Ballet Help Desk

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CiCi Houston Sudholt on Saint Louis Ballet's Career Pipeline Jan 28, 2026

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CiCi Houston-Sudholt, Rehearsal Director at Saint Louis Ballet, discusses the organization's unique approach to dance education that puts students at the center. From integrating all levels of training to tailoring performance opportunities based on individual goals, Saint Louis Ballet adapts to each dancer's needs and aspirations.

In this conversation, CiCi explains the structure of the trainee program and how it prepares dancers for professional careers. We discuss what makes Saint Louis Ballet's second company unique: dancers are part of AGMA and receive full union protections, which sets this program apart from many other post-graduate options. CiCi also discusses how the school balances academics with intensive training, their evolving recruitment and audition processes, and what they look for in prospective students. We explore performance opportunities available to students, how the school encourages dancers to find their own balance between dance and other commitments, and the emphasis on communication and accountability throughout the training process.

If you're trying to understand what post-graduate pathways look like or evaluating whether a student-centered training environment is right for your dancer, this conversation offers practical insight into how Saint Louis Ballet structures their programs.

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We Asked, You Answered: Survey Results and What's Changing Jan 22, 2026

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We asked you to tell us what you love about the Ballet Help Desk Podcast, what needs to improve, and what topics you want us to cover. And you delivered honest, thoughtful, sometimes tough feedback.

In this episode, we share what you told us: what's working (our honest questioning, insider information, and ballet parent perspective), what we're fixing immediately (audio quality, ad transitions, and tighter editing), and what topics you want more of (younger dancers, international training, and financial transparency).

We're also introducing new formats like Q&A episodes and expanding our content for parents of younger dancers just starting the journey. This is a transparent conversation about what we're doing well, what we're changing, and what's coming next.

Thank you to everyone who participated. This podcast exists because of you, and we're committed to making it better.

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Dancer Story: Jayda Hazelett on the College Route to Pro Dancer Jan 21, 2026

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Jayda Hazelett didn't follow the traditional pre-professional boarding school path to a ballet company. The Ballet Hartford corps member grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, trained locally at Project Ballet, attended summer intensives, and chose to pursue college at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music before entering the professional world.

In this Dancer Story, Jayda shares why she chose to stay home for training, how summer intensives supplemented her education, and what the college ballet experience gave her. We also discuss the challenges of pursuing a professional career, the importance of mentorship, pivotal moments that shaped her path, mental health in ballet, and her future aspirations including dreams of Broadway.

After graduating in 2024, Jayda joined Ballet Hartford as an apprentice and was recently promoted to the corps for the 2025-2026 season. If you're wondering whether staying local or choosing the college route means giving up on a professional career, Jayda's story proves there's more than one path forward.

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Paulo Arrais on Ballet Training That Honors the Whole Dancer Jan 14, 2026

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What does it mean to train dancers without "training them out of being natural"? For Paulo Arrais, founder of Arrais Ballet School in Boston, that question shaped his entire approach to teaching. A former principal dancer with Boston Ballet, Paulo saw gaps in traditional ballet training: rigidity over artistry, pressure over presence. He decided to build a school that addressed them. In this episode, he walks us through his journey from student to performer to educator, the core values that define his school, and how he helps students navigate everything from technical growth to postgraduate ballet training decisions. We also dive into the unique challenges boys face in ballet, how independent schools fit into the larger training ecosystem, and what Paulo believes needs to change in ballet education. This is a candid, grounded conversation about preparing dancers for sustainable, meaningful careers.

If you're exploring pre-professional ballet programs, preparing for ballet auditions, or curious about career pathways in classical ballet, this conversation offers insight into what thoughtful ballet education looks like today.

Learn more about the 2026 Summer Intensive here. Read reviews of Arrais Ballet School here.

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Joshua Beamish & Crystal Costa: Ballet Vancouver Jan 07, 2026

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Joshua Beamish and Crystal Costa are building something new in the ballet world. Ballet Vancouver is launching as a fresh company with a unique vision, and in this episode, they share the story of how it all came together.

Joshua talks about starting his first company at just 17 years old and the 20-year journey that led him here. Crystal shares how she got involved and her work helping dancers understand the realities of a professional career through her workshop, Dance as a Profession.

We cover their personal dance journeys, the hardest parts of their training, and the fork-in-the-road moments that shaped their paths. They also open up about what they'd change about ballet training if they could, and things they wish all ballet students knew about pursuing this career.

Looking ahead, Joshua and Crystal reveal what will make Ballet Vancouver different from other companies, their plans for a summer intensive in 2026 and what they're looking for when hiring dancers. They also discuss their innovative structure combining guest artists, guest companies, and local performers and explain how they're funding this ambitious new venture.

If you're curious about what it takes to start a ballet company from scratch, or you're a dancer wondering what artistic directors look for, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at building the future of ballet.

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Peter Stark on the State of the Ballet Job Market: A Rerelease Dec 31, 2025

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We're rereleasing one of Ballet Help Desk's most popular episodes! Peter Stark from The Rock School discusses the ballet job market, choosing post-graduate ballet programs, and audition strategies for pre-professional dancers. Learn how to approach ballet auditions, what trainee programs look for, and how to stand out as you transition from ballet student to professional dancer.

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Jenny's Favorite Episode - Abbey's 1st Contract Dec 26, 2025

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A rerelease: In our first episode of Dancer Stories, Jenny and her daughter Abbey share how Abbey got her first ballet contract.

Tune in to hear how a meeting about dorm policy violations at a summer intensive turned into an apprenticeship offer with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

After a last-minute decision to attend the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Company Experience, Abbey's unexpected journey underscores the importance of seizing opportunities—you never know where they might lead!

Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theater on their website.

Interested in following Abbey's career? You can find her on Instagram @abbeyahuang

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Raymond Rodriguez on Pittsburgh Ballet's Company Experience Dec 24, 2025

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Raymond Rodriguez, Dean of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, breaks down their Company Experience program and why they created it.

Unlike traditional summer intensives, the Company Experience simulates professional dancer life through repertoire-heavy training and direct interaction with Pittsburgh Ballet's artistic staff. Raymond explains what a typical day looks like, the types of choreography students work on, and who mentors participants throughout the program.

The conversation covers how the program helps dancers understand company realities, what discussions happen around professional life expectations, and who should consider attending. Raymond also addresses opportunities for students to be observed by artistic staff and how often participants transition into Pittsburgh Ballet's postgraduate levels or main company.

He shares what sets Pittsburgh Ballet's approach apart from similar company experience programs and offers guidance on whether this type of specialized training is the right next step. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique-focused intensives, this episode explains how Pittsburgh Ballet prepares dancers for professional life.

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Takeways

The Pittsburgh Summer Company Experience started in 2014 with 30 students.
The program has grown to accommodate around 70 students, split into cohorts.
Students learn a mix of classical, contemporary, and new works during the program.
The daily schedule mirrors that of professional company artists, with extensive rehearsal hours.
Auditions are held on the first day to determine casting for the performances.
The program emphasizes the importance of versatility in dance training.
Students are encouraged to support each other in learning choreography.
Eligibility is limited to students aged 16 and older, based on their readiness.
The program offers opportunities for students to be seen by artistic directors for potential contracts.
PBT's program is designed to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for dancers.

How Philadelphia Ballet Does Summer: Three Unique Programs Dec 19, 2025

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Davit Karapetyan and Laura Bowman Goldstein from Philadelphia Ballet break down three focused summer programs designed for dancers considering specialized training: the Pas de Deux Intensive, Variations Intensive, and Company Experience.

They start with partnering, an essential skill that many students cannot get in their local schools. Davit and Laura talk about how much partnering really matters in today's job market, what experience dancers need going in, and how this intensive tackles the challenges students struggle with most.

Next, they dive into the Variations Intensive, where dancers receive targeted competition coaching and individualized feedback. They explain why dedicated variation work matters, how pieces are chosen, and what dancers can expect from the final showing.

Finally, the Company Experience offers a taste of professional life, with daily training and direct access to Philadelphia Ballet's artistic staff. The conversation covers schedules, repertoire, and how often students move from this program into trainee, second company, or even the main company.

Davit and Laura also share guidance for dancers and parents trying to decide which program makes the most sense, and what sets Philadelphia Ballet's summer training apart. If you are looking beyond a traditional summer intensive, this episode lays out three distinct options and who each one is really for.

Learn more about Philly's summer programs.

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Durante Verzola on Miami City Ballet's Choreo Workshop Dec 17, 2025

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Durante Verzola, resident choreographer for Miami City Ballet School, breaks down their Summer Choreographic Workshop, a specialized program that simulates professional dancer life for students as young as 14.

Unlike traditional summer intensives, this program focuses on preparing dancers for the quick turnaround and varied repertory demands of company life. Durante explains why they created a separate choreographic track, how company artistic staff are involved, and what types of mentors and choreographers work with participants.

The conversation covers the balance between new and existing works, whether students learn to choreograph themselves, and what the final performance looks like. Durante discusses why younger dancers benefit from this experience, how often participants transition into Miami City Ballet's year-round program, and what common growth areas he observes.

He also addresses why specialized programs like this are growing in popularity and what sets Miami City Ballet's approach apart from similar workshops. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique training, this episode explains what makes the choreographic workshop format valuable for pre-professional dancers.

Learn more on the MCBS website.

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Takeaways

The Choreographic Intensive is a two-week program at Miami City Ballet School.
The program aims to develop students' artistry and professional skills.
Students experience a daily routine similar to that of professional dancers.
Artistry is emphasized alongside technical training in ballet.
The program includes creating original works specifically for the students.
Students are encouraged to take ownership of their choreography.
Performance opportunities are crucial for developing confidence and skills.
The program fosters a supportive environment for students to grow.
Choreography is created in response to the dancers in the moment.
The intensive prepares students for the realities of a professional dance career.

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