The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

In this episode of the Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I am joined by Stanton Welch, Artistic Director of Houston Ballet and internationally renowned choreographer. Stanton shares the unconventional path that led him to ballet, from growing up backstage with his parents, principal dancers with the Australian Ballet, to falling in love with dance at 16 and training at San Francisco Ballet School before joining The Australian Ballet. We talk about his transition from dancer to choreographer to artistic director, how his creative process has evolved over the years, and what inspires him when creating new works. Stanton also gives an inside look at how he programs seasons for Houston Ballet, what he looks for in dancers during auditions, and the type of culture he strives to create within the company. A major focus of this conversation is Youth America Grand Prix and Houston Ballet hosting the YAGP Finals for the first time. Stanton shares valuable advice for dancers navigating competitions, auditions, setbacks, and social media in today's dance world. He discusses why competitions are about far more than winning, how directors actually evaluate dancers, and the importance of resilience and long-term career thinking. This episode is full of insight for aspiring professional dancers, teachers, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of building a sustainable career in ballet. Key Points From This Episode: * Why Stanton Welch didn't start ballet until age 16 * How he began choreographing while still dancing professionally and what keeps him inspired all these years later * How Houston Ballet approaches company culture * What makes a dancer stand out in auditions and competitions Connect with Stanton & Houston Ballet WEBSITE: https://www.houstonballet.org [https://www.houstonballet.org/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/houstonballet [http://instagram.com/houstonballet] 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 caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

I can't believe we made it to the 100th episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast!!! Only a small percentage of podcasts make it this far, and I'm so grateful to you for making this show part of your week. I wouldn't be here without you. In honor of 100 episodes, I'm reflecting on one theme that has shaped my entire dance career: doing things that scare me. Key "pointes" in this episode: * My MASSIVE fear of public speaking growing up, and how teaching dance was the first step in helping me gain confidence * What it felt like to move across the country alone for my very first company contract, and the doors that it opened for me * How showing my face and using my voice completely changed the trajectory of The Brainy Ballerian * My experience with choreography and how saying "yes" before feeling ready opened new doors * Why having a safe space to try things (without pressure to be perfect) makes all the difference My biggest takeaway: the only way to know if you can do something is to try. Here's to the next 100 episodes! Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by Seth and Sarah Orza - former principal dancers with Pacific Northwest Ballet and the founders of ORZA. Seth and Sarah share their incredible journey from meeting as teenagers at the School of American Ballet to building careers together both on and off-stage. We dive into the realities of dancing through pain, the lack of innovation in ballet footwear, and how their personal injury experiences led to a groundbreaking solution. Seth takes us behind the scenes of developing the first-ever patented shock-absorbing ballet shoe, designed to better support dancers' bodies without sacrificing the aesthetic demands of the art form. We also explore the bigger picture: how dancers are often underserved when it comes to proper equipment, the long-term impact of training on inadequate flooring, and why the "suffering for your art" mindset needs to change. Whether you're a student, professional dancer, or someone navigating life after dance, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiration for what's possible beyond the stage. Key "Pointes" in this Episode: * The injuries that sparked the idea for a shock-absorbing ballet shoe * Why traditional ballet footwear hasn't kept up with athletic innovation * The process of designing and manufacturing a completely new kind of dance shoe * What dancers actually feel when wearing shock-absorbing shoes * The impact of poor flooring and training environments on dancers' bodies * Transferable skills from dance that translate into entrepreneurship * What dancers should know as they prepare for life after their performing careers Connect with ORZA: WEBSITE: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off your ORZA shoes) INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/orzabrand [http://instagram.com/orzabrand] 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 caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

Penny Saunders is an absolute force in the dance world and a choreographer every dancer dreams of working with. But before she was a choreographer, she was a dynamic performer dancing with companies including American Repertory Ballet, Ballet Arizona, MOMIX, Cedar Lake, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. She is now an acclaimed choreographer who has created works for companies including Grand Rapids Ballet, Hubbard Street, Cincinnati Ballet, Whim W'Him, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Parsons Dance, Oklahoma City Ballet, BalletX, Sacramento Ballet, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Diablo Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Eugene Ballet, ArtEmotion/Ballet West and Seattle Dance Collective, among others. In this episode, Penny shares how her early training shaped her independence, and what it really looked like to transition from a classical dancer into a contemporary artist. We also dive into her evolution as a choreographer, the moment she finally claimed that title, and how motherhood has influenced both her creative process and career. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: * Training at Harid Conservatory and how dance fostered independence at a young age. * Her transition into a professional career with her first job at American Repertory Ballet. * Navigating the transition from classical ballet to contemporary dance. * The story behind one of her favorite performance experiences and falling in love with her husband. * Taking the leap into choreography at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. * Overcoming imposter syndrome and growing into the identity of "choreographer". * Balancing motherhood with a demanding dance career and why it matters for children to see their parents pursuing fulfilling work. * Adapting choreography across different companies while staying true to her voice. * An inside look at her current commissions, including Romeo & Juliet with Diablo Ballet and Sherlock Holmes co-produced by Ballet Idaho, Grand Rapids Ballet, and Nashville Ballet. Connect with Penny: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/pennyfix/ 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] 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 caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by Natalie Bowman and LeeAnaca Moore, the creators behind Tights Under - a social media platform that began as a creative outlet during their time in the Professional Division at Pacific Northwest Ballet. What started as a way to document the "in-between" stage of ballet life has grown into a beloved and refreshingly honest look at the realities of pursuing a professional ballet career (and beyond!). Natalie and LeeAnaca share what pre-professional life is really like, how they navigated audition season, what surprised them most about dancing with a company, and how their friendship has supported them through every step of the transition into professional careers. These two young women are wise beyond their years - this is an incredibly refreshing conversation showcasing a beautiful female friendship. You won't be able to help but smile while tuning in. Key Points in this Episode: * What pre-professional ballet life really looks like * What it's like living inside the ballet bubble * Navigating audition season and career uncertainty * The beauty of having a close friendship to support you and give you perspective in a competitive industry * The pressure, stress, and growth that occur while in a trainee program * Building a ballet platform rooted in honesty, not perfection Connect with Tights Under: INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tights_under [http://instagram.com/tights_under] TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@tightsunder [http://tiktok.com/@tightsunder] YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@tightsunder [http://youtube.com/@tightsunder] Links and Resources: SHOP Prima Club! theprimaclub.com [https://theprimaclub.com/] (use code brainyballerina for 15% off all orders March 16-April 1, 2026) 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 caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

In this episode, I'm joined by sports psychologist Dr. Chelsea Pierotti and personal trainer and coach Wendy Reinert to explore powerful mental performance lessons from the Winter Olympics. From autonomy and burnout to confidence, resilience, and handling mistakes, we break down what elite athletes can teach dancers about performing under pressure. Key Points in this Episode * The importance of autonomy and motivation in long-term performance * Why dancers need a support system or "village" * How to develop healthy confidence without arrogance * The role of failure and resilience in elite performance * Practical self-talk strategies dancers can use in training and performance Connect with Dr. Chelsea: HER WEBSITE: chelseapierotti.com [https://chelseapierotti.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/dr.chelsea.pierotti [https://instagram.com/dr.chelsea.pierotti] PODCAST: chelseapierotti.com/podcast/ [http://chelseapierotti.com/podcast/] Connect with Wendy: HER WEBSITE: Wendyreinert.com [http://wendyreinert.com/] ON BEING A DANCER: Beingadancer.com [http://beingadancer.com/] INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/onbeingadancer Related Episodes: 07. Becoming a Mentally Tough Dancer with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QcvnTIuEN7hOUAXHncYLN?si=esr2WC-rRYKCawV9mZ-wSQ] 23. A Holistic Approach to Strength Training with Wendy Reinert [https://open.spotify.com/episode/71e3a5XFHbTwkYPkBIMJVu?si=BtMWLphWQS6SMes8VsNa3Q] Links and Resources: 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 caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

This week on The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by Janessa Urwin: former professional ballerina, Resident Costume Designer for American Repertory Ballet, and founder of Florimund's, a luxury ballet costume rental company. Janessa shares her unique journey from dancer to designer, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet costuming. We talk about everything from constructing tutus that survive decades of performances to helping dancers feel confident and transformed the moment they step on stage. We also chat about career pivots, creative entrepreneurship, and the many meaningful ways to build a life in ballet beyond performing. Whether you're a dancer, teacher, studio owner, or just love the magic of ballet productions, this episode will give you a peek behind the seams at the passion and work that goes into crafting gorgeous costumes. Key Points in this Episode: * How Janessa began learning the art of costume design while still dancing professionally * What the costume design process really looks like and the unique challenges of designing for dancers * How ballet costumes are built to last and get passed down through generations * Practical tips for dancers during costume fittings (what to speak up about!) * Why beautiful, well-fitting costumes elevate performance and confidence * Founding Florimund's to simplify the costume rental process and make high-quality tutus accessible for everyone! Connect with Florimund's: WEBSITE: florimunds.com [http://florimunds.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/florimunds [http://instagram.com/florimunds] Links and Resources: 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 caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

