Pushing Over the Box
by Jasmine Jain
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Theresa Ruth Howard, Founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet | Pushing Over the Box
Oct 7, 2026
21m 55s
Virginia Lensi, American Ballet Theatre Corps de Ballet — On Second Chances | Pushing Over the Box
Sep 23, 2026
23m 22s
Fangqi Li, American Ballet Theatre Soloist — On Confidence & Belonging | Pushing Over the Box
Sep 9, 2026
25m 37s
Nathalia Arja, Miami City Ballet Principal — On Identity & Resilience | Pushing Over the Box
Aug 26, 2026
28m 26s
Ashley Hod, New York City Ballet Soloist — On Promotion & Success | Pushing Over the Box
Aug 12, 2026
25m 22s
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Estimated from 3 chart positions in 3 markets.
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- 🇪🇸ES · Performing Arts#1621K to 10K
- 🇸🇪SE · Performing Arts#1981K to 10K
- 🇩🇰DK · Performing Arts#993K to 10K
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5K to 30K🇪🇸33%🇸🇪33%🇩🇰33% - Active Followers
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/7/26 | Theresa Ruth Howard, Founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet | Pushing Over the Box | In 2015, around the time Misty Copeland was promoted to principal at American Ballet Theatre, Theresa Ruth Howard wrote an article highlighting the long history of Black ballerinas who came before her: "The Misty-rious Case of the Vanishing Ballerinas of Color: Where Have All the Others Gone?" At the bottom, she asked readers to name every Black ballerina they knew in the comments. The response became the Roll Call — and the seed of what is now Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Theresa Ruth Howard — former dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Armitage Gone Dance, longtime ballet educator, writer, and curator, and founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet (MoBBallet), a digital archive dedicated to preserving the stories of Black ballet artists. They talk about being discovered by Philadanco founder Joan Myers Brown at age three, seeing Dance Theatre of Harlem perform at eight years old and, for the first time, watching dancers who looked like her doing what she loved, the article that changed the conversation around race in ballet, and the advice she'd give her own 13-year-old self about trusting that it will all eventually make sense.TIMESTAMPS: [08:54] The Article That Started Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet [05:39] Seeing Dance Theatre of Harlem for the First Time at Age 8[17:54] Advice to Her 13-Year-Old Self — "The Universe Will Give You a Pencil"ABOUT THE GUEST: Theresa Ruth Howard is a former dancer with Dance Theatre of Harlem and Armitage Gone Dance, and a longtime ballet educator, writer, and curator. She is the founder of Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet (MoBBallet), a digital archive and platform dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of Black ballet artists, and a contributing writer for Dance Magazine. She trained at Philadanco under founder Joan Myers Brown before continuing at Pennsylvania Ballet.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #theresaruthhoward #mobballet #dancetheatreofharlem #blackballerinas #balletinterview #ballethistoryTopics discussed: Theresa Ruth Howard interview, Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Black ballerinas history, representation in ballet, Misty Copeland, Philadanco, advice for young dancersGuest: Theresa Ruth Howard — Founder, Memoirs of Blacks in Ballet (MoBBallet)Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 21m 55s | ||||||
| 9/23/26 | Virginia Lensi, American Ballet Theatre Corps de Ballet — On Second Chances | Pushing Over the Box | Virginia Lensi quit ballet at eight years old. Her teacher had gotten strict, the pressure felt like too much, and she wanted to just be a kid — so she tried gymnastics, ice skating, horseback riding, and tennis, pretty much everything except ballet. Then one summer, something pulled her back. It was too late to audition for La Scala that year, so she trained privately, then spent a year at another school in Milan before finally joining La Scala the following year.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Virginia Lensi — a member of the corps de ballet at American Ballet Theatre, originally from Milan, and co-founder of the ballet lifestyle brand Studio 8. They talk about walking away from ballet as a kid and finding her way back, moving to New York alone as a teenager to train at ABT's JKO School, the compressed few months between becoming an apprentice and joining the main company, and the brand she started with a friend to make ballet feel a little more fun.TIMESTAMPS: [01:07] Quitting Ballet at 8 and Finding Her Way Back [08:10] From Apprentice to Company Member in Three Months [21:26] Founding Studio 8 During a Canceled TourABOUT THE GUEST: Virginia Lensi is a member of the corps de ballet at American Ballet Theatre. Born and trained in Milan at La Scala Ballet School, she moved to New York to train at ABT's Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School on a full scholarship before joining ABT's Studio Company and later the main company. She is also the co-founder of Studio 8, a ballet lifestyle clothing brand.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #virginialensi #americanballettheatre #abt #lascala #balletinterview #corpsdeballetTopics discussed: Virginia Lensi interview, American Ballet Theatre, La Scala Ballet School, ballet career paths, quitting and returning to ballet, ballet entrepreneurship, advice for young dancersGuest: Virginia Lensi — Corps de Ballet, American Ballet TheatreTagline: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 23m 22s | ||||||
