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In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by choreographer, educator, and former professional dancer Autumn Eckman for a thoughtful conversation about building a long, sustainable career in dance. From leaving home at a young age to embracing leadership, choreography, and academia, Autumn shares how curiosity and collaboration have shaped her path, and why a dance career doesn’t have to follow just one track to be successful. Key Points in this Episode: Why Autumn shifted from Houston Ballet Academy toward contemporary and jazz-focused work How Autumn transitioned into choreography, teaching, and artistic leadership while still performing The impact collaborating with composers has had on her choreographic career How preparation and openness coexist in the studio What led Autumn to pursue her MFA later in her career, and how academia offers a new lens on dance, research, and creativity Listening to inner cues and values when deciding to change directionConnect with Autumn: WEBSITE: https://www.autumneckman.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/autumn__eckman Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina podcast, I’m joined by Margaret Mullin, Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson and former Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist, for an honest conversation about career longevity, leadership, and what it truly takes to sustain a life in ballet, both on and off the stage. Margaret shares her journey from an aspiring dancer growing up in Tucson, to a 14-season professional career at PNB, and ultimately to stepping into artistic directorship during one of the most uncertain moments in our industry. Along the way, she opens up about the realities dancers don’t always expect: the sudden drop-off in feedback after joining a major company, the emotional weight of being passed over, and the resilience required to keep showing up. This episode is a must-listen for dancers navigating career transitions, educators thinking about the bigger picture of arts training, and anyone curious about how thoughtful, human-centered leadership can shape the future of ballet. Key Points in This Episode: Training at home vs. leaving early, and the long-term benefits of having access to quality dance training in your community The reality of transitioning from student to professional, including the sudden drop in feedback Why dancers must learn to advocate for themselves and seek out mentorship The emotional impact of casting, being passed over, and finding value beyond roles Why process matters more than performance in long-term artistic growth Skills beyond technique that support career longevity: discipline, resilience, and follow-through Preparing for leadership and life after performance before retirement arrives Why artistic directors need education in management, leadership, and nonprofit work Rethinking what healthy, human-centered leadership in ballet can beConnect with Margaret: WEBSITE: ballettucson.org INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/margaretmullin BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ballettucson SCHOOL OF BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/schoolofballettucson Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Auditioning for professional ballet companies is very different than auditioning for summer intensives, and that reality can catch even the most prepared dancers off guard. In this solo episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the audition process and sharing the lessons I learned the hard way while navigating company auditions across the country. All the things I wish someone had told me before stepping into the room. Key Points in this Episode: Why professional company auditions operate differently from summer intensive auditions When the audition actually begins The unexpected mindset shifts dancers need when auditioning for contracts What directors may be looking for behind the scenes (and why you often won’t know it) How to mentally survive the uncertainty, rejection, and waiting that come with audition seasonThis episode is a must-listen for: Aspiring professional ballet dancers Pre-professional dancers transitioning into company auditions Dancers feeling discouraged, confused, or stuck during audition season Anyone who wants a more realistic, grounded understanding of how the ballet industry works🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation and walk into your next audition feeling more informed and empowered. Links and Resources: The Brainy Ballerina Audition Hub: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/auditionhub The Ultimate Audition Guide: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide Dance Audition Materials Audit: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-audition-materials-audit 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Josephine Lee, founder and CEO of The Pointe Shop and the first official pointe shoe fitter of San Francisco Ballet. With over 15 years of experience, Josephine is one of the most influential and trusted pointe shoe fitters in the world. We dive deep into what actually makes a pointe shoe right (or wrong), why pain is not something dancers should push through, and how pointe shoe fitting is a dynamic, ever-changing process throughout a dancer’s career. Josephine also breaks down virtual pointe shoe fittings, common misconceptions dancers have about their shoes, the real risks of dancing in dead shoes, and what dancers can do to advocate for themselves, especially when they don’t yet have the language to describe what they’re feeling. This conversation is equal parts educational, practical, and eye-opening, and it’s a must-listen for dancers at every stage, as well as teachers and parents who want to support long-term dancer health. Key Points in this Episode: Josephine’s path into pointe shoe fitting and building The Pointe Shop Why pointe shoe fitting is not a one-and-done process How virtual pointe shoe fittings work Common pointe shoe misconceptions dancers have The dangers of dancing in shoes that are too dead The truth about “cheater shoes” and synthetic pointe shoes What dancers should track to advocate for themselves long-termConnect with Josephine: WEBSITE: thepointeshop.