Caitlin here with a solo episode recapping 2024 and chatting about my hopes and dreams for 2025!

Biggest takeaways from this episode:

• Your needs are not an inconvenience
• Your all-or-nothing thinking is keeping you stuck - progress happens in the gray areas
• Being able to “listen to your body” requires an insane amount of privilege
• Your personal life will impact your professional life
• You are allowed to love your job and also make a living
• You’re doing the best you can with what you have and that is absolutely enough

Tune in to hear how I came to these realizations in 2024, and what I’m doing with that information as we had into 2025. I also share some changes to The Brainy Ballerina in 2025 (plus I have a question for you that I would love for you to weight in on!)

Links and Resources:

Krista Brinkmeier Photography (Madison, WI): https://www.kristabrinkmeierphotography.com/

Book your Studio Workshop for 2025

Join the book club! 

Read Find Your Unicorn Space by Eve Rodksy (affiliate link)

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]

Igor Burlak danced professionally with Miami City Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Atlantic Southeast Ballet and as a principal with Minnesota Ballet. Since retiring from the stage, Igor has had an extensive career working as a Company Manager, Ballet Master, Choreographer, Instructor, Realtor and Photographer.

We covered SO MUCH in this episode, from Igor’s training at the School of American Ballet to appearing in THE Center Stage. We get expert tips on taking a great dance photo, dealing with onstage snafus and transitioning into a brand new career outside of the dance world. Plus, Igor spills the secret behind the magical moving bed in NYCB’s Nutcracker. This episode truly has it all!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training at the School of American Ballet [1:40]
• Igor’s transition from student to professional [3:40]
• How Igor began teaching and choreographing [5:27]
• What he hopes to instill in his students as an instructor [7:20]
• The biggest hurdles dancers are facing today [8:23]
• Igor’s work as a dance photographer and his tips for dancers to feel more comfortable in front of the camera [9:32]
• How he transitioned into a new career as a realtor [14:43]
• Dancing as an extra in Center Stage [18:05]
• Dancing in the iconic filmed version of the NYCB Nutcracker [19:04]
• Advice for dancers dealing with a mistake on stage [20:42]
• His biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [28:30]

Connect with Igor:

WEBSITE (real estate): www.igorburlakrealestate.com

WEBSITE (photography): igorburlakphotography.com

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

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]

Elise & Stuart Lauer are former professional ballet dancers that have since left the dance world to work full time in their side gigs. We met when dancing with Ballet Tucson and Elise and Stuart really took me under their wing when I was beginning my professional career.

In this episode, we chat all about how Elise and Stuart met at ballet boarding school and their transition into a professional dance career. We reminisce about our memories working together at Ballet Tucson, especially the lessons we learned from working with ABT legends John Gardner and Amanda McKerrow. Elise and Stuart share what led them to retire from dance and the path that led them to shift careers outside of the ballet world completely. We also get into their relationship with ballet today and the struggle we feel with enjoying dance recreationally when it used to be all-consuming.

Relationships are complicated, including the relationship we have with ballet. Elise and Stuart are incredibly transparent and open with their stories, which really helped validate many of the feelings I have had throughout my career and beyond.

Key Moments:

• How Elise and Stuart met at Virginia School of the Arts [1:56]
• Growing up together and getting their first contract at Milwaukee Ballet [8:37]
• Making the move to Ballet Tucson after not getting their contracts renewed [11:56]
• What led to Stuart and Elise staying at Ballet Tucson for the duration of their careers [16:18]
• What led to their retirement from professional ballet [29:59]
• Their transition into new careers outside of the ballet world [43:36]
• Stuart and Elise’s relationship with ballet today [53:38]
• Their children’s relationship to dance (and how they would feel about them pursuing dance as a career) [1:01:13]
• Their biggest pieces of advice for dancers pursuing a career [1:07:56]

Connect with Stuart and Elise:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/eliselauer

IRON JOHN’S BREWING: www.ironjohnsbrewing.com

JUNIPER: www.junipertucson.com

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook

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

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]

Michaela King is a professional dancer with Madison Ballet. She has also danced with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Suzanne Farrell Ballet and in the musical, On the Town, as a guest artist with Capitol City Theatre. Michaela is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in political science at The University of Wisconsin Madison.