| 9/9/26 | balletconfidence+4 | Fangqi Li | American Ballet TheatreBeijing Dance Academy | ChinaNew York | Fangqi LiAmerican Ballet Theatre+5 | — | 25m 37s | ||
| 8/26/26 | identityresilience+3 | Nathalia Arja | Miami City Ballet | Rio de JaneiroMiami | balletMiami City Ballet+7 | — | 28m 26s | ||
| 8/12/26 | promotionsuccess+3 | Ashley Hod | New York City BalletSchool of American Ballet+3 | New York CityGreat Neck | Ashley HodNew York City Ballet+5 | — | 25m 22s | ||
| 7/29/26 | danceballet+4 | Jonathan Chmelensky | Royal Danish BalletConservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris+3 | — | Jonathan ChmelenskyRoyal Danish Ballet+7 | — | 34m 21s | ||
| 7/15/26 | balletdance career+4 | Roni Mahler | American Ballet TheatreBallet Russe de Monte Carlo+6 | — | balletRoni Mahler+5 | — | 31m 02s | ||
| 7/1/26 | ballethealth+4 | Kathryn Morgan | Hashimoto's thyroiditisNew York City Ballet+2 | — | balletHashimoto's+5 | — | 23m 02s | ||
| 6/18/26 | dance photographycareer development+3 | Deborah Ory | NYC Dance ProjectThe Art of Movement+2 | — | dancephotography+4 | — | 12m 54s | ||
| 6/3/26 | balletdance journey+3 | Emilie Gerrity | New York City BalletMae L. Wien Award+1 | Disney World | balletEmilie Gerrity+6 | — | 26m 43s | ||
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| 5/20/26 | balletperformance+3 | Emma Von Enck | New York City BalletFordham University+2 | — | balletEmma Von Enck+3 | — | 33m 45s | ||
| 5/6/26 | balletdance education+3 | Darla Hoover | New York City BalletBallet Academy East+3 | — | Darla HooverNew York City Ballet+3 | — | 27m 05s | ||
| 4/22/26 | Alexa Maxwell, NYCB Soloist — On Injury, Musicality, and Life at NYCB | Pushing Over the Box | When Alexa Maxwell arrived at New York City Ballet as a brand new apprentice, she expected a few weeks to find her footing. Instead, on her very first day, she was emergency-cast in Nutcracker and told she was performing that night — in her SAB uniform, while every company member around her was in sweatpants and sneakers.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Alexa Maxwell, soloist at New York City Ballet and a graduate of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the School of American Ballet. They discuss what it felt like to be thrown into the deep end from day one, how a serious patellar tendon injury and two surgeries changed everything she knew about taking care of herself, and what she'd tell her younger self about perfectionism and comparison.TIMESTAMPS: [08:42] Being Cast on Her First Night at NYCB [11:54] The Role That Changed How People Saw Her [18:09] The Injury That Changed Everything ABOUT THE GUEST: Alexa Maxwell is a soloist at New York City Ballet. She trained at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the School of American Ballet before joining NYCB, where she is known for her musicality and expressive presence on stage. She also teaches at the CPYB summer intensive and is currently a student at Fordham University.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742Topics discussed: NYCB soloist interview, ballet injury recovery, ballet musicality, School of American Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, ballet apprenticeship, advice for young dancersGuest: Alexa Maxwell — Soloist, New York City BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 34m 29s | ||||||
| 4/8/26 | Seth & Sarah Orza, Former PNB Principals — On Reinventing the Ballet Shoe | Pushing Over the Box | Seth and Sarah Orza danced at the top of their field — and then used everything they learned about the dancer's body to completely rethink the ballet flat. The story of how a plantar fascia injury and a Dr. Scholl's heel cup from Duane Reade turned into an entirely new ballet shoe company is one of the most unexpected and inspiring stories this podcast has told.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Seth and Sarah Orza, former Principal Dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet and founders of Orza Ballet Shoes. They discuss how a career-threatening injury sparked the idea for the shoe, the difference between the Orza Pro 1 and 2, and the advice they'd give their younger selves about enjoying every part of the journey.TIMESTAMPS: [06:18] The Origin Story of Orza Ballet Shoes [11:07] The Difference Between Orza Pro 1 and 2 [17:09] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUESTS: Seth and Sarah Orza are former Principal Dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet, where they each had careers spanning nearly 20 years. Prior to PNB, they both danced with New York City Ballet and trained at the School of American Ballet. They are the founders of Orza Ballet Shoes, a company dedicated to rethinking ballet shoe design to better support the needs of today's dancers.