Ballet Help Desk

Latest Episodes:

Stephanie Potreck on the Realities of European Ballet Training Feb 12, 2025

Show notes

The European ballet training system has long been admired, but how does it really compare to training in the U.S.? In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Potreck, founder of Aus Dancers Overseas, to discuss the key differences, the biggest challenges European ballet schools have faced, and how recent scandals have sparked change. We also explore the role of journalists in exposing abuse, the effectiveness of wellness programs, and what it takes to truly reform ballet education. If you've ever considered European training for your dancer, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

You can learn more about Stepanie and Aus Dancers Overseas on their website.

Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Inside the Prix de Lausanne with Cynthia Harvey Feb 05, 2025

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We sit down with Cynthia Harvey to discuss the Prix de Lausanne, one of the world's top ballet competitions. Cynthia shares how she got started in ballet, key moments in her training, and the teachers who influenced her career. We also explore the history of the Prix, how students are selected, what happens during the week in Lausanne, and how winners are chosen. Cynthia offers valuable insights into coaching, choreography, and the role competitions play in ballet training today.

Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Brittany Cavaco, The Ballet Agency Jan 29, 2025

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Join us for a conversation with Brittany Cavaco, founder of The Ballet Agency. Brittany explains how her agency connects top-tier dancers and ballet artists with media projects, elevating the quality of ballet in entertainment. She also shares how she's helping dancers impacted by natural disasters, providing much-needed support during challenging times.

Learn more about The Ballet Agency

If you are a dancer in need of assistance, please fill out this form

If you would like to help, you can DM Brittany at:

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Raymond Rodriguez, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Jan 22, 2025

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Raymond Rodriguez, Dean of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, offers an in-depth look at the school's advanced levels, graduate program, and pathways into the main company. He shares how PBT supports dancers on their journey, covering everything from relocation advice and program structure to performance opportunities and health initiatives. Plus, insights on auditions, placement decisions, and what sets PBT apart in post-graduate training.

You can learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School at these links:

More Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Dominic Walsh, Oregon Ballet Theatre Jan 15, 2025

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In this episode we chat with Dominic Walsh of Oregon Ballet Theatre. He shares insights into OBT's trainee and second company levels, including class sizes, promotion timelines, costs, and performance opportunities. He also discusses health and wellness programs, how he and his team recruit, as well as career support once dancers join the school. For dancers and parents, this episode offers practical advice and a closer look at what sets OBT's training programs apart.

You can learn more about Oregon Ballet Theatre School at these links:

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Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Erica Fischbach, Director of Colorado Ballet Academy Jan 08, 2025

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This week, we're joined by Erica Fischbach, Director of Colorado Ballet Academy, to talk about the school's full-time training programs, including the trainee and studio company levels. While the studio company is part of the main company, Erica shares everything you need to know about it.

We also discuss how CBA recruits dancers, what interested students can do to be considered for admission, as well as the performance opportunities available at each level. Plus, Erica explains why Colorado Ballet Academy chooses to compete and how it benefits their dancers. Whether you're aiming for a spot in the studio company or looking to join the Academy, this episode has the details you need!

You can learn more about Colorado Ballet Academy at these links:

Colorado Ballet Summer Intensive Programs
Young Dancer Workshop - be sure to read about CBA's new family friendly housing opportunity for young dancers!

More Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Jason Yeung on the Realities of the Job Market in Ballet - A Re-Release Jan 01, 2025

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"Becoming a professional ballet dancer in the United States requires years of training, dedication, and a bit of luck. With only a few thousand full-time positions available, the path is challenging and often uncertain."

These words open the DataPointes Guide, a groundbreaking report developed by former dancer Jason Yeung. We sat down with Jason to explore how he used publicly available data to create an insightful resource that highlights which ballet training programs are producing the most professional dancers.

For dancers considering serious training or pursuing a career in ballet, the DataPointes Guide is an invaluable tool to navigate the journey.

DataPointes Guide: https://datapointesguide.com/

Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Dan Guin on Boca Ballet Theatre's Summer Workshop for College Dancers Dec 25, 2024

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Join us as we talk with Dan Guin, Co-Artistic Director of Boca Ballet Theatre, about their Advanced Summer Performance Workshop. This five-week program offers dancers the unique opportunity to work directly with artistic directors from top ballet companies, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. Dan shares how the workshop has become a launchpad for professional careers and what makes it such a standout summer experience.

You can learn more about the Advanced Summer Workshop on their website.

Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Cindy Surman, Boca College Dance Fair Dec 18, 2024

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Ballet Help Desk interviews Cindy Surman of Boca Ballet Theater about their College Dance Fair, an event that brings together top college dance programs and aspiring dancers. Learn how the fair helps students and parents navigate higher education in dance, what sets it apart, and its role in shaping the next generation of performers. This episode offers practical insights for families weighing college dance as a potential option.

You can learn more about the Boca College Dance Fair on their website.

Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Kit Holder, Birmingham Royal Ballet 2 Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

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Kit Holder, Artistic Coordinator of Birmingham Royal Ballet 2, offers an inside look at life within the company, from what a typical day looks like to the performance opportunities they can expect to the career planning support provided. He also addresses how the company prepares dancers for the demands of a professional ballet career, both inside and outside of the studio. Drawing on his graduate education in psychology, Holder shares how empathy and understanding shape his leadership style and training philosophy, and how he hopes to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of artists, while still holding dancers to the highest of artistic standards that the company is known for.

You can learn more about Birmingham Royal Ballet 2 on their website.

Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI