This is a rerelease of one of our popular episodes from our series on ballet summer intensives. Wondering how much the RAs see of student antics? More than you think! We're talking with Robert Fulton and Camille Kellems, both professional dancers and also RAs at ballet summer intensives. Get ready for a mix of insider info that's helpful for parents as well as hilarious anecdotes as Robert and Camille let us in on what really goes on behind the scenes. From dorm shenanigans to studio mishaps, th...
Jul 02, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 121
What do ballet teachers really want students and parents to understand? In this episode of #NoThirds , we tackle issues in ballet training from the perspective of the teacher -- what frustrates them, what motivates them, and what they wish families better understood about the training process. From managing expectations to building trust, we dig into the unseen dynamics that shape every class and rehearsal and student/teacher relationship. Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School ...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 120
Miriam Landis trained at the School of American Ballet, danced with Miami City Ballet, and now teaches at Pacific Northwest Ballet, all experiences that informed her work as the author of three young adult novels set in the ballet world. In this episode, she talks about the reality of the professional ballet path, the emotional and practical sides of stepping away from performing, and how her cultural background shaped her journey. Miriam also discusses what led her to transition out of ballet, ...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 1Ep. 119
In Part 2 of our two-part interview with physical therapist Erika Mayall, we explore how ballet schools are supporting dancer health—and where they still fall short. Erika offers practical advice for dancers and families without access to dance-specific care, busts common ballet injury myths, and shares her favorite recovery tools and daily habits for long-term wellness. She also discusses how to recognize genuine wellness support versus “checking the box” in schools and what one key change coul...
Jun 19, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 118
In Part 1 of our two-part interview with physical therapist Erika Mayall of Allegro Performance and Wellness, we dive into why ballet dancers need specialized care from providers who truly understand the unique demands ballet puts on the body. Erika shares her journey into working with dancers, how injury prevention differs for ballet artists, common misdiagnoses, and early warning signs dancers and parents should watch for. She also offers guidance on choosing the right specialist and how dance...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 117
Considering full-time or summer training at Louisville Ballet? Artistic Director Mikelle Bruzina and School Director Christy Corbitt Krieger explain how the school is structured, what the studio company experience involves, and how dancers transition into professional careers. They also share insights on tuition, housing, casting, and how dancers are recruited. This episode offers a clear, behind-the-scenes look for dancers and families exploring the path through Louisville Ballet. Learn more ab...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 116
Former San Francisco Ballet soloist Madison Keesler shares the twists and turns of her ballet path—from falling in love with dance to navigating career pivots and returning to SFB more than once. She talks about leaving at the height of her career, what she’s up to now in New York, and the launch of Pointe of View , her new consulting business for dancers. Plus, she offers thoughtful advice for students hoping to go pro. You can find Madison on Instagram: @madisonkeesler or on her website Intere...
Jun 04, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 1Ep. 115
Ballet competitions are more common than ever—but do dancers really need them? In our latest episode of #NoThirds, Fran weighs in on the role competitions play in today’s training landscape. He tackles key questions from parents and dancers alike: Are comps essential for landing trainee or second company spots? Do they actually help with long-term career goals? Why are so many schools and companies participating now? What’s the real value compared to strong training and company performances? Fra...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 114
Victoria Mazzarelli, Artistic Director of the Nutmeg Conservatory, joins us to share what sets this independent ballet conservatory apart. Widely known for its warm and nurturing environment, Victoria covers everything from curriculum and housing to performance opportunities, as well as the school's postgraduate program. She also explains how Nutmeg supports its students both in and out of the studio, what kind of dancer thrives in their environment, and how they help students navigate big decis...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 113
We all know that dancers have their own unique style. Welcome to our interview with the founders of Barre Trash, Lucas Labrador and Louis DeFelice as they let us in on ballet’s not-so-glamorous side—with honesty, humor, and a sharp eye for merch. In this episode, they talk about how Barre Trash was born, what the name really means, and how their side hustle turned into a platform for both laughter and change. From surviving on dancer salaries to calling out industry nonsense, Lucas and Louis sha...