Self-care gets marketed as bubble baths and spa days. But for dancers, real self-care is often much less glamorous and much more powerful. In this solo episode, I break down what sustainable self-care actually looks like for dancers who want long, healthy, fulfilling careers. From sleep and hydration to decision fatigue, physical therapy, and getting off social media, this conversation focuses on the small, proactive habits that protect your body, brain, and soul. Because true self-care isn't reactive; it's the daily basics that make everything else easier. If you've been feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you're constantly playing catch-up with your health, this episode is your reminder to go back to the foundations. Resources mentioned in this episode: Self Care for Dancers Blog Post: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/self-care-for-dancers-that-actually-works Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/the-brainy-ballerina-book-club The Lazy Genius: https://amzn.to/45Kuxty (affiliate link) Brick: https://getbrick.app [https://getbrick.app/] Related episodes: BONUS: The Impact of the Ballet World's Obsession with Weight with Dr. Stephanie Potreck [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XG2hitKA9GTmlviUxs1bH?si=8_KB_7csQP6QLT7SQzIurg] 23. A Holistic Approach to Strength Training with Wendy Reinert [https://open.spotify.com/episode/71e3a5XFHbTwkYPkBIMJVu?si=4Xq0EqyzQ0qHkPsKdxBdhA] 25. Nourishing Dancers: a Conversation on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders with Registered Dietitian Monika Saigal [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Y6xGmA8ebPSCt1V0lNh8s?si=EslZMEu1SIGw-I1u8ADixw] 68. Fueling the Mind-Body Connection with Registered Sports Dietitian Lisa Rivera [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0h2EzZQgxVm1lIY1m4fqvo?si=iXsftgUeSDySKOhGPT18nQ] 84. 2025 Year in Review and Being Where Your Feet Are in 2026 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dq9sbvtBzfk1WYFsuqZDD?si=7m_9jtRHS-e431I4jiU_QQ] Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina podcast, I'm joined by Margaret Mullin, Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson and former Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist, for an honest conversation about career longevity, leadership, and what it truly takes to sustain a life in ballet, both on and off the stage. Margaret shares her journey from an aspiring dancer growing up in Tucson, to a 14-season professional career at PNB, and ultimately to stepping into artistic directorship during one of the most uncertain moments in our industry. Along the way, she opens up about the realities dancers don't always expect: the sudden drop-off in feedback after joining a major company, the emotional weight of being passed over, and the resilience required to keep showing up. This episode is a must-listen for dancers navigating career transitions, educators thinking about the bigger picture of arts training, and anyone curious about how thoughtful, human-centered leadership can shape the future of ballet. Key Points in This Episode: * Training at home vs. leaving early, and the long-term benefits of having access to quality dance training in your community * The reality of transitioning from student to professional, including the sudden drop in feedback * Why dancers must learn to advocate for themselves and seek out mentorship * The emotional impact of casting, being passed over, and finding value beyond roles * Why process matters more than performance in long-term artistic growth * Skills beyond technique that support career longevity: discipline, resilience, and follow-through * Preparing for leadership and life after performance before retirement arrives * Why artistic directors need education in management, leadership, and nonprofit work * Rethinking what healthy, human-centered leadership in ballet can be Connect with Margaret: WEBSITE: ballettucson.org [http://ballettucson.org/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/margaretmullin [http://instagram.com/margaretmullin] BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ballettucson [http://instagram.com/ballettucson] SCHOOL OF BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/schoolofballettucson [http://instagram.com/schoolofballettucson] Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide] Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by Josephine Lee, founder and CEO of The Pointe Shop and the first official pointe shoe fitter of San Francisco Ballet. With over 15 years of experience, Josephine is one of the most influential and trusted pointe shoe fitters in the world. We dive deep into what actually makes a pointe shoe right (or wrong), why pain is not something dancers should push through, and how pointe shoe fitting is a dynamic, ever-changing process throughout a dancer's career. Josephine also breaks down virtual pointe shoe fittings, common misconceptions dancers have about their shoes, the real risks of dancing in dead shoes, and what dancers can do to advocate for themselves, especially when they don't yet have the language to describe what they're feeling. This conversation is equal parts educational, practical, and eye-opening, and it's a must-listen for dancers at every stage, as well as teachers and parents who want to support long-term dancer health. Key Points in this Episode: * Josephine's path into pointe shoe fitting and building The Pointe Shop * Why pointe shoe fitting is not a one-and-done process * How virtual pointe shoe fittings work * Common pointe shoe misconceptions dancers have * The dangers of dancing in shoes that are too dead * The truth about "cheater shoes" and synthetic pointe shoes * What dancers should track to advocate for themselves long-term Connect with Josephine: WEBSITE: thepointeshop.com [http://thepointeshop.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepointeshop [http://instagram.com/thepointeshop] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/josephineylee [http://instagram.com/josephineylee] Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

Professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Sharon Kung is redefining what it means to build a sustainable and empowered life in dance. In this episode, Sharon shares her unconventional path through ballet, contemporary dance, higher education, and entrepreneurship, including the experiences that led her to found Ballet Trauma Club. We dive into honest conversations about dancer pay, burnout, artistic freedom, and the realities of building a long-term career in dance, along with how dancers can begin reshaping the industry from the inside out. Key Points in this Episode: * Sharon's early relationship with dance and her training in Hong Kong through the Royal Academy of Dance * Transitioning to the U.S. dance world and discovering contemporary dance at Juilliard * Double majoring in dance performance and economics at UC Irvine and what dancers should consider before taking that path * Her first professional contract with Thodos Dance Chicago and navigating cultural shifts in the industry * Differences between dance work in the U.S., Europe, and Asia * The inspiration behind Ballet Trauma Club and the conversations Sharon hopes to spark around sustainability, trauma, and pay equity in ballet * Systems Sharon uses to avoid burnout while building a creative business Connect with Sharon: Follow Ballet Trauma Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballettraumaclub/ Shop Ballet Trauma Club's Website: https://ballettraumaclub.com/ (Use code BBBTC15 for 15% off your purchase!) Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.sharonkung/ Sharon's Personal Website: https://sharonkung.com/ Links and Resources: Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA 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] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.

Alexandra Light, choreographer, creative researcher, and former principal dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, joins me for a conversation that weaves together artistry, identity, and the evolution of a dancer's life. Her work has been shaped by residencies at places like Jacob's Pillow and often explores ecology, feminist history, and the body as a site of memory and transformation. At just 18, Alexandra moved into Houston Ballet's second company. She reflects on the intensity of that transition, the endurance it required, and the lifelong friendships formed during that pivotal year. She shares the lessons that helped her survive a full schedule of morning class followed by demanding rehearsals and how those habits shaped her professional resilience. For dancers who feel stronger as performers than technicians, Alexandra opens up about standing out in open calls despite feeling the same way early in her career. She walks through her progression from apprentice to principal dancer at Texas Ballet Theater, reminding us that careers are built on a blend of hard work, timing, luck, and the needs of a company. Alexandra also talks about recognizing the moment it was time to retire, a decision influenced by both intuition and logistics. Less than a year into retirement, she explains how shifting toward choreography was the biggest factor and why watching live ballet now fills her with excitement rather than longing. When asked to describe her choreography, Alexandra uses three striking words: expansive, dramatic, and curious. She shares how she builds work (from music-driven ideas to research-heavy processes) like her recent piece exploring the overlooked women who influenced Frank Lloyd Wright's success. We also discuss her commitment to making ballet more sustainable and accessible. Alexandra recounts a formative moment that drove her to create work for audiences who have never had access to ballet. She also opens up about sustaining her own creativity and the role nature plays in her artistic practice. This episode is rich with insight, honesty, and inspiration for dancers, dance lovers, and anyone navigating a creative path. Connect with Alexandra: Visit Alexandra's Website: https://www.alexandralight.art/ Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farbie/ Links and Resources: Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/theultimateauditionguide] Schedule your Complimentary Career 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] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.

Nutcracker season is here - and it's a doozy! In this encore release of one of my most popular solo episodes, I'm sharing my practical tips and heartfelt advice for dancers to not just survive but thrive during this iconic ballet season. Whether you're a student navigating school and rehearsals, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you approach the season with joy, balance, and intention And if you've been enjoying the podcast, please be sure to hit the 5-star review button and help me reach my goal of receiving 100 5-star reviews in 2025! Links and Resources: The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide] Find a specialist on Doctors for Dancers [https://doctorsfordancers.com/] Rachel Fine's To The Pointe Nutrition article [https://dancenutrition.com/nutrition-meal-planning-for-nutcracker/] for a balanced Nutcracker meal plan 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Gift Guides: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Dancers [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/2025-holiday-gift-guide-for-dancers] 2025 Nutcracker Gift Guide for Dancers [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/2025nutcracker-gift-guide-for-dancers] Related Episodes: Episode 16: Realistic Time Management Strategies for Dancers [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ChIW5lPt500epbH9BGUyL?si=OKTPNHwEQRCOA0n0mZD54A] Book Recommendation: The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairy Tale Memoir [https://amzn.to/415GCHW] by Janine Kovac (affiliate link) Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com