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #orzaballetshoes #pacificnorthwestballet #nycb #balletshoes #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ballet shoe innovation, ballet injury recovery, founding a ballet company, Pacific Northwest Ballet, advice for young dancers Guests: Seth and Sarah Orza — Former Principal Dancers, Pacific Northwest Ballet; Founders, Orza Ballet Shoes Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 17m 35s | ||||||
| 3/25/26 | Naomi Corti, NYCB Soloist — On Artistry, Injury, and What Success Means | Pushing Over the Box | Naomi Corti tore her ACL, both menisci, her MCL and PCL just one month after getting her corps contract at New York City Ballet — and she says she wouldn't trade that injury for anything. Her honesty about who she is without ballet, what it took to come back, and the moment her promotion finally hit her mid-bow is something every dancer needs to hear.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Naomi Corti, Soloist at New York City Ballet and recipient of the 2024 Janice Levin Award. They discuss what it was really like getting taken as an apprentice at NYCB, how a devastating knee injury completely changed who she is as a person and a dancer, and the advice she'd give her younger self about building taste, finding real friendships, and absorbing as much art as possible.TIMESTAMPS:[12:03] Getting Taken as an Apprentice at NYCB[31:04] Tearing Her ACL and What Injury Taught Her[43:17] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Naomi Corti is a Soloist at New York City Ballet, where she has performed since joining the company as an apprentice. Originally from the South of France, she trained at the School of American Ballet after being spotted at Pacific Northwest Ballet. She is the recipient of the 2018 Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Talent and the 2024 Janice Levin Award.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #naomicorti #nycb #newyorkcityballet #soloist #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ACL injury recovery, NYCB apprentice life, ballet soloist promotion, building artistry, advice for young dancers Guest: Naomi Corti — Soloist, New York City Ballet; 2024 Janice Levin Award Recipient Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 49m 37s | ||||||
| 2/25/26 | Misty Copeland — On Injury, Resilience, and 25 Years in Ballet | Pushing Over the Box | Misty Copeland started ballet at 13, was the only Black dancer at ABT for the first 10 years of her career, and waited over 15 years to be promoted to principal — and through all of it, she says she never felt pressure, only responsibility. This conversation is everything you'd hope it would be and more.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's history, following her retirement after a 25-year career. They discuss what it really felt like rising through every rank at ABT, how she approached injuries as moments of growth rather than setbacks, and what it meant to be the first — and what she felt was her responsibility because of it.TIMESTAMPS:[12:37] The Hardest and Best Parts of Each Rank at ABT [17:28] Injuries and the Mindset to Overcome Them[18:27] Being the First Black Principal Dancer at ABTABOUT THE GUEST: Misty Copeland is the first African American woman to be appointed principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, a position she held following a 25-year career with the company. She is the author of multiple books including Life in Motion, the founder of her own arts education foundation, and one of the most recognized and influential figures in the history of American ballet.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #mistycopeland #abt #americanballettheatre #principaldancer #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: first Black principal dancer ABT, ballet injury mindset, corps de ballet life, retiring from ballet, diversity in ballet Guest: Misty Copeland — Former Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre; Author and Founder, Misty Copeland Foundation Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 30m 27s | ||||||