May 21, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 112
Why open a ballet school in San Antonio? Former Pacific Northwest Ballet principals Lindsi Dec and Karel Cruz share what inspired them to found DeCruz Ballet, how their training model stands apart, and where they see their school fitting into the evolving ballet ecosystem. They discuss everything from attracting male students and navigating competition culture, to counseling dancers through audition season and offering guidance on college ballet paths and postgrad training. With honest insight a...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 111
Silas Farley walked away from his performing career while he was arguably at the top of his game. In this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Farley—former New York City Ballet dancer and current choreographer, educator, and leader—reflects on his journey through the ballet world. He shares how his cultural background shaped his experience, the pressures of representation, and what ultimately led him to step away from the stage at a young age. Silas opens up about the emotional challeng...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 110
In Part 2 of our conversation with Fran Veyette, we dig into the realities of postgraduate training—what kind of “help” programs actually offer (and what dancers should be asking for), how long is too long to stay in a bridge program, and why some dancers move quickly into company jobs while others spin their wheels. We talk about whether dancers are truly company-ready at high school graduation, the myth (or not) of lateral moves, and the sometimes unspoken rules of getting hired. Plus: Fran’s ...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 109
Jackie Kopcsak, a founding faculty member and Associate Professor of Practice at USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, joins us to unpack what makes USC’s program unique—from its one-of-a-kind curriculum and career planning resources to how students balance ballet, choreography, and cross-disciplinary training. We discuss what the school looks for in applicants, how students launch into professional dance and arts careers, and why USC’s location in Los Angeles opens doors for both training and job...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 108
Postgraduate ballet training is often sold as the final step before a professional contract—but how much of what dancers and parents hear is actually true? In this first episode of a two-part series, Fran Veyette joins us to break down the current state of postgraduate programs. We talk about the rise of bridge-level training, how to evaluate the value of doing a second year in a program, and whether the “big name” schools really give dancers an edge. Fran also shares his take on the gender gap ...
Apr 24, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 107
Elizabeth Gillaspy and Jessica Zeller of Texas Christian University join us to break down what makes TCU’s dance program unique—from its dual emphasis on ballet and modern, to performance and choreographic opportunities, to how it prepares students for both performing and dance-adjacent careers. They walk us through a typical day of training, the audition and admissions process, and what TCU looks for in prospective students. We also discuss challenges in attracting male dancers, how students sp...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 106
Michael Bearden, Director of the University of Oklahoma School of Dance, joins us to talk about what makes OU’s program stand out. With three distinct tracks—ballet, modern, and pedagogy—OU offers a robust performance schedule, new choreographic opportunities, and wellness support for its students. We dig into the admission process, scholarship landscape, and what career outcomes look like for OU grads. Michael also shares advice for dancers choosing between college and company life, and gives i...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 105
Allison DeBona took the road less traveled—college before company—and it led to a successful ballet career. In this episode, she breaks down why she chose Indiana University, what she gained from the experience, and how the college route stacks up against full-time conservatory training. We talk about career outcomes, adjustment challenges, and shifting industry perceptions around college ballet programs. She also answers whether or not she would choose the same path again. If you're weighing co...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 104
Pointe shoe fittings can feel like a mystery—but Riley Weber, a well-known pointe shoe fitter for Nikolay, is here to break it all down! In this episode, we talk about what to expect at a fitting, how to tell if a fitter knows what they’re doing, and why dancers shouldn’t just settle for “fine.” Riley addresses common fitting issues (like sinking!), the truth about toe pads, and why some shoes are impossible to get in stock. Plus, we get into listener questions on hypermobility, online fittings,...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Boys in ballet face unique challenges—but also unique opportunities. In this episode of #NoThirds , Fran Veyette gets real about training, summer intensives, scholarships for boys, and what needs to change to better support young male dancers on their journey. Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School More Links: Support Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals Instagram: @ BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Ballet Help Desk Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 102
Before stepping onto pointe, make sure you're ready. Dr. Selina Shah, a sports and dance medicine specialist, shares what dancers and parents need to know— from the ideal starting age to strength exercises, medical evaluations, and the impact of hypermobility. With experience treating professional dancers, Broadway performers, and Olympic athletes, she also offers tips on working with fitters, toe pads, and turnout to ensure a safe transition to pointe. Learn more about Dr. Shah : More Links: Su...
