The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

Audition season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to. In this solo episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm walking you through my recommended timeline for preparing for professional dance auditions, starting in September and continuing through the end of audition season. Instead of waiting until January to start thinking about auditions, you'll learn how to use the fall months to get your materials, finances, company research, and audition strategy in place, so you can head into the new year feeling prepared and confident. Audition Resources: FREE DOWNLOAD // Audition Roadmap: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3oZ0IJD/auditionroadmap 1-1 Career Mentoring: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring The Intentional Career Handbook: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/intentional-career-handbook The Ultimate Audition Guide: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide The Dance Company Database: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-company-database Dance Audition Materials Audit: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-audition-materials-audit Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, former professional ballerina Caroline Simpkins shares her inspiring journey from professional ballerina to earning a PhD in biomechanics and creating Ballet Science, a platform dedicated to making dance research accessible to dancers, teachers, and educators. After dancing professionally for 12 years, Caroline found herself facing burnout, uncertainty about her future, and a life-changing thyroid cancer diagnosis at just 29 years old. That experience became the catalyst for reimagining her career, leading her from ballet to scientific research and ultimately to a mission of improving dancers' health through evidence-based education. In this episode, Caroline shares what it was really like to step away from performing, explore careers in healthcare and academia, and advocate for ballet research in spaces where dance wasn't always understood. Whether you're beginning to think about life after performing or simply looking for reassurance that your next chapter can be just as meaningful as your first, this conversation offers practical advice and plenty of hope. Key "Pointes" in this Episode * Caroline's journey from professional ballet dancer to PhD * Why she chose to leave performing after a 12 year career * How a thyroid cancer diagnosis reshaped her career path * The challenges of pursuing ballet-related research in academia * How to communicate the value of dance to people outside the dance world * The transferable skills dancers bring to any profession * Why adaptability matters more than having the "perfect" career plan * Advice for dancers preparing for life after performing * How Ballet Science is bridging the gap between research and the dance community Connect with Caroline WEBSITE: https://ballet.science/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ballet.science INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ballet.science [https://www.instagram.com/ballet.science] FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ballet.science BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ballet-science/id1815952731 Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

It's no secret that many dancers in the industry are underpaid and overworked. And while we're pushing for change, the reality is that many of us will take on side gigs to support ourselves financially, especially when we're first starting out. I found it necessary to have a side gig during my entire professional ballet career in order to support myself. Of course, some of these gigs were better than others and eventually I fell into my dream job! Have you ever wondered what kind of side gigs might work for a professional dancer? Tune in to this encore of one of my most popular episodes as I dish about the ways I supplemented my income throughout my professional dance career. Links and Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

What if becoming a stronger dancer had less to do with pushing harder and more to do with creating space to breathe? In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by former professional dancer and founder of Inner Studio, Rylie Beck, to talk about burnout, dancer identity, nervous system regulation, and the mental habits that so many dancers struggle with behind the scenes. Rylie shares her journey from student to professional, and how repeated experiences with burnout ultimately led her to create Inner Studio - an online platform offering guided meditations, visualizations, and wellness resources designed specifically for dancers. This episode is so healing and necessary to start unpacking the pressures dancers face to constantly achieve and the culture of self-criticism that is so prevalent in our industry. You'll walk away not only feeling completely seen but with practical tools to start building a healthier relationship with dance. Key "Pointes" in this Episode: * The realities of burnout in the professional dance world * The culture of negative self-talk and perfectionism in dance * Why rest feels so difficult for many dancers * Simple nervous system regulation techniques dancers can use every day * The benefits of meditation, visualization, and journaling * How mental rehearsal can improve performance without physical strain * The inspiration behind Inner Studio and how it supports dancers * Why dance educators should introduce wellness tools earlier in training * The importance of trusting your own inner wisdom throughout your career Connect with Rylie WEBSITE: https://inner-studio-affiliate-program.peachs.co/a/caitlin-sloan-1 (affiliate link) INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/innerstudio.app/ [https://www.instagram.com/innerstudio.app/] Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by professional dancer Ashley Talluto to talk about the realities of building a career in New York City. Ashley dives into how she transitioned from ballet into musical theater and how auditions, casting, and unions work in the musical theater world. She also shares what it's like to tour with major productions like West Side Story, Flashdance, and An American in Paris and gives us invaluable insight into the life of a swing and dance captain. This episode is full of wisdom from a veteran dancer. If you've ever considered what it might be like to build a dancer career outside of the ballet company ecosystem, this is a must-listen! Key "Pointes" in this Episode: * Why Ashley chose college and how the Boston Conservatory prepared her for professional dance life * The realities of moving to New York City as a dancer (survival jobs, balancing auditions, and building a sustainable career) * The differences between ballet and Broadway audition processes * The pros and cons of joining Actors' Equity * Why performance quality matters just as much as technique in musical theater * What life is actually like on national and international tours * The intense responsibility of being a swing in a Broadway production * What a dance captain does and why the role is so important Connect with Ashley WEBSITE: Ashleytalluto.com [http://ashleytalluto.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ashleytalluto [http://instagram.com/ashleytalluto] Links & Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Ashley Thorndike is a licensed clinical professional counselor, longtime dance educator, and founder of Dance and College Counseling. With a PhD in Dance Studies, an MEd in Counselor Education, and a BFA in Modern Dance, she brings a rare combination of mental health expertise and firsthand academic experience to college and career planning for dancers. Ashley and I are both products of college dance programs and have gone on to mentor dancers through this process, so I absolutely loved connecting over this topic! Our conversation is jam-packed with everything from the complex admissions process to building a broad, sustainable career in dance. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: * Ashley's winding path into dance and her academic journey through the University of Utah, the University of Virginia, and Ohio State University where she became the first person to earn a PhD in dance studies. * The biggest mistakes dancers make when applying to college dance programs. * How families can explore financial options when loans and personal resources do not cover the cost of a dance education. * How to identify the right college fit as a dancer and what to look for during your search. * The importance of moving beyond a one-lane mindset and exploring the many paths available within the dance world. * Why college is a uniquely valuable time to explore interests beyond dance. * How a long, meaningful dance career can take many different shapes, even beyond performing on stage. * What dance faculty are looking for at auditions, based on Ashley's experience serving on an admissions committee. * How to approach your interview as a dance applicant and what questions you should and should not be asking. * Advice for parents who feel uncertain about their child pursuing dance as a college and career path. Connect with Ashley: Ashley's College Planning Guide: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/guide Ashley's Website: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/ Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danceandcollegecounseling/ Links and Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] ($20 off all Orza Pro® 2.0 ballet shoes June 22nd through the 28th with ORZA day deals - no code needed!) Let's connect! MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by former professional dancer and Arts in Health professional Kate Webb Berk to explore the powerful connection between dance and health. Kate shares her journey from dancing professionally with Verb Ballets (now Ohio Contemporary Ballet) to pursuing a master's degree in Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida, where she focuses on social prescribing and arts-based health interventions. We dive into the growing field of arts in health, why dance is uniquely impactful for mental and physical wellbeing, and how movement and community can combat the loneliness epidemic. This conversation is both deeply validating for dancers and eye-opening for anyone interested in the science behind why dance matters. Key "Pointes" in this Episode: * What "social prescribing" is and how it's changing healthcare systems * Why dance is considered one of the most effective arts in health interventions * How dancers can reconnect with the initial joy that brought them to dance in the first place * The powerful physiological and emotional benefits of community and shared movement * Why the arts are not luxuries but an intrinsic part of us and truly essential to human health (backed by research!) Connect with Kate WEBSITE: https://artsinmotionwellness.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/katestahgram [http://instagram.com/katestahgram] Resources Mentioned in this Episode: * Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives [https://amzn.to/4dfCgCE] by Dr. Daisy Fancourt (affiliate link) * University of Florida Arts in Medicine Program [https://arts.ufl.edu/programs-schools/center-for-arts-in-medicine/] * Jameel Arts & Health Lab [https://www.jameelartshealthlab.org/] * Ohio Social Prescribing Collaborative [https://ohiosocialprescribingcollaborative.com/] SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Physiotherapist and dance medicine specialist Erika Mayall, founder of Allegro Performance + Wellness in Vancouver, BC, joins us to share expert guidance on managing and preventing injuries during a dancer's busiest seasons. Erika breaks down why high-stakes periods like auditions, competitions, and intensives carry such elevated injury risk, and what dancers can do to protect themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. She walks us through how to build a smarter annual training calendar, how fatigue directly increases injury risk, and practical strategies for recovery even when a full night's sleep isn't realistic. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: * Why auditions, competitions, and intensives are the highest-risk times of year for dancers. * The physical and emotional/mental aspect of dance injuries. * Warning signs that a dancer may be heading toward injury. * How to tell the difference between normal muscle soreness and an injury. * What a well-structured dance season should look like and when to prioritize strength and flexibility vs. rest and recovery. * The science behind fatigue and injury risk. * Practical tips for recovery when getting more sleep isn't possible. Connect with Erika: Follow Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancephysioerika/ Allegro Performance's Website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/ Listen to The Dance Physio Podcast: https://www.allegroperformance.com/podcast Links and Resources: BRANDLLET: https://www.brandllet.com/ Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Let's connect! MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected] This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by my mom, Brenda Younker, for an honest conversation about what it's really like to raise a professional dancer. After hearing from so many parents who feel overwhelmed trying to navigate the ballet world, I decided to bring my mom on the pod to share her firsthand experience. We dive into everything, including the whirlwind of pre-professional training, summer intensives, injuries, college decisions, and ultimately building a professional dance career. From backstage memories and pointe shoe fittings to navigating casting disappointments and learning how to communicate through difficult decisions, this episode is filled with insight, humor, and heartfelt advice for dancers and parents alike. Key "Pointes" in this Episode * My late start in ballet at the age of 10 and how quickly my training accelerated * The emotional and logistical reality of navigating summer intensives and pre-professional opportunities * How parents learn the "language" of the ballet world alongside their dancers * The pressure of making career-defining decisions at a very young age * Choosing between college and a direct professional path * The importance of dancers developing identities outside of ballet * Advice for parents on supporting their dancer without overstepping * Why dancers need trusted adults and mentors outside of their parents Links and Resources: Brandllet: www.brandllet.com [http://www.brandllet.com/] ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by Courtney Anderson - former dancer with San Francisco Ballet, The Royal Ballet of Flanders, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, and now the founder of The Workshop. The Workshop is a series of 5 week-long summer intensives created for professional dancers seeking deeper artistic growth, expanded versatility, and meaningful creative process. Dancers will work with internationally recognized choreographers and répétiteurs including: * Jim Vincent, Répétiteur for Nacho Duato * Glenn Edgerton, Répétiteur for Jiri Kylian * Courtney Richardson, Répétiteur for David Dawson * Cindy Welik- Salgado, Répétiteur for Crystal Pite * Jill Johnson, Répétiteur for William Forsythe * Omar Roman De Jesus, Director of Boca Tuya * Sidra Bell, Director of Sidra Bell Dance New York * Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Choreographer * Babatunji, Choreographer * Houston Thomas, Choreographer This intensive is perfect for professional dancers looking to explore movement more deeply, refine their partnering and improvisation skills, and strengthen their artistic voice, particularly when approaching contemporary work or new creations. Key "Pointes" in this Episode: * Key differences between dancing in the U.S. vs. Europe * Why artistry (not just technique) is what actually gets you hired * How The Workshop is filling a major gap in the dance industry * Why investing in your training as a professional can change the trajectory of your career Learn more about The Workshop: WEBSITE: www.theworkshop.dance [http://www.theworkshop.dance/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/theworkshop.dance [http://instagram.com/theworkshop.dance] Links and Resources: ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

This week on The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by the incredible Tiffany Rea-Fisher: Artistic Director of EMERGE125, award-winning choreographer, and a true force in the dance world. Tiffany shares her journey from growing up as a competition kid on the West Coast, to discovering modern dance at SUNY Purchase, and now celebrating her 10th season leading EMERGE125, a contemporary modern dance company in New York City. Tiffany's perspective on leadership, from servant leadership to a more collaborative, transformative model, is something every dancer (and human!) can learn from. I am incredibly inspired by the way she builds a company culture rooted in both rigor and joy, where dancers feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves into the room. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: * What Tiffany looks for when hiring dancers * Her concept of "disruption through inclusion" and why diversity is a creative superpower * The role artists play in shaping culture and reminding us to be brave * How motherhood has influenced her leadership style and boundaries * Building a financially sustainable arts organization through challenging times * Why community is the key to longevity in the dance industry Connect with Tiffany: EMERGE125 WEBSITE: https://emerge125.org/ EMERGE125 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emerge125/ TIFFANY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/treafisher/ Links and Resources: ORZA: Use code 'BRAINYBALLERINA' for 10% off: https://orzabrand.com/ Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Let's connect! MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected] This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.

