to BIG, the Ballet International Gala is the perfect mix of international and local partners with Julian Mackay (Principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet) and Lauren Lovette (former Principal dancer with NYC Ballet) amongst others bringing some international heat with the local likes of Mia Heathcote (Senior Soloist with Queensland Ballet) and Victor Estevez (Principal with Queensland Ballet).
Attracting art and ballet enthusiasts, this event is actually going to be like no other. Joel wants you to feel like you're at a ballet festival whilst celebrating the artists like rockstars and highlighting the importance of bringing ballet to the people.
BIG is on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th June of this year (I'll actually be attending the Friday performance!) and you can purchase tickets from balletinternationalgala.com - I hope to see you there and whilst I have only met Joel the once for this interview, I am so proud of this young mans ability to form an amazing team around him and shoot for the moon.
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This week I have a beautiful conversation with an even more beautiful soul, Margot Hallac! This is the identity behind the famous @pointebrush account on Instagram.
And yes, Margot was named after Margot Fonteyn. With a name like that you just have to dive into the world of ballet, but as you'll find out during our conversation ballet wasn't always on Margot's radar and whilst she danced as a child she has developed an even deeper passion for ballet as an adult.
Besides being the face behind Pointe Brush, Margot is a designer and a dancer living in New Jersey. She actually started Pointebrush as a side project and outlet to hone her skills as an illustrator and painter.
Margot graduated from Parsons School of Design with a degree in Communication Design and went on to work at several large design firms before starting her own design business with her husband.
Margot so generously shares some very personal losses and heartaches whilst we explore the concept of healing at the barre and although these are some heavy topics, I promise the conversation is as colourful as her watercolours moving from business to pleasure and paint to lipstick.
Pour yourself a cup of tea, add a biscuit if that's your thing and enjoy this one...
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You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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I often find myself arguing in circles WITH MYSELF whilst pondering the topic of ballet uniforms. As an owner of a predominantly ‘ballet’ studio I find it difficult to comprehend a class full of mismatched or ‘baggy’ uniforms. But then I think, just because I’m conditioned to be intolerant of such a sight doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right. Perhaps I should do more to be inclusive. Perhaps I should be less lazy about coming up with more inclusive practices.
Listen while I argue for an against ballet uniforms and let's explore how we can do better together...
You can find the original blog post about this topic here: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/2021/03/27/episode-60-are-ballet-uniforms-problematic/
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Hello beautiful Balanced Ballerinas! I hope you've had an amazing week, kicking goals, taking class and taking care of your physical and mental health. Remember, a ballet class usually fixes both these things simultaneously... so keep doing what you love!
As you'll hear, my voice is still a little under the weather. I'll be honest, don't actually know what it is at the moment, having some tests (not covid related, don't worry!) but todays guest did say that he liked the husky tone and I tend to agree with him. Unfortunately though it's not my real voice and something is going on so I'll keep you updated.
Anyway, if you haven't already head on over to our private Facebook group titled 'Secret Balanced Ballerinas Facebook Group' so you can connect with like-minded people within this amazing community. Or if Instagram is more your style, head to @balancedballerinas for more BB content. I love connecting with you all, so never be afraid to reach out. I am also sharing a couple of listener voicemails in the next episode, so if you fancy send one through to [email protected] - I love getting voice memos from you!
Now I am beyond excited to share todays guest. In fact, this episode wasn't supposed to air for another couple of months as I often record my episodes with guests way ahead of time and schedule them so I don't miss a beat. However this one is too good not to share straight away!
It was an honour to have a conversation with the one and only Gabe Stone Shayer. He is more than a Soloist with American Ballet Theatre, he is a creative, a producer, a choreographer, a fashionista, a pioneer, an advocate... and of course an artist! There's so much more than meets the eye when it comes to Gabe.
I spoke to Gabe only a few days ago whilst he takes up an artist residency in the Cayman Islands. However Gabe is usually a New York City native due to his title at ABT and passion for fashion which has him working with some of the worlds top designers, including a recent collaboration with Chanel. Gabe is the first and only African American to graduate from the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy and now as one of the only black soloists in ABT, I asked him how it feels to be known as the first or the only... instead of just an artist. I think some of his answers will surprise you and I'd like to thank Gabe from the bottom of my heart for being so open and honest in his answers.
