9: The Transformative Power of Dance — Mikko Nissinen

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra chats with Mikko Nissinen, Artistic Director of the Boston Ballet and Boston Ballet School — the largest ballet school in North America. Mikko was born in Finland and has danced for numerous ballet companies, including the Finnish National Ballet, the Dutch National Ballet, Basel Ballet, and the San Fransisco Ballet, where he spent a full decade as principal dancer. Prior to his current role, Mikko served as Executive Director of the Boston Ballet, where he carried out a number of large-scale efforts such as a complete company rebrand and a move to a new, permanent performance home — the Boston Opera House.

Nissinen loves the art of ballet, and his passion for the craft is evident through his life and words. On the podcast, he discusses how dance has a transformative power that can even impact entire cultures. Mikko spends some time reflecting on his career as a dancer and how his best dance experiences have been rooted in the camaraderie of dancers that are selflessly performing for the good of the company. Perhaps most importantly, Mikko shares advice that is applicable for both dancers and non-dancers about leaning into your strengths and sharpening your weaknesses through diligent practice.