Anna Mai Fitzpatrick, Principal Dancer with Riverdance, joins The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ahead of the company's April 14-16th performances at the Overture Center in Madison, WI. Anna shares an inside look at her journey from a young Irish dancer to performing on stages around the world with Riverdance. We dive into the unique demands of Irish dance, what it's like to transition from competitive dancer to professional performer, and how Anna found her voice as a Principal Dancer. Key "Pointes" in this Episode: * The unique technique and structure of Irish dance * What it's like to transition from the competition world to a professional show * The challenge of finding individuality within an iconic role * What life on tour is actually like (physically and mentally) * The importance of teamwork in a touring company * Behind-the-scenes: warm-ups, recovery, and show routines * What makes Riverdance 30: The New Generation so special Connect with Anna: INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/annamaifitz/ [http://instagram.com/annamaifitz/] Connect with Riverdance WEBSITE: https://riverdance.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/riverdance/ [http://instagram.com/riverdance/] Links and Resources: Chronicle Studio APP: https://chroniclestudio.passion.io/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/chronicle_cdt_studio/ [http://instagram.com/chronicle_cdt_studio/] FACEBOOK: facebook.com/chronicleCDTstudio [http://facebook.com/chronicleCDTstudio] MORE INFO: allongefilms.com/chroniclestudio [http://allongefilms.com/chroniclestudio] 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by former professional dancer and writer Gavin Larsen and renowned dance photographer Gene Schiavone to discuss their collaborative book Infinite Steps: Thirty-Three Dancers and Their Lives in Ballet, a powerful collection that pairs intimate essays with striking photography. Together we explore how storytelling and imagery reveal the humanity behind ballet, the diverse paths dancers take, and the deeper purpose that sustains a life in dance. Key Points in this Episode: * How Gene's original book idea evolved into a collaboration with Gavin to bring deeper storytelling to his photographs * The beauty of preserving a dancer's fleeting career in photographs and essays * The importance of showing the humanity behind the dancers * The commonalities they saw between the dancers interviewed: a strong sense of purpose drives dancers more than external success, the daily work matters more than performance highs, and every career path is unique Connect with Gavin: WEBSITE: www.gavinlarsen.com [http://www.gavinlarsen.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/gavinalarsen [http://instagram.com/gavinalarsen] EPISODE 62: The Truth About Being a Ballerina with Gavin Larsen [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6zjsfLC9P3zHJ1mckh2dNq?si=ImN-05rNRcC5NlCDbM2Vjw] Connect with Gene: WEBSITE: www.geneschiavone.com [http://www.geneschiavone.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/geneschiavoneofficial [http://instagram.com/geneschiavoneofficial] Get your copy of Infinite Steps: AMAZON: https://amzn.to/4lUWSUS (affiliate link) UNIVERSITY PRESS OF FLORIDA: https://floridapress.org/9780813081502/infinite-steps/ Links and Resources: Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/the-brainy-ballerina-book-club] Connect with Chronicle Studio APP: https://chroniclestudio.passion.io/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/chronicle_cdt_studio/ [http://instagram.com/chronicle_cdt_studio/] FACEBOOK: facebook.com/chronicleCDTstudio [http://facebook.com/chronicleCDTstudio] MORE INFO: allongefilms.com/chroniclestudio [http://allongefilms.com/chroniclestudio] 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]