The Ballerinatist

Sharing stories of dancers, dance educators, and movement practitioners to inspire, educate, and transform how we see, experience, and interpret dance.Hosted by Melissa Croushorn. A former high performance athlete and dancer, she is a writer, movement educator, and dance education consultant. She specializes in pre-professional dancer training and development. Learn more about dance education, careers in dance, and get your Dancer Career Planner: https://www.theballerinatist.com/.

The Ballerinatist is a arts podcast hosted by Melissa Croushorn, with 71 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Melissa Croushorn hosts The Ballerinatist, a arts show with 71 episodes published.

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  Episode #1

  Nerd Out on Dance

  Jan 23, 202625 minS7

  <p>Melissa previews the upcoming season focus - BOOKS.</p><p>From technique to anatomy to creativity, Melissa shares from her personal dance library the resources that meaningfully influenced her training and education. Whether it is nurturing curiosity for a young dancer or learning how to design a syllabus for dance, Melissa scoured through every bookstore to educate herself as a young dancer in a small town.</p><p>Get on the list when The Ballerinerd™ Club launches: https://www.theballerinatist.com/the-ballerinerd-club-list</p>

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  Episode #9

  Little Moments, Lifelong Impact

  Jan 10, 202635 minS6

  <p>To conclude the Faith-Based Dance Season, Melissa shares about her first faith-based dance work. She produced a performance for young dancers during her freshman year of college based on Luke 12:27. Melissa reflects on all the ways God provided to make the performance possible and the meaningful lessons she learned that propelled her into a career in dance.</p>

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  Episode #8

  Seed Planting with Amanda Standard

  Dec 31, 202527 minS6

  <p>Melissa speaks with Amanda Standard, K-12 Dance Educator and Founding Director of Divine Dance Institute and Sound Xpressed Dance Company. Fun Fact: her son Xavier Mack dances with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre!Amanda shares about staying anchored in ministry by remaining accountable, finding fulfillment in moving for God’s pleasure, and being willing to bend (so you don’t break!).Thanks for listening, leaving a like/comment, and sharing with a friend.You can learn more about Amanda: divinedanceinstitute.comYou can learn about dance education and careers in dance: theballerinatist.com.</p>

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  Episode #9

  Summer Dance Program Season Recap

  Oct 20, 202528 minS8

  <p>Melissa interviewed a range of directors and educators about their own personal summer dance training experiences and how they’re choosing to shape their programs now - from universities to ballet companies to pre-professional studios! This season included seasoned professional artists and newly tenured directors offering the highs, lows, and things to focus on for successful, productive summer dance programs. Enjoy the recap!</p>

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  Episode #7

  Big Feelings with Melody Mendoza

  Sep 10, 202526 minS6

  <p>Melody Mendoza, Founder and Artistic Director of Glorify Performing Arts in West Chester, PA, shares about the vision for the company which launched in 2018, what it took to get started, and how they’re building the foundation for growth. </p><p>Bio:</p>She studied ballet under Edmund & Irene Novak, later adding jazz and modern, at studios including The Rock School West, The Dance Center, and Koresh School of Dance. Beginning liturgical dance at age 9, she also participated in The Good Samaritan Dance Ministry under Valerie Henry and Gwen Prestwood.After she completed undergraduate dance studies at Palm Beach At...

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