In this episode, we chat about Michaela’s experience starting her career with a larger ballet company and the artistic and personal growth that came with moving to a smaller company, embracing contemporary works, and stepping into lead roles. We also get into her non-traditional path to a college degree and how she balances her dance career with academics. Michaela is one of my favorite role models for dancers - her story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of embracing change!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [1:35]
• Training at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Grad Program and getting her first contract with PBT [4:05]
• Making the move to Madison Ballet [14:40]
• Michaela’s favorite role to dance in her professional career [25:13]
• Performing in her first musical, On The Town [28:25]
• How Michaela is earning her college degree while dancing professionally [32:04]
• Michaela’s passions outside of dance [36:02]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [38:20]

Connect with Michaela:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/michaelaking94

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

The College Dance Decision: thebrainyballerina.com/the-college-dance-decision

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]

Carrie Euker has danced professionally with Milwaukee Ballet, David Taylor Dance Theatre, Seven Dancers and Missouri Contemporary Ballet. She is the Founding Artistic Director of Etoile Dance Competition and currently a full time faculty member at the Boston Ballet School.

In this episode, Carrie gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes of Etoile Dance Competition, a concert dance competition focused on artistry, inclusivity, and meaningful networking opportunities in the dance world. We learn what led Carrie to start her own dance competition and what sets Etoile apart in the competition space. If you are curious about the value of dance competitions or looking for one more aligned with your goals, this episode is for you!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [1:46]
• How Carrie decided to attend college for dance [2:36]
• Her transition from college student to professional dancer [3:34]
• Starting the School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet [8:48]
• How Carrie balances all the aspects of her career and personal life [12:09]
• Carrie’s favorite roles from her professional career [13:31]
• Her teaching philosophy [14:26]
• Why Carrie decided to start her own dance competition [16:38]
• What sets Etoile apart from other dance competitions [18:30]
• What Carrie sees needs to change about competition dance culture [24:33]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [36:02]

Connect with Carrie & Etoile Dance Competition:

ETOILE DANCE COMP WEBSITE: www.etoilecomp.com

ETOILE INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/etoiledancecomp

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!)

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]

Nutcracker season is here - and it’s a doozy!

In this solo episode, I’m sharing my practical tips and heartfelt advice for dancers to not just survive but thrive during this iconic ballet season. Whether you're a student navigating school and rehearsals, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you approach the season with joy, balance, and intention.

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Find a specialist on Doctors for Dancers

Rachel Fine's To The Pointe Nutrition article for a balanced Nutcracker meal plan

Shop the Nutcracker Gift Guide for Dancers

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Related Episodes:

Episode 16: Realistic Time Management Strategies for Dancers

Book Recommendation:

The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairy Tale Memoir by Janine Kovac (affiliate link)

Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Deborah Engerman is a ballet teacher, coach, choreographer and published author of Let’s Talk About Fifth: Teaching Ballet in the 21st Century. For over three decades, her students have gone on to dance with professional companies including American Ballet Theatre, Universal Ballet, Vienna Opera Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Barcelona Ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet as well as on Broadway.