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepointeshop INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/josephineylee Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Caitlin here with a solo episode recapping 2025 and chatting about my hopes and dreams for 2026! Biggest takeaways from this episode: Be where your feet are: presence creates deeper impact than constantly chasing what’s next. Consistency beats intensity: small, sustainable routines done regularly matter far more than big, all-or-nothing efforts. There is no finish line: healing, growth, and goals are lifelong, not problems to “solve” once and move on. Understanding your body changes everything: what works for others may not work for you - learn how your body works and advocate for yourself. Impact doesn’t have to be global to be meaningful: work in your local community can be just as powerful than scaling bigger and faster.Tune in to hear how I came to these realizations in 2025, and what I’m doing with that information as we head into 2026! Episodes mentioned: 33. 2024 Year in Review and Embracing the Gray Area in 2025 67. My Program Launch Failed (So Let's Talk About Rejection) Links and Resources: Jennifer Milner (Movement practitioner & Pilates trainer specializing in hypermobility): https://www.jennifer-milner.com/ Camille Sanchez (Avatar Healing, massage therapist based in Madison, WI): https://www.avatar-healing.com/ Brick: https://www.getbrick.app/CAITLIN10476 (affiliate link) 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Sharon Kung is redefining what it means to build a sustainable and empowered life in dance. In this episode, Sharon shares her unconventional path through ballet, contemporary dance, higher education, and entrepreneurship, including the experiences that led her to found Ballet Trauma Club. We dive into honest conversations about dancer pay, burnout, artistic freedom, and the realities of building a long-term career in dance, along with how dancers can begin reshaping the industry from the inside out. Key Points in this Episode: Sharon’s early relationship with dance and her training in Hong Kong through the Royal Academy of Dance Transitioning to the U.S. dance world and discovering contemporary dance at Juilliard Double majoring in dance performance and economics at UC Irvine and what dancers should consider before taking that path Her first professional contract with Thodos Dance Chicago and navigating cultural shifts in the industry Differences between dance work in the U.S., Europe, and Asia The inspiration behind Ballet Trauma Club and the conversations Sharon hopes to spark around sustainability, trauma, and pay equity in ballet Systems Sharon uses to avoid burnout while building a creative businessConnect with Sharon: Follow Ballet Trauma Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballettraumaclub/ Shop Ballet Trauma Club’s Website: https://ballettraumaclub.com/ (Use code BBBTC15 for 15% off your purchase!) Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.sharonkung/ Sharon’s Personal Website: https://sharonkung.com/ Links and Resources: Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected] This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this special birthday episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, we’re flipping the script! To celebrate my 38th birthday, my dear friend Carrie Euker steps in as guest host and I gave her free rein to ask me anything she wants. From career reflections, personal stories, Nutcracker nostalgia and the advice I wish every dancer knew, this episode offers an honest, uplifting look behind the scenes of my dance journey. Key Points in this Episode: Navigating injuries and learning to be honest with your body The teachers who shaped my transition from student to professional My dream Nutcracker role (and my very first one) The dancers I would hire for my “dream company” The key piece of advice I want every dancer to knowLinks and Resources: Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10. Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina 1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Alexandra Light, choreographer, creative researcher, and former principal dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, joins me for a conversation that weaves together artistry, identity, and the evolution of a dancer’s life. Her work has been shaped by residencies at places like Jacob’s Pillow and often explores ecology, feminist history, and the body as a site of memory and transformation. At just 18, Alexandra moved into Houston Ballet’s second company. She reflects on the intensity of that transition, the endurance it required, and the lifelong friendships formed during that pivotal year. She shares the lessons that helped her survive a full schedule of morning class followed by demanding rehearsals and how those habits shaped her professional resilience. For dancers who feel stronger as performers than technicians, Alexandra opens up about standing out in open calls despite feeling the same way early in her career. She walks through her progression from apprentice to principal dancer at Texas Ballet Theater, reminding us that careers are built on a blend of hard work, timing, luck, and the needs of a company. Alexandra also talks about recognizing the moment it was time to retire, a decision influenced by both intuition and logistics. Less than a year into retirement, she explains how shifting toward choreography was the biggest factor and why watching live ballet now fills her with excitement rather than longing. When asked to describe her choreography, Alexandra uses three striking words: expansive, dramatic, and curious. She shares how she builds work (from music-driven ideas to research-heavy processes) like her recent piece exploring the overlooked women who influenced Frank Lloyd Wright’s success. We also discuss her commitment to making ballet more sustainable and accessible. Alexandra recounts a formative moment that drove her to create work for audiences who have never had access to ballet. She also opens up about sustaining her own creativity and the role nature plays in her artistic practice. This episode is rich with insight, honesty, and inspiration for dancers, dance lovers, and anyone navigating a