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.

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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 ...

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 Lauren Fadeley-Veyette 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, an...

David 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 profe...

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...

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 website

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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 O...

When is it really time for a dancer to move into full-time training? In this episode of #NoThirds, we unpack the big factors that go into that decision. From the benefits of full-time programs and the right age to make the switch to how the social environment and quality of teaching can shape a dancer’s growth, we cover it all. Fran also gets honest about the trade-offs of staying local in after-school training. Plus, we discuss wh...

MOSA Ballet School was founded by a mother who wanted to create the kind of school she would have wanted her daughter to attend -- a place where students are truly heard and respected. Combining classical ballet, contemporary dance, and holistic training, MOSA focuses on developing not just the performer, but the whole dancer. The school emphasizes self-evaluation, open communication, a supportive environment, and career preparatio...

This is part two of our series with siblings Bryce and Noelle Lee, who bring both the male and female ballet dancer perspective to the conversation. Bryce, founder of the Male Dance Connection, and Noelle share their experiences in ballet, highlighting both the challenges and successes male dancers face. They talk about the importance of mentorship, community, and creating supportive environments for boys in dance, as well as pract...

In this two-part series, siblings Bryce and Noelle Lee bring both the male and female ballet dancer perspective to the conversation. Bryce, Founder of the Male Dance Connection, and Noelle share their experiences in ballet, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of male dancers. They discuss the importance of mentorship, community, and supportive environments for boys in dance, as well as practical ways MDC helps, like navigating...

In this conversation, Sarah Wroth discusses the current state of the ballet program at Indiana University, addressing concerns about state mandates and program restructuring. She emphasizes the strong support from the community and alumni, clarifies the differences between degree options, and reassures that current students will not be affected by changes. The conversation also highlights the importance of clear communication and t...

This is a rerelease of one of our popular episodes from our series on ballet summer intensives. Wondering how much the RAs see of student antics? More than you think! We're talking with Robert Fulton and Camille Kellems, both professional dancers and also RAs at ballet summer intensives. Get ready for a mix of insider info that's helpful for parents as well as hilarious anecdotes as Robert and Camille let us in on what really goes ...

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 relati...

 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...

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 ...

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 al...

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 fam...

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 st...