In this raw and uncompromising conversation, Dr. Linda Bluestein and co-host Jennifer Milner sit down with Skylar Brandt, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, for a gripping look at what it truly takes to perform at the highest level. Skylar pulls back the curtain on the physical and psychological demands of elite ballet—the toll it takes, the constant adaptations required to avoid breakdown, and the pressure of sustaining a career where your body, your art, and your livelihood are inseparably intertwined.

She speaks candidly about navigating the challenges of less-flexible feet in an industry that glorifies extreme range, and why the dance world must rethink the “more is better” mentality. But one of Skylar’s most powerful messages is the importance of listening to your body—learning when to push, when to modify, and when to stop—wisdom that applies not only to dancers, but to anyone striving for longevity in a demanding field.

This episode dives into the high-stakes intersection of artistry, athleticism, body awareness, and survival, offering a rare and riveting look behind the curtain of one of the world’s most unforgiving professions.

Takeaways:

Skylar reveals how elite performers balance on the edge of injury, often compensating in ways that hide the real damage.

Despite growing awareness, the aesthetic of fragility still reigns and muscular dancers are often questioned, even sidelined.

Jennifer and Dr. Bluestein challenge the outdated idea that power ruins grace and Skylar proves it’s possible to embody both.

Skylar shares how her body learned to work around instability and what happened when those patterns stopped serving her.

From pelvic stability to core engagement, Skylar’s journey shows how science-backed support can extend performance careers.

Find the episode transcript here.

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