In this episode, Dr. J inteviews Michele Hamlett-Weith, the founder and co-owner of the Crescendo Ballet and Dance Conservatory, and discusses the multicultural aspect of ballet, from its French terminology and origins, to the Italian school, the Russian school, and the American neoclassical form led by George Balanchine. Michele, a former principal dancer and member of the Kansas City Ballet Company, shares stories about her upbringing, training, and career. She also explains her teaching methodology and the goals and ideals of the Crescendo Conservatory. In the second part of the interview, Dr. J speaks to one of Michele’s students, Kyle Price, who grew up taking classes at the conservatory, and is a successful and brilliant dancer and student.  

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