| 2/11/26 | Cassandra Trenary: From ABT to Vienna State Ballet — A New Chapter | Pushing Over the Box | Cassandra Trenary spent years dreaming of becoming a principal dancer at ABT — and then, at the height of her career, chose to leave it all behind and start over in Vienna. Her honesty about why she made that leap, what back-to-back injuries taught her about creativity, and the advice she'd give her younger self about caring too deeply is one of the most moving conversations on this podcast.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Cassandra Trenary, former Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre and current company dancer at the Vienna State Opera. They discuss her transition into ABT and rise through the ranks, what led her to leave New York and start a new chapter in Vienna, and why she wishes she'd been less ashamed of how much she cared at 13.TIMESTAMPS:[12:20] Transition into ABT and Rising Through the Ranks[25:28] Leaving ABT for the Vienna State Opera[46:18] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Cassandra Trenary is a former Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre and current company dancer at the Vienna State Opera under the direction of Alessandra Ferri. Originally from Georgia, she trained at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School before joining the company at 17. She is also an accomplished dance photographer and creative artist.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #cassandratrenary #abt #americanballettheatre #viennastateopera #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: leaving ABT, Vienna State Opera, ballet career transitions, back-to-back injuries, creativity during injury Guest: Cassandra Trenary — Former Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre; Dancer, Vienna State Opera Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 43m 12s | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | Erika Mayall, Dance Physiotherapist — On Injury Prevention and Safer Training | Pushing Over the Box | Erika Mayall was a dancer who went to physical therapy as a teenager and thought — why isn't there someone who actually understands what we do? So she became that person. Her breakdown of why the "dance through pain" mentality still exists, and what dancers are doing right now that's quietly causing harm, is essential listening for every dancer and dance parent.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Erika Mayall, licensed physiotherapist and former dancer who specializes in dancers and artistic athletes. They discuss what makes treating dancers uniquely different from other athletes, why the dance through pain mentality is so hard to break, and her top advice for dancers who want long, sustainable careers.TIMESTAMPS:[08:48] What Makes Treating Dancers Different[16:08] Why the "Dance Through Pain" Mindset Still Exists [21:25] Advice for Dancers Who Want Long CareersABOUT THE GUEST: Erika Mayall is a licensed physiotherapist and former dancer who specializes in working with dancers and artistic athletes. She is the host of The Dance Physio Podcast, where she shares education and advice on common dance injuries, injury prevention, and safe training practices. She is passionate about bringing evidence-based, dancer-specific healthcare to the dance world.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #erikamayall #dancephysio #injuryprevention #dancerhealth #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: dance injury prevention, dance through pain myth, physiotherapy for dancers, strength training for dancers, long ballet careers Guest: Erika Mayall — Licensed Physiotherapist and Host of The Dance Physio Podcast Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 30m 54s | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | Kyle Froman, NYCB Dancer & Dance Photographer — Embracing Multiple Passions | Pushing Over the Box | Kyle Froman spent 14 years at New York City Ballet before walking away to become a photographer — and the moment he decided to leave came down to a single opportunity in Copenhagen and a rumor about firings that may never have even been true. His story about finding a second passion inside your first one is one of the most honest conversations this podcast has had.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Kyle Froman, former New York City Ballet dancer and acclaimed photographer. They discuss how he discovered photography while still dancing at NYCB, what it really felt like to leave the company and start over, and the advice he'd give his younger self about being more than just a dancer.TIMESTAMPS:[35:11] Discovering Photography at NYCB[47:06] Leaving the Company and Going Full-Time[1:02:06] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Kyle Froman is a former dancer with New York City Ballet, where he performed for 14 years, and is now an acclaimed photographer based in New York City. He is the author of In the Wings: Behind the Scenes at the New York City Ballet and has photographed for major ballet companies, magazines, and theater productions. He also specializes in ballet student audition photography.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #kylefroman #nycb #newyorkcityballet #balletphotography #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ballet photography, life after dancing, NYCB behind the scenes, second careers for dancers, embracing multiple passions Guest: Kyle Froman — Former Dancer, New York City Ballet; Author and Photographer Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 59m 44s | ||||||
