In this week’s insightful episode, I am joined by Ali Block and Rachael Dailey Goodwin. Ali is a former professional ballerina. She studied psychology at Columbia University and currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Lab Manager at Icahn School of Medicine. Rachael is a former dancer and is currently Assistant Professor of Management at Syracuse University Whitman School of Management.

Together with Lyndon Garrett, they recently published an incredible research paper titled: Under Pressure to Be Perfect: How Dehumanizing and Rehumanizing Social Cues Lead to Maladaptive and Adaptive Perfectionism in Professional Ballet.

In this episode, we dive deep into how environment and culture shape our perfectionist tendencies and explore the role we all play in thriving in our pursuit of excellence.

Key Points in this Episode:

• What first drew them to study perfectionism in the world of professional ballet
• How high-pressure environments (such as ballet) often employ excessively high standards that may evoke harmful experiences of perfectionism
• The difference between maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism, and why perfectionism in general is not always harmful
• The role environmental cues play to support dancers in shifting from maladaptive to adaptive perfectionism
• The specific forms of dehumanizing and rehumanizing social cues
• How artistic leaders can become more aware of some of the ways they are subtly fueling dancers’ perfectionistic tendencies

Connect with Ali:

WEBSITE:  http://alipaigeblock.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ali_p_block

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-paige-block-b8798a112/

Connect with Rachael:

WEBSITE: https://www.rachaeldaileygoodwin.com/

FACULTY: https://whitman.syracuse.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-staff-directory/details/rdgoodwi

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeldaileygoodwin/

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10.

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by former professional ballerina and performance psychology expert Lauren Ostrander McArdle. Lauren danced with companies including the National Ballet of Canada and as a soloist with Sarasota Ballet and now holds a Master’s Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. She is the founder of Behind the Curtain, a platform dedicated to equipping dancers with the mental tools they need to thrive on and off the stage.

Lauren shares her unique dance journey, from her reluctant early ballet days, to leaving home at just 14 to pursue serious training, to eventually securing professional contracts. We dive into the highs and lows of a dance career, from dream contracts and devastating injuries to resilience, mental strength, and redefining success beyond the stage. Lauren shares her powerful comeback story, insights into ballet culture, and practical advice for dancers navigating both the physical and mental demands of the art form.

Key Points in this Episode:

• Why Lauren didn’t love ballet at first, and what changed her mind at age 10.
• The pivotal role of teachers and environment in shaping a dancer’s path.
• The challenges of balancing independence, schooling, and training as a teen dancer.
• Lauren’s transition from student to professional and how she navigated auditions.
• Lauren’s devastating early-career injury and the long road back to dancing.
• The pivotal moment she returned to the stage with the National Ballet of Canada.
• Behind-the-scenes stories of being thrown onstage last minute at San Francisco Ballet.
• The mental challenges dancers face especially fear of failure, comparison, and external validation.
• Why confidence is a trainable skill and how to start building it today.
  The unique cultural pressures of ballet compared to traditional sports.
• How teachers and mentors can balance high expectations with high support.

Connect with Lauren:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/behindthecurtain.spp

PERSISTENCEPSYCH IG: instagram.com/Persistencepsych

PIVOT DANCER IG: instagram.com/pivotdancer

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m joined by my husband, THE Mr. Brainy Ballerina Steve Sloan, to reflect on our journey together - from his background as a college soccer player to supporting my career as a professional dancer, and now navigating life as parents. We share stories from our early days of dating, his first impressions of the ballet world, and the infamous “apple crisp incident” during tech week.

Steve also opens up about the sacrifices we’ve both made for each other’s careers, how his corporate work “selling robots to scientists” compares to the ballet world, and what lessons dancers can teach everyone about resilience and determination.

We also tackle some fun audience questions, including Steve’s hidden talent, his favorite roles he’s seen me perform, and his heartfelt advice for anyone in a relationship with a dancer.

This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and love. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at our marriage and the ways ballet has shaped our lives!

Key Points in this Episode:

• Steve’s background as a soccer player and how it connected him to ballet culture
• Our early relationship and the sacrifices we made for each other’s careers
• Steve’s first time seeing me perform (which was also his first time at a ballet ever!)
• Quirky realities of living with a dancer
• How the ballet industry and corporate America could learn from each other
• Reflections on supporting each other’s dreams through marriage and parenthood

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10.

