Libsyn Directory

Jess Spinner, The Whole Dancer, on Preparing Dancers for Audition Season

Release Date: 10/23/2024

Inside the Prix de Lausanne with Cynthia Harvey

Ballet Help Desk

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: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Brittany Cavaco, The Ballet Agency

Ballet Help Desk

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 If you are a dancer in need of assistance, please fill out this If you would like to help, you can DM Brittany at: More Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI...

Raymond Rodriguez, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School

Ballet Help Desk

Raymond Rodriguez, Dean of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School, offers an in-depth look at the school’s advanced levels, graduate program, and pathways into the main company. He shares how PBT supports dancers on their journey, covering everything from relocation advice and program structure to performance opportunities and health initiatives. Plus, insights on auditions, placement decisions, and what sets PBT apart in post-graduate training. You can learn more about at these links: More Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI...

Dominic Walsh, Oregon Ballet Theatre

Ballet Help Desk

In this episode we chat with Dominic Walsh of Oregon Ballet Theatre. He shares insights into OBT’s trainee and second company levels, including class sizes, promotion timelines, costs, and performance opportunities. He also discusses health and wellness programs, how he and his team recruit, as well as career support once dancers join the school. For dancers and parents, this episode offers practical advice and a closer look at what sets OBT’s training programs apart. You can learn more about at these links: More Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: ...

Erica Fischbach, Director of Colorado Ballet Academy

Ballet Help Desk

This week, we’re joined by Erica Fischbach, Director of Colorado Ballet Academy, to talk about the school’s full-time training programs, including the trainee and studio company levels. While the studio company is part of the main company, Erica shares everything you need to know about it. We also discuss how CBA recruits dancers, what interested students can do to be considered for admission, as well as the performance opportunities available at each level. Plus, Erica explains why Colorado Ballet Academy chooses to compete and how it benefits their dancers. Whether you're aiming for a...

Jason Yeung on the Realities of the Job Market in Ballet - A Re-Release

Ballet Help Desk

"Becoming a professional ballet dancer in the United States requires years of training, dedication, and a bit of luck. With only a few thousand full-time positions available, the path is challenging and often uncertain." These words open the DataPointes Guide, a groundbreaking report developed by former dancer Jason Yeung. We sat down with Jason to explore how he used publicly available data to create an insightful resource that highlights which ballet training programs are producing the most professional dancers. For dancers considering serious training or pursuing a career in ballet, the...

Dan Guin on Boca Ballet Theatre's Summer Workshop for College Dancers

Ballet Help Desk

Join us as we talk with Dan Guin, Co-Artistic Director of Boca Ballet Theatre, about their Advanced Summer Performance Workshop. This five-week program offers dancers the unique opportunity to work directly with artistic directors from top ballet companies, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. Dan shares how the workshop has become a launchpad for professional careers and what makes it such a standout summer experience. You can learn more about the Advanced Summer Workshop on their . Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Cindy Surman, Boca College Dance Fair

Ballet Help Desk

Ballet Help Desk interviews Cindy Surman of Boca Ballet Theater about their College Dance Fair, an event that brings together top college dance programs and aspiring dancers. Learn how the fair helps students and parents navigate higher education in dance, what sets it apart, and its role in shaping the next generation of performers. This episode offers practical insights for families weighing college dance as a potential option. You can learn more about the Boca College Dance Fair on their . Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Kit Holder, Birmingham Royal Ballet 2

Ballet Help Desk

Kit Holder, Artistic Coordinator of Birmingham Royal Ballet 2, offers an inside look at life within the company, from what a typical day looks like to the performance opportunities they can expect to the career planning support provided. He also addresses how the company prepares dancers for the demands of a professional ballet career, both inside and outside of the studio. Drawing on his graduate education in psychology, Holder shares how empathy and understanding shape his leadership style and training philosophy, and how he hopes to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of...

Nicholas Ziegler, Finnish National Ballet Youth Company

Ballet Help Desk

What’s life like in the Finnish National Ballet Youth Company? Artistic Coordinator Nicholas Ziegler shares his insights on the program, discussing the dancers’ performance schedule, the structure of their compensation as well as the professional opportunities that set this youth company apart. Hear how the program balances intensive training with real-world experience to prepare young dancers for the demands of a ballet career. You can learn more about the Finnish National Ballet Youth Company on their . Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code:...

More Episodes

In this episode, Jess Spinner of The Whole Dancer shares her approach to helping ballet dancers navigate the audition circuit. She offers strategies for auditioning, advice on setting a personalized audition plan that aligns with the type of job they’re aiming for, and insights on the mental, physical, and emotional preparation needed to stay grounded and confident throughout the process.

Learn more about Jess and The Whole Dancer on her website.

Links:

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

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