How DeCruz Ballet Is Changing Ballet Training
Ballet Help Desk
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 and a dancer-first mindset, Dec and Cruz are shaping the next generation their way. Learn more about ...
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Silas Farley on Ballet, Belonging, and Life After Performing
Ballet Help Desk
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 challenges of transition, the role of faith and mentorship, and why he’s committed to building a more...
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#NoThirds: Fran Veyette - Postgrad Reality Check - Pt. 2
Ballet Help Desk
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 take on college vs. company, how influence really works in hiring decisions, and the most...
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Inside USC Kaufman & What Makes This Dance Program Stand Out
Ballet Help Desk
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 jobs. Plus, listener questions about applying, balancing multiple interests like musical theater,...
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#NoThirds with Fran Veyette: Postgrad Reality Check - Part 1
Ballet Help Desk
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 in hiring, the role of summer intensives in admissions, and why some dancers sail through...
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Elizabeth Gillaspy and Jessica Zeller on the Dance Program at TCU
Ballet Help Desk
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 spend their summers, and how the faculty helps dancers navigate decisions between college and...
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Michael Bearden on OU’s College Dance Path
Ballet Help Desk
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 insight into how public university dance programs are navigating ongoing funding cuts. Learn...
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Why Allison DeBona Chose College Before Going Pro
Ballet Help Desk
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 college offers against trainee spots, or wondering what kind of future the college path can offer,...
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Pointe Shoe Secrets with Riley Weber
Ballet Help Desk
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, crazy pointe shoe hacks, and more. If you're a dancer, parent, or just pointe shoe...
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#NoThirds With Fran Veyette: Boys in Ballet
Ballet Help Desk
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 More Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music by from
info_outlineWe 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.
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