creative path. Connect with Alexandra: Visit Alexandra’s Website: https://www.alexandralight.art/ Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farbie/ Links and Resources: Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide Schedule your Complimentary Career Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected] This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Robert Schultz - LA-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder of Artists in Training - to explore how dancers can build a thriving career in today’s ever-changing industry. Together, we dig into how class culture has shifted in the age of social media, why dancers crave instant gratification, and the impact that “getting it on film” has had on training. Robert also breaks down how Artists Training was created to bring connection, consistency, and deeper purpose back to the convention model - helping dancers not just improve their technique, but understand who they are as humans and artists. This episode is full of honesty, humor, and powerful reminders about staying grounded, trusting your path, and never giving yourself an expiration date. Key Points in this Episode: Robert’s early dance beginnings and how his first teacher recognized his natural talent The differences between the NYC and LA dance scene Why proper warmup, longevity, and technique still matter (and why he refuses to shorten class!) Professionalism on set: respect, communication, and the behaviors that get dancers rehired The creation of Artists Training and how it blends convention energy with mentorship and mindset work Studio culture: competition vs. community and the power of genuine support Why dancers shouldn’t give themselves an “expiration date” when pursuing a professional careerConnect with Robert: INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/moveyoutoinspire AIT INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/artistsintraining WEBSITE: www.aitdance.com Links and Resources: Visit the Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/ Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina 1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Nutcracker season is here - and it’s a doozy! In this encore release of one of my most popular solo episodes, I’m sharing my practical tips and heartfelt advice for dancers to not just survive but thrive during this iconic ballet season. Whether you're a student navigating school and rehearsals, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you approach the season with joy, balance, and intention And if you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please be sure to hit the 5-star review button and help me reach my goal of receiving 100 5-star reviews in 2025! Links and Resources: The Ultimate Audition Guide Find a specialist on Doctors for Dancers Rachel Fine's To The Pointe Nutrition article for a balanced Nutcracker meal plan 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Gift Guides: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Dancers 2025 Nutcracker Gift Guide for Dancers Related Episodes: Episode 16: Realistic Time Management Strategies for Dancers Book Recommendation: The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairy Tale Memoir by Janine Kovac (affiliate link) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

A teenage ballerina with a sketch in a notebook had no idea it would one day spark a global franchise. In this episode, Genevieve Custer Weeks, former professional dancer and founder of Tutu School, shares the journey that took her from training at Ballet Chicago at just fifteen to leading 140 (and counting!) boutique ballet schools across the US, Canada, and the UK. Genevieve reflects on the courage it took to move away from home so young, the gratitude she discovered for her family, and the setback of surgery that sidelined her just as she was preparing to audition professionally. After healing, she earned her first contract with Oakland Ballet and ultimately built a freelancing career that unexpectedly became the foundation for her future in entrepreneurship. Teaching three-year-old baby ballerinas planted the earliest seeds of what would become Tutu School. Genevieve walks us through the early days of opening her first studio, what she wishes she had known, and how the idea of franchising evolved from an intimidating possibility into a defining part of her business model. As a mom of three, Genevieve opens up about involving her kids in her business, navigating the give-and-take of entrepreneurial motherhood, and embracing flexibility even when it means rearranging everything to show up for the moments that matter. Genevieve closes with the biggest lessons she’s learned in business, offering practical encouragement for anyone growing a brand, considering expansion, or dreaming up their next chapter. Connect with Genevieve: Follow Genevieve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutugenevieve/ Follow Tutu School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutuschool/ Tutu Schools Website: https://tutuschool.com/ Links and Resources: Etoile Dance Competition: 10% off registration with code “BRAINY10” - https://www.etoilecomp.com/ Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected] This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this inspiring episode I’m joined by Elizabeth Troxler - a ballet teacher, choreographer, performer with over 30 years of experience training dancers from beginners to professionals. Elizabeth shares her journey from her first dance class at age five to a professional career spanning ballet and musical theater. She discusses how she transitioned from performer to choreographer and educator, the importance of versatility for dancers today, and how to cultivate confidence and self-awareness in the studio. Elizabeth also introduces Ballet Boost, her innovative app designed to make ballet training more accessible - complete with classes, allegro vocabulary, and video demonstrations to support dancers and teachers around the world. This conversation is full of wisdom, humor, and heart, offering dancers and teachers alike tangible tools to grow both artistically and personally. Key Points in this Episode: Elizabeth’s early ballet training and career as a professional dancer Her transition from concert dance to musical theater and the biggest differences she found between the ballet and musical theater worlds How she transitioned into teaching and choreography (starting as an 11-year old choreographing for a local musical and teaching private lessons on her front porch) The opportunities that open up when you are a versatile dancer Elizabeth’s “non-negotiables” of dance training beyond technique How she is using technology to make ballet training more accessibleConnect with Elizabeth: WEBSITES: https://www.elizabethtroxler.com/ https://balletboost.passion.io/ https://chronicledance.com https://www.allongefilms.