Mar 26, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 101
Pacific Northwest Ballet School operates differently from many other company-affiliated programs. In this episode, Denise Bolstad, Managing Director of PNB School, breaks down what sets it apart. We explore the structure of the Professional Division, how dancers are selected, training expectations, performance opportunities, and the path from PD to the main company. Denise also shares insights on recruitment, summer intensive considerations, and how PNB supports dancers who don’t get promoted. I...
Mar 19, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 100
Elizabeth Yntema and Tracey Bonner, from the Dance Data Project, join us to discuss their mission to shine a light gender inequity in ballet. They share how their data-driven research highlights gaps in leadership roles, how parents and dancers can use their findings, and the changes they've seen since launching the organization. Hear how DDP is working to create a more inclusive ballet world — and what steps they believe are still needed. Learn More about the Dance Data Project on their website...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 1Ep. 99
Tai Jimenez, Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem School, joins us to discuss her journey in ballet and her vision for training the next generation of dancers. She breaks down the school’s structure, why DTH remains an afterschool program, her plans for future growth of their trianing programs as well as how they help students transition into professional careers. We also explore the current job market, the challenges of rebuilding boys’ programs post-COVID, and DTH’s efforts to change percep...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 98
Introducing #NoThirds , an unfiltered look at what really happens behind the scenes in ballet. Ballet Help Desk is joined by Fran Veyette, as he pulls back the curtain on the realities of training, company life, and the industry’s unspoken rules. No scripts or platitudes — just honest conversations about what dancers and parents need to know. Links: Support Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals Instagram: @ BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Ballet Help Desk Music from #Uppbeat: https:/...
Feb 27, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Christopher Alloways-Ramsey recently took the helm at Orlando Ballet School, and we sat down with him to discuss his vision, challenges, and what’s next for the school. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on the structure of the academy, including postgraduate levels, recruitment pathways, and how Orlando Ballet transitions dancers from student to professional. We also cover audience questions, including details on the school’s new college credit collaboration, summer intensive plans, and su...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Grace Holmes, the head of San Francisco Ballet School, joins us to discuss her vision for the school, from training curriculum and performance opportunities to scholarships and student wellness. We also discussed the culture at SFBS, recent changes to the trainee program, and how the school prepares students for professional careers. Tune in for an in-depth look at one of the country’s top ballet schools and what’s ahead under her leadership. You can learn more about San Francisco Ballet School ...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 95
The European ballet training system has long been admired, but how does it really compare to training in the U.S.? In this episode, we sit down with Stephanie Potreck, founder of Aus Dancers Overseas, to discuss the key differences, the biggest challenges European ballet schools have faced, and how recent scandals have sparked change. We also explore the role of journalists in exposing abuse, the effectiveness of wellness programs, and what it takes to truly reform ballet education. If you’ve ev...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Season 1Ep. 94
We sit down with Cynthia Harvey to discuss the Prix de Lausanne, one of the world’s top ballet competitions. Cynthia shares how she got started in ballet, key moments in her training, and the teachers who influenced her career. We also explore the history of the Prix, how students are selected, what happens during the week in Lausanne, and how winners are chosen. Cynthia offers valuable insights into coaching, choreography, and the role competitions play in ballet training today. Links: Support ...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Join us for a conversation with Brittany Cavaco, founder of The Ballet Agency. Brittany explains how her agency connects top-tier dancers and ballet artists with media projects, elevating the quality of ballet in entertainment. She also shares how she's helping dancers impacted by natural disasters, providing much-needed support during challenging times. Learn more about The Ballet Agency If you are a dancer in need of assistance, please fill out this form If you would like to help, you can DM B...
Jan 29, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 92