Gabe has performed for many dignitaries, including the President of Slovakia and US President Joe Biden on the Vice Presidential visit in Moscow, Russia, and is a regular dance partner of the remarkable Misty Copeland. And yes, you all know I'm obsessed with Misty so I did ask Gabe what she's like... I'm pretty sure my voice changed an octave as I fan girl-ed.
During a time when many dancers are untethered by the barre and able to explore other creative pursuits, Gabe has wasted no time. Recognised by the New York Trust Community Fund, he received the Levinson Arts Achievement Award and was granted $50k for his recent projects titled Creative Genesis, PAS DE DEUX a four-part docu-series supported by CHANEL Official featuring the Alicia Keys and his Ghana Project where he instructed ballet students and teachers in Ghana via Zoom and created scholarships through ABT.
Like I said, it's an absolute honour to have the opportunity to share Gabe's story and flow from heavier (and such important!) conversations about diversity in ballet to chat about fashion, art and Chanel pearls! Watching Gabe collaborate and incorporate his style, masculinity and choreographic voice into his brand and projects is like watching a young man step into his own. What a gift to speak to Gabe on the precipice of authentically inserting himself into the world of dance...
If you enjoy this episode, please make sure you tell a friend or take a screenshot to share on social media. A little bit of love goes a long way and inspires me to continue having and sharing these conversations.
Grit & Grace, Georgia
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You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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Today you don't get just one podcast host. You don't even get two. Instead you have four podcast hosts all chatting about their love of ballet and MUSIC! Yes that's right, the team from The Ballet Piano Podcast have crossed over (from London to Australia!) to be guests on the Balanced Ballerinas podcast today.
I came across their podcast towards the end of last year and completely fell in love with its content, vibe and wealth of information. It's truly an amazing educational resource for anyone interested in ballet, but especially as a ballet teacher I found myself nodding along, learning and bringing more musicality knowledge into my classes. I have The Ballet Piano Podcast to thank for reminding me that students find this kind of thing really interesting and develops a more wholesome ballet education.
So to say that I was excited to talk to Akiko, Chris and Matt would be an understatement!
Matthew Gregory has been a freelance pianist for the past twelve years and has worked for English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet School, London Contemporary Dance School and The Royal Ballet School - just to name a few! Akiko and Chris Hobson have very similar credits and are both married and met through the profession (which is very adorable!). You can find Chris's ballet class albums 'Modern Ballet Studio Melodies' on Spotify - they're superb and I use them all the time! And Akiko also works full-time as a ballet piano accompanist and shares the most glamorous venture into this world during our conversation...
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Get your FREE Balanced Ballerinas 'Intention Setting' worksheet HERE and start kicking GOALS: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/product/balanced-ballerinas-intention-setting-worksheet/
You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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Yes it’s true, the POD IS BACK! Personally I couldn’t think of anything worse than kicking off the year with a ‘new year, new me’ type of episode.
After the year we all had last year, that’s the last thing you need from me! Instead I’m sharing a fun solo episode about the top 10 ballet class enquiries I receive at the start of every year.
Whilst some of these enquiries will surprise you, others certainly won’t and I hope that my answers will either inspire, inform or make you laugh.
I also share some recommendations you might enjoy, some beautiful listener voicemails and drop a hint about my next guest (guests?) on the pod… Happy listening #BalancedBallerinas Love, Georgia x
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Get your FREE Balanced Ballerinas 'Intention Setting' worksheet HERE and start kicking GOALS: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/product/balanced-ballerinas-intention-setting-worksheet/
You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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I've been meaning to have today's conversation for a while now. I just had to find the time to pin down one of my favourite humans in the whole wide world - Mr Paul Boyd.
Mr Boyd (as you'll hear me refer to him because I am absolutely incapable of calling him 'Paul') was my coach growing up from about ten to fourteen years old. At the time Mr Boyd was still performing with Queensland Ballet and continued to take me for private coaching as he entered retirement.
Mr Boyd entered my life during those pivotal years as a young dancer when you need the utmost attention and care if you're going to make a career out of ballet. You also need the perfect balance between tough love and kindness which Mr Boyd has down to a fine art.