| 12/17/25 | Ingrid Thoms, American Ballet Theatre — On Navigating Company Life | Pushing Over the Box | Ingrid Thoms joined ABT's Corps de Ballet just months before the pandemic shut everything down — and somehow came out of it closer to her colleagues and more certain of her path than ever. Her honesty about self-doubt, comparison, and the power of positive affirmations even mid-performance is something every dancer needs to hear.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Ingrid Thoms, Corps de Ballet dancer at American Ballet Theatre and Fordham University student. They discuss her favorite role as Myrta in Giselle, how she navigates self-doubt and comparison in a company full of world-class dancers, and what she'd tell her 13-year-old self about believing in her path.TIMESTAMPS:[12:17] Favorite Role — Myrta in Giselle[21:50] Dealing with Self-Doubt and Comparison[27:34] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Ingrid Thoms is a Corps de Ballet dancer at American Ballet Theatre and a student at Fordham University. She trained at the Harid Conservatory in Florida and the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School before joining ABT's Studio Company and then the main company. She recently made her debut as the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #ingridthoms #abt #americanballettheatre #corpsdeballet #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: corps de ballet life, self-doubt in ballet, positive affirmations, Myrta in Giselle, ABT dancer mindset Guest: Ingrid Thoms — Corps de Ballet Dancer, American Ballet Theatre Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 29m 18s | ||||||
| 12/3/25 | Skylar Brandt, ABT Principal — On Injury, Recovery, and Coming Back Stronger | Pushing Over the Box | Skylar Brandt has danced Giselle, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote on the ABT stage — but behind the roles is a story of a herniated disc she tried to dance through, a promotion she almost didn't wait around for, and a lesson about perfectionism she wishes she'd learned at 13. This one is really special.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Skylar Brandt, Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre. They discuss what it's really like rising through every rank at ABT, her experience recovering from a serious back injury, and the advice she'd give her younger self about perfectionism and finding her voice.TIMESTAMPS:[11:48] Favorite Parts of Each Rank at ABT[32:02] Recovering from a Herniated Disc Injury[41:41] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Skylar Brandt is a Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Known for her expressiveness and artistry, she has performed lead roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and many more. She trained at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at ABT and has been with the company since she was 16 years old.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #skylarbrandt #abt #americanballettheatre #principaldancer #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ballet injury recovery, herniated disc, ABT principal dancer, perfectionism, advice for young dancersGuest: Skylar Brandt — Principal Dancer, American Ballet TheatrePushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 42m 46s | ||||||
| 11/19/25 | Erica Pereira, NYCB Soloist — On Motherhood and Dancing at the Highest Level | Pushing Over the Box | Erica Pereira has risen through the ranks at New York City Ballet, become a mother, and somehow made it all look graceful — but her honesty about perfectionism, loneliness at SAB, and what it really takes to stay in the game is a reminder that even the most successful dancers are still figuring it out.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Erica Pereira, Soloist at New York City Ballet and Ballet Academy East alum. They discuss her rise through the ranks at NYCB, how she balances being a professional dancer and a mother, and her ongoing battle with perfectionism and self-doubt.TIMESTAMPS:[07:18] Rising Through the Ranks at NYCB[11:08] Balancing Ballet and Motherhood[15:19] The Struggle with PerfectionismABOUT THE GUEST: Erica Pereira is a Soloist at New York City Ballet and a proud alumna of Ballet Academy East in New York City. Known for her precision and artistry, she has performed principal roles including Sugar Plum and Swanilda throughout her career at NYCB. She is also a teacher at Ballet Academy East, where she inspires the next generation of young dancers.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #ericapereira #nycb #newyorkcityballet #soloist #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: rising through the ranks at NYCB, ballet and motherhood, perfectionism in dance, corps de ballet life, soloist rolesGuest: Erica Pereira — Soloist, New York City BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 21m 52s | ||||||
| 11/5/25 | Chiara Ajkun & Abbi Johnson, Ajkun Ballet Theatre — Making Ballet Accessible | Pushing Over the Box | Chiara Ajkun built a ballet company on one radical idea — that the way ballet has been taught for decades is broken, and she has the science to prove it. Her conversation with Jasmine about the Ajkun Methodology, toxic studio culture, and what it really means to nurture young dancers is one of the most thought-provoking this podcast has had.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Chiara Ajkun, artistic director and choreographer of Ajkun Ballet Theatre, and Abbi Johnson, senior artist and Joffrey graduate. They discuss Chiara's journey from dancer to director, the science behind the Ajkun Methodology, what they truly look for in young dancers, and why making ballet accessible and safe is at the heart of everything they do.TIMESTAMPS:[12:21] Transitioning from Dancer to Choreographer & Director[21:12] The Ajkun Methodology Explained[37:56] What We Look for in DancersABOUT THE GUESTS: Chiara Ajkun is the founder, artistic director, and choreographer of Ajkun Ballet Theatre, whose original works have been performed in 27 countries across all continents. She holds degrees in literature, performing arts, and a PhD in ballet pathology, and developed the Ajkun Methodology — a science-based approach to ballet training. Abbi Johnson is a senior artist with Ajkun Ballet Theatre and a graduate of the Joffrey Ballet School.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #chiaraajkun #abbijohnson #ajkunballet #balletmethodology #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ballet methodology, injury prevention, making ballet accessible, safe dance training, what teachers look for in dancersGuests: Chiara Ajkun — Founder and Artistic Director, Ajkun Ballet Theatre; Abbi Johnson — Senior Artist, Ajkun Ballet Theatre and Joffrey Ballet School graduatePushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 59m 19s | ||||||
| 10/22/25 | Miro Magloire, Founder of New Chamber Ballet — On Choreography and Music | Pushing Over the Box | Miro Magloire didn't set out to start a ballet company — he just kept making work because no one would hire him. The founder of New Chamber Ballet's story is proof that rejection can accidentally build something extraordinary, and his advice for young dancers at the end of this conversation is not something you'll forget easily.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Miro Magloire, founder and artistic director of New Chamber Ballet in New York City. They discuss his unexpected journey from composer to choreographer, how New Chamber Ballet was born out of necessity, his unique approach to auditioning dancers, and what it really takes to build a sustainable creative life in ballet.TIMESTAMPS:[12:08] How New Chamber Ballet Was Founded[17:07] The Audition Process at NCB[40:07] Advice for Aspiring DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Miro Magloire is the founder and artistic director of New Chamber Ballet, a New York City-based company he has led for over 20 years. Originally trained as a composer and pianist in Germany, he created over 150 ballets that bring together live music and intimate dance performance. New Chamber Ballet performs regularly at the Mark Morris Dance Center in Brooklyn.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #miromagloire #newchamberballet #choreographer #balletinterview #youngdancer #dancepodcastTopics discussed: founding a ballet company, choreography process, ballet auditions, life after performing, creative careers in danceGuest: Miro Magloire — Founder and Artistic Director, New Chamber BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 42m 38s | ||||||
| 10/22/25 | Isabella LaFreniere, NYCB Principal — On Performing Under Pressure | Pushing Over the Box | In this debut episode, Jasmine sits down with NYCB Principal Isabella LaFreniere to talk about the realities behind the spotlight — navigating pressure, building resilience, and finding purpose in the pursuit of perfection.TIMESTAMPS:[03:25] Transition to SAB and Auditions[11:04] Injury and Recovery[21:58] Mental Health and Avoiding BurnoutABOUT THE GUEST: Isabella LaFreniere is a Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet, one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies. She trained at the School of American Ballet and rose through the NYCB ranks to become one of its youngest principals. Known for her artistry, discipline, and resilience, she is an inspiring figure for young dancers pursuing a professional ballet career.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #isabellalafreniere #nycb #newyorkcityballet #principaldancer #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: performing under pressure, ballet mindset, NYCB principal dancer, mental health in ballet, injury recoveryGuest: Isabella LaFreniere — Principal Dancer, New York City BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com | 38m 29s | ||||||
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Chart history for Pushing Over the Box
Peaked at #99 in Denmark, currently #99 in Denmark.
| Market | Genre | Peak | Current | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denmark | — | #99 | #99 | — |
| Spain | — | #162 | #162 | — |
| Sweden | — | #198 | #198 | — |
Chart Positions
3 placements across 3 markets.
Chart Positions
3 placements across 3 markets.