The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry. Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer. Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence. Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a arts podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 126 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, a arts show with 126 episodes published.

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  The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

  123. Behind the Scenes of The Wiz with Dance Captain Khi'Shawn Robinson

  Sep 28, 202628 min

  Khi’Shawn Robinson began dancing at 14 and initially set his sights on a career in classical ballet. After studying ballet at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, he unexpectedly took a professional job with Royal Caribbean, which opened the door to a completely different side of the dance industry. Today, Khi’Shawn is a performer and dance captain with the national tour of The Wiz . In this episode, he shares his journey to The Wiz (including auditioning multiple times before finally booking the show), proving that sometimes “no” really does mean “not right now.” We also learn what a dance captain does, what a typical day on tour looks like for Khi’Shawn, and get some insight into the history of The Wiz ! Key “Pointes” in this Episode Starting dance at 14 and discovering a passion for ballet What Khi’Shawn learned from earning his degree in Classical Ballet from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts Why he decided to make the leap from classical ballet into musical theater His first professional job with Royal Caribbean’s Hairspray The differences between performing on a cruise ship and touring with a national production Auditioning for The Wiz multiple times before finally joining the cast What The Wiz means as a celebration of African American culture and experience What a typical day on tour looks like for Khi’Shawn What it means to be a dance captain and how being a dance captain has changed the way he approaches his own dancing Connect with Khi’Shawn : INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/khishawnrobinson Links & Resources: See The Wiz at the Overture Center in Madison, WI: https://www.overture.org/tickets-events/2026-27-season/the-wiz (head to The Brainy Ballerina IG to enter to win two free tickets!) REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

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  The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

  122. Danscend on How to Take Feedback Without Taking it Personally

  Sep 21, 20261h 2m

  In dance, feedback can shape much more than how you perform. It can influence how you see yourself, what you believe you’re capable of, and even the choices you make in the studio and beyond. In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux, co-founders of Danscend, to talk about how feedback can affect a dancer’s confidence, identity, and sense of self-worth. We discuss why dancers can be particularly vulnerable to internalizing what teachers say, how our own insecurities can change the way we receive feedback, and how to separate “I need to work on this” from “I’m not good enough.” We also talk about processing conflicting corrections, deciding what feedback is actually useful, and giving yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t serve you. For teachers, we dig into the other side of the equation: how to give feedback more intentionally, why dancers don’t need every correction we notice, and how observation, trust, and giving dancers more agency can create a healthier learning environment. Key “Pointes” in this Episode Why dancers can be especially vulnerable to internalizing feedback How your own insecurities affect the way you receive feedback Separating feedback from your identity Practical strategies for processing difficult corrections What to do when different teachers give conflicting feedback Learning what feedback to keep and what to let go Building self-worth beyond your abilities as a dancer Connect with Danscend WEBSITE: https://danscend.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/danscendofficial DANSCEND APP (IOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/danscend/id6759905827 DANSCEND APP (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.danscend.school&hl=en_US Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

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  The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

  121. Beyond the Trophy: Carrie Euker of Étoile Dance Competition on How to Choose a Variation

  Sep 14, 202645 min

  Choosing a ballet variation can feel overwhelming. With so many options, and so much pressure to choose the “right” one, it can be easy to focus only on what looks impressive or what might earn the highest score. In this episode, I’m joined by Carrie Euker, founder of Étoile Dance Competition, to talk about how dancers, teachers, and parents can approach variation selection (and the entire competition dance landscape) more thoughtfully. Key “pointes” in this episode: Why age-appropriateness should be one of the first considerations when choosing a variation How the character and personality of a variation can help guide the decision How teachers can adapt variations to meet a dancer where they are technically How to balance a dancer's strengths, challenges, artistry, and personality Why choosing a variation shouldn't be about finding the one that will simply get the highest score The importance of giving young dancers opportunities to develop as artists and performers, rather than rushing them into mature roles Why competitions can be an opportunity for education and development, not just placement Looking beyond the most prestigious opportunities and considering what is actually the right fit for an individual dancer Why dancers need experience with corps de ballet work, not just solos Why the process of learning and rehearsing is just as important as the final performance Carrie also shares great perspective on the pressure young dancers face today and the value in letting dancers develop at their own pace. Ultimately, the goal isn't to find the variation that makes a dancer look the most impressive. It's to find something that allows them to grow, learn, and actually be themselves onstage. Connect with Étoile Dance Competition WEBSITE: https://www.etoilecomp.com/brainy INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/etoiledancecomp Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

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  The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

  120. New York City Ballet Soloist Sara Adams on Trusting Your Timeline

  Sep 7, 202631 min

  In this week’s episode of The  Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by New York City Ballet Soloist Sara Adams. In this episode, Sara shares her journey from taking her first ballet class on Cape Cod to training at the School of American Ballet and ultimately joining New York City Ballet. We talk about the transition from student to professional, finding confidence, dealing with comparison, and what she's learned from nearly two decades in the company. We also talk about pursuing a college degree while dancing professionally, finding interests outside of ballet, and why Sara believes dancers should have more fun and trust their own timeline. Key “Pointes” in this Episode What it was really like to move to New York at 13 to attend the School of American Ballet The unexpected role that became a turning point in Sara's path toward becoming a soloist at NYCB How Sara managed college while dancing full-time The fulfillment she finds serving as a mentor for the next generation of dancers entering New York City Ballet What 18 years in one company has taught her about comparison, confidence, and becoming comfortable with who you are Why Sara still feels like she “needs” to dance after nearly two decades as a professional Connect with Sara INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/sara_jane_adams Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

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  The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

  119. Your Audition Season Starts NOW: The Timeline Every Dancer Needs

  Aug 31, 202628 min

  Audition season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. In this solo episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast , I’m walking you through my recommended timeline for preparing for professional dance auditions, starting in September and continuing through the end of audition season. Instead of waiting until January to start thinking about auditions, you’ll learn how to use the fall months to get your materials, finances, company research, and audition strategy in place, so you can head into the new year feeling prepared and confident. Audition Resources: FREE DOWNLOAD // Audition Roadmap: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3oZ0IJD/auditionroadmap 1-1 Career Mentoring: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring The Intentional Career Handbook: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/intentional-career-handbook The Ultimate Audition Guide: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide The Dance Company Database: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-company-database Dance Audition Materials Audit: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-audition-materials-audit Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

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