Now, regular listeners of the podcast have heard me occasionally talk about having some extremely damaging ballet teachers who didn't have the best intentions when it came to their students and I want to clarify that Mr Boyd was one of the only teachers I ever had that I unquestionably trusted and can say with confidence made me the dancer and subsequently teacher I am today.
I was going to share a little background, but we actually delve quite deep into Mr Boyd's illustrious career both overseas and in Australia, working with some of the most world-renowned choreographers and artists. As a young student, you're so self absorbed and only occasionally explore your teachers past but never in depth, so it was so nice to sit down and learn more about the man, the artist, I admire so much.
I care more for this man than words can describe and I felt so teary towards the end of the interview as I reflected on how beautiful this man truly is. I remember performing in Queensland Ballet's Sleeping Beauty, one of my first professional performances, when Mr Boyd would watch me warm up side stage and check in to see how my nerves were. I'm certain that by the end of this interview, you'll be just as in love with Mr Boyd as I am...
As a teacher, you just never know the impact you can have on a student and I'm so glad that Mr Boyd was part of my life growing up. I endeavour to be as kind and impactful as he was to me for my students. Thank you Mr Boyd for your time to generously have this conversation and for continuously pushing me to reach for the stars.
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Get your FREE Balanced Ballerinas 'Intention Setting' worksheet HERE and start kicking GOALS: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/product/balanced-ballerinas-intention-setting-worksheet/
You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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It's my absolute pleasure to bring the Balanced Ballerinas community a beautiful story rich in Australian culture and ballet royalty today!
Mary Li was raised in Rockhampton, Queensland amongst the chaos of seven other siblings. Her parents sounded phenomenal, loving and down-to-earth. The perfect recipe for supportive parents of a budding young ballerina.
From the humble beginnings of a little ballet studio run by Ms Hansen in Rocky to the Royal Ballet School in London and Christmas's spent at Covent Garden, Mary went on to tour all around the world world with London Festival Ballet before taking a position with Houston Ballet, that subsequently led to meeting the love of her life.
Many of us know the story of Li Cunxin (current Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet), author of Mao's Last Dancer. But few of us know the story of Mary and the incredible sacrifice she made for love, for family and for their daughter Sophie.
Mary's Last Dance is the title of this very story and hit bookshelves last week. Mary's memoir is an insight into her wonderful Australian childhood, dazzling career as a Principal dancer performing every lead role imaginable, touring with Rudolf Nureyev and being coached by Margot Fonteyn.
As you'll hear, I was incredibly nervous going into this interview. I was interviewing Mary the day after her book came out and her publisher had sent me a digital copy a week prior. Amidst the concert season I currently find myself, I hurriedly consumed the pages to prepare for our interview.
Whilst inhaling the pages of her book, I learned just how incredible Mary's career was. This made me nervous. I was about to interview ballet royalty. Then on the day of our interview Mary was watching me set up my podcast equipment when I asked if she'd done many interview yet for the book release to which she replied, "Yes! I've just finished an interview with Sarah Kanowski for ABC's Conversations!" I almost died. I was interviewing Mary right after one of Australia's top interviewers... no pressure!
Nerves aside, I have to be honest. I absolutely LOVED this book. I knew I'd enjoy it, but I was expecting to absolutely love it. I didn't expect to feel as emotionally swept up by the pages as I did.
Whilst the glitz and glamour of Mary's life as a professional ballerina is fascinating, I actually loved the whole heartedness of her Dad waking her up for rehearsals as a young girl, her Mum helping her purchase a Winter coat in preparation for a life in London and the references to 'tallie' beers, Hills Hoists and barbecued prawns shone through for me.
Maybe it's the fact I turned thirty this year. Maybe it's the state of the world we currently live in. Maybe it's the trauma we're collectively feeling as a result of this world pandemic that's making me so nostalgic and sentimental for the small things in life. But Mary's story is another reminder about what's really important in life; family, friendship and love.
A beautiful story. A beautiful reminder about how incredible this country I live in is. An extraordinary woman. After our interview I half expected Mary to quickly get up and go about her busy day, but instead she instantly turned the tables on me - asking questions about my own ballet journey, the podcast, our community and my ambitions.