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

What does it take to go from Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnast to professional ballerina with the Birmingham Royal Ballet? In this episode, Hannah Martin shares her remarkable journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers dream big and make it happen.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Hannah’s early career as a rhythmic gymnast, including competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and earning 22 national titles.
• The key differences between gymnastics training and ballet training—and why flexibility alone wasn’t enough.
• How competing on the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer became a turning point, ultimately leading to her acceptance at Elmhurst Ballet School, where she graduated with the Sir Peter Wright Award for Performance.
• The challenges and breakthroughs of transitioning into ballet at 16—and why learning the “in-between steps” became her biggest growth moment.
• How recovering from injury gave her a deeper appreciation for dance and helped unlock the “next level” of ballet.
• Why Hannah founded the Make It Happen Academy—an online platform empowering dancers to build strength, refine technique, and develop mental skills for long-term success.
• Her best advice for young dancers stepping into the professional world: find a life outside of ballet, avoid burnout, and protect your body.

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmartinrg

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hannahmartinrg

Website: www.hannahmartin.info

Make it Happen Academy: https://make-it-happen-academy.teachery.co/make-it-happen-academy

Links and Resources:

The Ultimate Audition Guide

Ballet Help Desk Website

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this episode, I sit down with Erica Hornthal, licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist, to explore the transformative power of movement for emotional and mental health. Known as “The Therapist Who Moves You”, Erica shares how dance and movement therapy can help us reconnect to our bodies, regulate the nervous system, and rewire patterns shaped by trauma, stress, and perfectionism.

We unpack misconceptions about dance therapy, the challenges dancers face in balancing technique with authenticity, and how to foster embodied practices for healthier, more resilient artistry. Erica also offers a simple grounding exercise you can try right now, and opens up about her books Body Aware and Body Talk, which provide practical tools for cultivating body awareness and self-expression.

Whether you’re a professional dancer, a teacher, or simply someone curious about somatic healing, this conversation will inspire you to embrace movement as more than performance - it’s a pathway to self-discovery, healing, and joy.

Key Points in this Episode:

• What dance/movement therapy is and how it differs from a dance class
• How our bodies hold unspoken stories, patterns, and emotions
• Why embodiment enhances artistic performance
• Ways to nurture creativity in young dancers without stifling expression
• Common misconceptions about dance therapy (hint: you don’t need to be a dancer to benefit!)
• How movement can support healing from trauma, anxiety, and burnout
• Practical advice for teachers on creating trauma-informed, person-first dance spaces
• A simple leaning exercise you can use anytime to feel grounded and supported

Connect with Erica:

WEBSITE: www.ericahornthal.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/the.therapist.who.moves.you

Links and Resources:

Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA

Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode, I’m joined by registered sports dietitian Lisa Rivera, who brings her unique background in both dance and nutrition to the conversation. Lisa shares her personal journey of healing her relationship with food, how proper fueling transformed her dance career, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.

From understanding the mind-body connection to diving into gut health, brain function, stress management, and supplements, this episode is packed with practical insights to help dancers improve performance, resilience, and well-being.

Key Points in this Episode:

• Lisa’s journey from struggling with body image as a dancer to becoming a sports dietitian.
• How nutrition impacts not just physical performance, but also focus, mood, and emotional health.
• The role of the gut microbiome and how it connects to brain function.
• Foods and habits that support gut health and mental clarity.
• Fueling strategies to manage performance anxiety and stressful rehearsal weeks.
• Supplements dancers should consider (like omega-3s and magnesium) and how to choose quality brands.
• Tips for traveling dancers to maintain digestion and energy on tour.
• One small step dancers can take this week to better fuel their body and brain.

Connect with Lisa:

WEBSITE: https://performancenutritioncompany.com/p/home

Register for Lisa’s course ‘Nutrition for Dancers’ and receive 50% off with code BrainyBallerina50

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/nutritionco_for_dancers

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Set up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about one of the hardest parts of being a dancer (and a human) - rejection. I recently launched a brand new mentorship program - and it totally flopped. So I’m sharing with you the process I used to coach myself through the disappointment and the lessons I learned along the way.

Key Points in this Episode:

• Why rejection doesn’t define your worth as a dancer or artist
• The hidden wins in experiences that don’t go as planned
• Common mistakes dancers (and entrepreneurs) make when putting themselves out there
• How imposter syndrome can sabotage opportunities - and how to push back
• Why you need to talk about your work way more than you think
• How to ask for feedback and what to do when you don’t get it
• Reframing rejection as redirection in your career and life

Tune in to talk through the emotions, the mindset shifts, and the practical lessons that can help dancers (and anyone pursuing a big dream) handle rejection with resilience.

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this week’s inspiring episode, I’m joined by Brooklyn-based creative leader and founder of Dance Device Lab, Brandon Cournay. From his unexpected start in a small-town Michigan dance studio to earning a spot at Juilliard and building a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director, executive director and business owner, Brandon shares his multifaceted journey through the dance world.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

🩰How a musical theater camp unexpectedly launched his dance career

🩰The unique training environment of his childhood studio with over 100 boys

🩰His path to Juilliard and how it reshaped his perspective on dance and artistry

🩰The realities of freelancing in New York and how versatility leads to more opportunities

🩰The mission behind Dance Device Lab and how it empowers dancers nationwide

🩰Why building community and being a kind, versatile human matters as much as technique

🩰Practical advice for young dancers: diversifying skills, exploring life outside the studio, and being a dancer AND something

Brandon also dives into his teaching philosophy, nonprofit leadership insights, and the importance of making live performance more engaging and accessible for today’s audiences.

Connect with Brandon:

WEBSITE: brandoncournay.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/brandon_cournay

DANCE DEVICE LAB WEBSITE: dancedevicelab.com

Links and Resources:

Visit The Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/

Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, we sit down with Kerry Nicholls, Director of Artist Development at San Francisco Ballet, to explore the groundbreaking Raising Leaders program.

We dive deep into how the Raising Leaders program is transforming professional dancers into empowered leaders both on and off the stage. Kerry shares how dancers are selected, what the two-year curriculum entails, and how the program bridges the gap between performing and planning for a meaningful career after dance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Kerry’s personal dance journey and transition into leadership
• Why she believes it’s never too early for dancers to think about life after dance
• The mission behind the Raising Leaders program at San Francisco Ballet
• How this initiative supports dancers’ personal growth, professional development, and studio leadership
• The four major differences that set Raising Leaders apart from other dancer career development programs
• How partnerships with Stanford University and LinkedIn are elevating the program
• Actionable advice for dancers at companies with fewer resources to begin planning for their future
• The real-world leadership skills dancers aren’t always taught in the classroom, and how to build them

Whether you're a student, a professional dancer, or a company director, this episode will spark ideas about how to support longevity and leadership in the dance world.

Tune in to discover how dancers can thrive beyond the stage, starting now.

Connect with Kerry Nicholls:

San Francisco Ballet’s Website

Kerry’s Website

Links and Resources:

✨APPLY to The Core Corps: thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps

Get your copy of the Intentional Career Handbook

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this insightful episode, I’m joined by Tim Lynch to trace his remarkable journey from a hyperactive kid looking for an outlet for his energy to a career dancing at Pacific Northwest Ballet and beyond.

He reflects on his 10-year career at PNB, the value of corps de ballet work, and highlights like dancing A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Agon at the Kennedy Center.

We also explore Tim’s transition into education and how he built a thriving boys' program at PNB. Tim shares the philosophies that shape his teaching style, including his emphasis on somatic practices, individualized instruction, and lifelong learning.

🩰How Tim stumbled into ballet when his mom found an all boys class

🩰Tim’s time at SAB (including the story of how he landed the role of Prince with NYCB without even knowing what The Nutcracker was)

🩰Dancing at PNB, major roles, and memorable moments on international tours

🩰Tim’s educational philosophy: SAB discipline meets somatic wisdom

🩰The importance of building supportive, affirming environments for boys in ballet

🩰Tim’s commitment to lifelong learning: pursuing an MFA and staying active in professional development

🩰Advice for dance educators to make the classroom as more inclusive atmosphere

Connect with Tim:

WEBSITE: https://www.lynchdance.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tim.j.lynch

Links and Resources:

✨APPLY to The Core Corps: thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps

Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]