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/liztroxler instagram.com/balletboostapp instagram.com/chronicledance instagram.com/allongefilms Links and Resources: Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10. Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina 1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Katrena Cohea, the creator behind Your Body Image BFF, to explore how dance educators can reframe conversations around body image, teaching methods, and dancer wellness. Katrena shares her journey from bunhead to flamenco dancer to teacher and studio owner, and how her experiences led her to create resources that help teachers integrate body neutrality and self-respect into dance training. Together, we discuss how early messages about body image begin forming in childhood, how pop culture reinforces harmful norms, and why the common “love your body” message can sometimes feel inaccessible to dancers. We also unpack the importance of evolving beyond the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset in dance culture and finding a balance between discipline, accountability, and compassion in the studio. This episode is full of honest insights, practical teaching tools, and hope for a more supportive dance world. Key Points in this Episode: Katrena’s dance journey from ballet to flamenco and teaching How early body image messages shape young dancers Why “love your body” can feel vague - and what to say instead The creation of Love Your Body (or Don’t), Katrena’s five-day toolkit with Nicole Sabella Simple classroom practices that combine wellness and technique Rethinking traditional dance teaching methods and finding balance between rigor and empathy Encouraging curiosity, respect, and realistic self-awareness in dancersConnect with Katrena: INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/yourbodyimagebff LOVE YOUR BODY (OR DON’T): https://www.thenourisheddancer.com/love-your-body-or-dont Links and Resources: Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10. Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina 1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

In this heartfelt solo episode, I’m putting on my dance teacher hat to share the things every dance educator wishes their students understood, drawing from over 15 years of teaching experience. You’ll hear practical insight and honest reminders that can completely shift the way you show up in class. From respecting the process to understanding feedback and showing up with positive energy, this episode is packed with wisdom for dancers at every stage of training. Key points in this episode: Why your teacher’s corrections come from care, not criticism How your energy can change the entire atmosphere of a class The importance of learning choreography outside of rehearsal What teachers really mean when they say they “see your potential” Why effort matters more than perfection How professionalism and respect make you stand out A reminder that your teachers are human, too The life lessons you’re learning in dance that go far beyond the studio Why growth happens outside your comfort zone A reminder that your teachers have been exactly where you are nowWhether you’re a dancer who needs perspective, a teacher looking for words to share with your students, or a parent hoping to understand the studio dynamic better, this episode will leave you inspired and grounded in the shared humanity behind the art of dance. Links and Resources: Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10. Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina 1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Today’s conversation is one that every dancer - current or retired - needs to hear. I’m joined by Kaylee Randall, a former professional dancer who spent nearly a decade performing on cruise ships, in theme parks, and in Las Vegas. After an incredible performing career, Kaylee made a bold move to Australia in 2018, where she founded Pivot for Dancers, a platform dedicated to helping professional dancers find meaning off the stage and confidently step into their next chapter. In this episode, Kaylee opens up about what it was really like to leave the professional dance world behind and how her own experience navigating that transition inspired the creation of Pivot for Dancers. We talk about the identity crisis and imposter syndrome so many dancers face after retiring, and how starting these conversations can help dancers connect on a deeply human level. Kaylee also shares practical advice for performers who might be wondering what’s next. She encourages dancers to explore hobbies outside of dance, connect with non-dancers, and start side projects that might someday turn into a new career path. We also discuss how to identify and articulate the transferable skills dancers already have and how those skills can apply to surprising new fields (including coding!). This episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at the edge of a career pivot or curious about what life after dance can look like. Kaylee’s perspective is empowering, grounded, and refreshingly real, reminding us all that the end of one chapter can be the beginning of something even more meaningful. Connect with Kaylee: pivotfordancers.com @pivotfordancers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotfordancers/ Pivot for Dancers on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pivotfordancers Links and Resources: Etoile Dance Competition: 10% off registration with code “BRAINY10” - https://www.etoilecomp.com/ The Ultimate Audition Guide Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected] This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.