I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you. And as always you can connect with me on Instagram @thebalancedballerina or even better hit that green button on Spotify!
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Get your FREE Balanced Ballerinas 'Intention Setting' worksheet HERE and start kicking GOALS: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/product/balanced-ballerinas-intention-setting-worksheet/
You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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I'm beyond excited to share this weeks guest with you all. As you would have seen from the title, today I bring you a conversation with the Kathryn Morgan. Affectionately also known as Katie and the YouTube star who brought ballet to peoples living rooms before covid made it cool.
Kathryn is an American ballet dancer who started her career as a soloist at New York City Ballet. I'm going to let Kathryn share her story in her own words, but I will share that after being diagnosed with a thyroid condition she had no choice but to leave the world of ballet and its unreasonable demands behind.
Getting married and thinking she would live out the rest of her life as a happy wife, Kathryn endured immense heartbreak and used ballet to cope with the pain of her divorce. The remarkable part of Kathryn's story is her return to the stage at the age of 30 as a soloist with Miami city Ballet. An absolutely remarkable accomplishment after so much time off and a testament to her talent and skill.
I have wanted to host Kathryn on the podcast for a very long time now, but I'll often wait to approach a potential guest until they have something really important to say, celebrate or share. In this case Kathryn released a now famous video titled 'Why I left Miami City Ballet' and after watching I immediately reached out. This video hit a lot of raw nerves for me.
Kathryn should be beyond proud of her career. As I mention in our conversation, as someone who is also trying to turn an industry upside down and forge my own path, I look up to and admire people that through the power of social media and sheer determination manage to be the architect of their own life by designing a career and personal brand that previously hasn't really existed.
This is a long, but important conversation. So let's get into it!
But first, I'd just like to say thank you so much Kathryn for baring your soul, sharing your story with the world and for giving a voice to all the ballerinas who suffer in silence.
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Get your FREE Balanced Ballerinas 'Intention Setting' worksheet HERE and start kicking GOALS: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/product/balanced-ballerinas-intention-setting-worksheet/
You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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Today's guest is the alluring recording artist Chelsea Pribble! Imagine being able to sing and dance so beautifully?
Chelsea's album is titled Second Movement with tracks aptly named 'Pas de Deux' and 'Prelude'. This is what captured my attention whilst browsing through Spotify one day and why I felt a pull to talk to this mysterious ballerina turned singer-songwriter.
I'm actually not going to spoil the story about how Chelsea landed her record deal with Sea Change Records. It's a fabulous story that I asked Chelsea to share in the interview - so I'll save it for her. However I can tell you that Chelsea studied ballet and music in Switzerland during her formative years before returning to the US to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts (majoring in Dance).
As you hear in this interview, Chelsea finds it difficult to seperate her love of dance and music which is why they so often interlock and weave amongst one another through her body of work. I think it's actually really beautiful and powerful that an artist like Chelsea can not only write, compose and sing their music... but can then also dance in their own film clip!
Few artists can create such a holistic end product that truly encompasses what they're trying to portray. And what is Chelsea trying to portray? Well there's definitely a hint of sadness about letting go of a dream to become a professional ballerina, but as you'll hear it runs a lot deeper than that.
Chelsea's childhood (which I tried to delicately and politely explore) had a few struggles and as someone who believes that art heals everything, I can see that Chelsea's body of work as an artist has created some focus and clarity amongst life ups and downs.
It was an absolute pleasure speaking with this delightful young woman and I highly recommend everyone go listen to Chelsea's album Second Movement on Spotify. From the album artwork to the actual music, Chelsea's work has a beautiful balletic quality that I think any ballet lover will not only appreciate, but enjoy.
I'll make sure I share Chelsea's recent film clip in the Secret Balanced Ballerinas Facebook Group and if you're not part of this awesome group, make sure you search for it on Facebook, click 'join' and I'll be sure to add you to the community of fellow ballet lovers and listeners of the pod. We share lots of fun things in there... and by 'we' I mean 'everyone else' who is so onto it!
Now without further redo, here's Chelsea Pribble...
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Get your FREE Balanced Ballerinas 'Intention Setting' worksheet HERE and start kicking GOALS: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/product/balanced-ballerinas-intention-setting-worksheet/
You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com
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