Deborah is a passionate and caring educator and I am thrilled to share her wisdom with you today. My biggest takeaways from this episode included the importance of fundamentals, asking for help, and chasing after what you really want in life. I highly recommend her book and this conversation to every dance teacher who wants to become a more well-rounded and effective educator!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [2:11]
• How Deborah chose to make teaching dance a career [5:20]
• Her very first teaching job [6:17]
• How Deborah’s teaching has evolved over the years [7:50]
• How she continues to learn as a veteran educator [16:10]
• Deborah’s secret to getting dancers to the professional level [21:30]
• The process of writing a book about the art of ballet [30:02]
• What Deborah hopes people will gain from reading her book [37:49]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [41:14]

Connect with Deborah

DEBORAH’S WEBSITE: www.deborahengerman.com

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/DeborahEngermanBallet

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/deborahengerman_balletteacher

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club

Get your copy of Let’s Talk About Fifth: Teaching Ballet in the 21st Century (affiliate link)

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]

Courtney Nitting is a professional dancer, currently dancing as  a second soloist with Boston Ballet. She previously danced with Kansas City Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet’s second company after spending a year freelancing in NYC.

Courtney has such a passion and reverence for the art of ballet that just oozes out of her. We dove deep into her training at SAB and all of her career shifts along the way. We get into one of my favorite topics - figuring out what’s right for you in your dance career and finding the courage to make choices that align with your values. Courtney’s story is both inspiring and informative to all dancers - you’ll walk away with so much helpful advice on striking a balance and finding your place in the dance world!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [1:30]
• Courtney’s experience leaving home at 13 to train at SAB [5:08]
• How Courtney pivoted into freelance after not receiving a contract upon graduation [17:12]
• Her first contract with Pennsylvania Ballet [26:59]
• Moving to the midwest to dance with Kansas City Ballet [33:29]
• The difference between being in an unranked vs ranked company [39:49]
• What prompted Courtney’s move to Boston Ballet [42:48]
• Courtney’s passions outside of dance [49:14]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [51:46]

Connect with Courtney:

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/nittingwithoutthek

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook

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]

Monika Saigal is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and former professional dancer. She specializes in dancer wellness and the prevention and treatment of eating disorders/disordered eating. She is also the author of the new book Nourishing Dance: An Essential Guide on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders.

From periods to carbs, Monika and I debunk so many myths in this conversation. Dancers have a three times higher risk of having an eating disorder than non-dancers and even if you have the best of intentions you may unknowingly be causing harm.Tune in to this conversation for actionable advice on what we can do to help prevent the occurence of eating disorders in dancers including paying attention to early signs and symptoms, how to set up a positive dance environment and immediate language shifts you can make. Knowledge is power and with it we can begin to make lasting change in the dance industry!

Key Moments:

• How Monika began her career as a Registered Dietitian for dancers [1:50]
• What is diet culture? [6:28]
• Factors that increase the risk of eating disorders in dancers [7:47]
• The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating [10:23]
• When dancers should ask for help if they’re struggling (and where they can seek help) [12:14]
• What we can do to create a positive dance environment [16:30]
• What can be done to help prevent the occurence of eating disorders [20:46]
• Early signs of symptoms of an eating disorder and what steps should be taken if you’re concerned [23:13]
• The short and long term consequences of underfuelling [27:17]
• The importance of having a regular menstrual cycle for elite athletes [33:45]
• How dancers can fuel optimally to support their dancing [36:40]
• The importance of carbohydrates [38:23]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [44:20]

Connect with Monika:

MONIKA’S WEBSITE: msnutrition.com

NOURISHING DANCE BOOK WEBSITE: nourishingdance.com

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MonikaSaigalRD

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/nourish.headtopointe

Links and Resources:

National Alliance for Eating Disorders: allianceforeatingdisorders.com

IADMS: https://iadms.org/find-a-provider/

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club

Get your copy of Nourishing Dance: An Essential Guide on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders (affiliate link)

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]

Caitlin here with a solo episode answering all your burning audition questions!

Questions like:

“Can you talk about any travel hack to save money when you travel to auditions?”

“Is it always those who stand out that get hired?”

“What is it like being cut during an audition?”

And so much more! Tune in to get my pro insight into the behind-the-scenes of audition season.

Links and Resources:

The Audition Hub: thebrainyballerina.com/auditionhub

The Ultimate Audition Guide: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide

Dance Audition Materials Audit: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-audition-materials-audit

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

DanceHive: https://www.dancehive.net/

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]