#NoThirds with Fran Veyette: Postgrad Reality Check - Part 1
Release Date: 04/24/2025
#NoThirds: Thoughts From the Front of the Room
Ballet Help Desk
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 More Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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Miriam Landis: Finding Her Voice Beyond the Stage
Ballet Help Desk
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, how her training continues to influence her life, and why she keeps returning to ballet as a...
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Erika Mayall, MPT: The Importance of Ballet-Specific Health Care- Part 2 of 2
Ballet Help Desk
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 could improve injury prevention across ballet training. Erika also has a fantastic podcast called...
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Erika Mayall, MPT: The Importance of Ballet-Specific Health Care- Part 1 of 2
Ballet Help Desk
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 dancers can advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Erika discusses...
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Louisville Ballet’s Four-Year Studio Company: How It Works
Ballet Help Desk
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 about Louisville Ballet's training options on their Read and submit reviews for More Links: ...
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Full Circle: Madison Keesler's Ballet Journey
Ballet Help Desk
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 Interested in working with Madison? More Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: ...
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#NoThirds: Should You Compete or Just Train?
Ballet Help Desk
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? Fran brings his signature clarity and candor to a topic that’s often confusing and feels...
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Victoria Mazzarelli on Nurturing Talent at Nutmeg Conservatory
Ballet Help Desk
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 decisions about career paths. Learn more about Read reviews of the More Links: ...
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Barre Trash: Style With a Healthy Dose of Side-Eye
Ballet Help Desk
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 share why they believe humor is a coping mechanism—and a catalyst for reform. Plus: the Yale...
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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 ...
info_outlinePostgraduate 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 these programs while others get stuck in a loop.
This is the real talk dancers and families need before making big decisions.
- Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School
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Music from #Uppbeat:
https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-
License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI