School of Richmond Ballet: Auditions, Training & Careers with Deanna Seay
Ballet Help Desk
Deanna Seay, Training Coordinator at the School of Richmond Ballet, joins us to talk about how dancers move through the school, from early training to the pre-professional program, trainee level, and second company. She explains what adjudicators look for in auditions (and common mistakes), how scholarships work at different levels, and why not all of Richmond Ballet’s trainees come from full-time training backgrounds. We also cover when families should consider a company-affiliated school, the culture Richmond Ballet aims to foster, and how students are prepared for both company life and a...
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Dancer Stories: Jaya Dhand’s Journey to Ballet West
Ballet Help Desk
This is the first episode in our new Dancer Stories series, where professional dancers share their training paths their move into company life. Jaya Dhand talks about her experience at Indiana University, how she got hired by Ballet West 2, and her recent promotion to the main company. She explains the choices that shaped her training, what the audition process was like, and how she adjusted to professional life. Jaya also shares what she wishes she’d known as a student, the realities of dancer finances, and her advice for those preparing to go pro. Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: ...
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Sarah & Seth Orza: Ballet Careers and Creating Orza Ballet Shoes
Ballet Help Desk
Former Pacific Northwest Ballet principals Sarah and Seth Orza share their training backgrounds, the hardest parts of becoming professionals, and the advice that shaped their paths. They talk about company moves, the realities of life onstage, and the transition into founding Orza ballet shoes. The conversation covers prototyping, manufacturing, and the role of their ballet network in building the business, as well as how their experiences as dancers continue to guide their work today. If you want to try out Orza brand shoes, find exclusive discounts on our . Links: Instagram: @...
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#NoThirds: Fran’s Mailbag, Part 2: Lessons for Young Dancers
Ballet Help Desk
Fran shares more advice for students in Part 2 of #NoThirds: how respect and awareness shape auditions, why community matters, and what young dancers should know about contracts and career readiness. Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an . Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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#NoThirds: Fran’s Mailbag, Part 1: Company Casting, Drama & Dogs
Ballet Help Desk
Listeners asked, and Fran Veyette answers! In this #NoThirds “Fran’s Mailbag” episode, he breaks down how casting really works, whether principals dance less, what happens when dancers date (and break up), and yes — the truth about dogs in the studio. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Tune back in tomorrow for more of your questions answered. Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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Lauren Fadeley-Veyette: Life on the Set of Black Swan
Ballet Help Desk
When the Oscar-winning film Black Swan hit theaters, audiences were captivated by its haunting portrayal of the ballet world. In this episode, former professional dancer shares her experience being cast in the movie and takes us inside the rehearsal studio and film set. She reflects on working alongside Hollywood stars, the unique challenges of filming ballet on camera, and why she thinks the movie still resonates years later. Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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David Morse on Training Paths at Cincinnati Ballet
Ballet Help Desk
Academy Principal and Director of the Professional Training Division at Cincinnati Ballet Academy, joins us to share insights on how the school is structured, what adjudicators look for in auditions, and how scholarships work for students. He also discusses the culture he aims to foster at CBA, how the trainee and second company programs connect dancers to careers, and the realities of preparing young artists for professional life. From audition advice to navigating low salaries in ballet, David offers clear guidance for students and parents on the path to becoming a professional dancer. You...
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Inside IBC Jackson with Executive Director, Mona Nicholas
Ballet Help Desk
Mona Nicholas takes us behind the scenes of the USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi. She shares how the event is structured, what makes it different from other competitions, and why it attracts dancers from around the world, including professionals. We cover the selection process, scoring, advice for first-time competitors, and the role IBC plays in shaping the future of ballet. You can learn more about USA IBC on their . Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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Inside IBC Helsinki with Nicholas Ziegler
Ballet Help Desk
Nicholas Ziegler, board member of IBC Helsinki, explains how the competition is structured, how dancers are selected, and what makes the event stand out. He shares tips for first-time competitors, talks about the role of the jury and master teachers, and reflects on the rapid growth of ballet competitions around the world. Learn more about IBC Helsinki on their Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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Racheal Nye On Shaping Ballet’s Next Generation
Ballet Help Desk
What does it take to raise dancers in today’s ballet world? Racheal Nye, Director of the Yvonne Chouteau School and Studio Company at Oklahoma City Ballet, shares why honesty, adaptability, and mental health are essential in training. We talk about the pressures of audition season, how social media influences young dancers, the role of parents, and why leadership today is about more than just perfect technique. Learn more about OKCB School on their Links: Instagram: @ Facebook: Music from #Uppbeat: License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
info_outlineDavid Morse, Academy Principal and Director of the Professional Training Division at Cincinnati Ballet Academy, joins us to share insights on how the school is structured, what adjudicators look for in auditions, and how scholarships work for students. He also discusses the culture he aims to foster at CBA, how the trainee and second company programs connect dancers to careers, and the realities of preparing young artists for professional life. From audition advice to navigating low salaries in ballet, David offers clear guidance for students and parents on the path to becoming a professional dancer. You can learn more about CBA on their website.
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