57 episodes

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's ballet path and we know navigating the world of ballet training can be challenging. We're here to help! Join us for interviews with experts from all areas of the ballet world to learn how you can best support your dancer's training. See more at www.ballethelpdesk.com

Ballet Help Desk Jenny Huang and Brett Gardner

    • Arts
    • 4.8 • 46 Ratings

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's ballet path and we know navigating the world of ballet training can be challenging. We're here to help! Join us for interviews with experts from all areas of the ballet world to learn how you can best support your dancer's training. See more at www.ballethelpdesk.com

    Susan Stowe, Chair of the Dept. of Dance at Point Park University

    Susan Stowe, Chair of the Dept. of Dance at Point Park University

    We're joined by Susan Stowe, Chair of the Department of Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Stowe discusses the various tracks students can follow in the dance department, including degrees in ballet, jazz or modern dance and gives us a sneak peek at their latest initiative. Beginning Fall 2024, Point Park University's dance program in partnership with the School of Education will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education Certification Pre-K through 12 program. She also discusses where the school recruits students as well as what careers the school's graduates pursue. For more information visit: Point Park University School of Dance
    Links:
    Ballet Help Desk Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

    • 54 min
    Larry Attaway Chats With Us About Butler University's Dance Program

    Larry Attaway Chats With Us About Butler University's Dance Program

    Join us as we explore Butler University's Department of Dance, with Larry Attaway, who serves as Chair and Executive Artistic Director.
    Consistently ranked as one of the top five collegiate ballet programs in the U.S., Mr. Attaway fills us in on its diverse study options—including a dedicated teaching track—as well as the exciting performance opportunities that shape aspiring dancers into professionals. We also discussed the audition process, reviewing what prospective students need to do for consideration for the program, as well as the diverse career paths pursued by Butler's graduates, offering a comprehensive look at potential opportunities awaiting aspiring dancers. 
    Links:
    Butler University School of Dance Ballet Help Desk Submit Year-Round Reviews Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Phil Chan, Co-Founder Final Bow For Yellowface

    Phil Chan, Co-Founder Final Bow For Yellowface

    Tune in to our latest episode featuring Phil Chan, co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface, as we discuss the issue of Orientalism in ballet. Phil talks us through how his organization is actively combating stereotypes and Orientalist tropes within the art form. We also hear how major ballet companies are joining the movement, signing the Final Bow For Yellowface pledge to promote diversity and inclusion on stage.
    Final Bow For Yellowface Gold Standard Arts Foundation Ballet Help Desk Submit Year-Round Reviews Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

    • 51 min
    Tim O'Keefe, Artistic Director, Texas Ballet Theater

    Tim O'Keefe, Artistic Director, Texas Ballet Theater

    In this episode, we sit down with Tim O'Keefe, Artistic Director of Texas Ballet Theater, for an insightful discussion on the company's repertoire and his approach to artistic direction. We also explore the Texas Ballet Theater Studio Training Company, which offers aspiring dancers a platform to hone their skills. Join us for a candid conversation on the artistry and dedication shaping the Texas Ballet Theater's next generation of dancers.
    LINKS:
    Texas Ballet Theater Ballet Help Desk Submit Year-Round Reviews Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

    • 48 min
    Mavis Staines & Keith Morino Discuss The Company Life Experience at Canada's National Ballet School

    Mavis Staines & Keith Morino Discuss The Company Life Experience at Canada's National Ballet School

    Mavis Staines has been described as a visionary dance educator who has revolutionized the way dance is taught, performed, witnessed and shared across Canada and around the world. Over her 30-year tenure as Artistic Director of Canada’s National Ballet School, she has cemented the School’s reputation as the leading champion of programming excellence, access, and inclusion in dance.
    Join us as we chat with her along with NBS faculty member, Keith Morino, about the school's post-graduate training known as the Company Life Program. This wide ranging conversation covered everything from what they've seen change post-Covid to how dancers enter the program, what a typical day looks like and how dancers work with individual mentors to help launch students into careers.
    LINKS:
    Canada's National Ballet School Ballet Help Desk Submit Year-Round Reviews Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Christopher Hird Takes Us Inside Sarasota Ballet's Studio Company

    Christopher Hird Takes Us Inside Sarasota Ballet's Studio Company

    Christopher Hird, Director of Education for Sarasota Ballet joins us to discuss post-graduate training programs. Hird brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation, having dedicated his career to shaping the next generation of ballet artists. From fostering technical proficiency to encouraging artistic expression, Hird shares the secrets behind cultivating well-rounded dancers who can comfortably move from the studio to the stage.
    LINKS:
    Sarasota Ballet School Ballet Help Desk Submit Year-Round Reviews Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

    • 57 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
46 Ratings

46 Ratings

Royaladagio ,

Thank you

Thank you for your episodes on bridge/ trainee/ 2 nd company programs. Each and every episode seems to uncannily read my mind and discuss something I am navigating with my 18 yr old pre professional dancer!
I take such guided advice and knowledge away from each and every person who is interviewed.
Although my husband and I danced professionally for over 28 yrs we did not grow up or train in the USA. Thank you for helping us !

Marcela2B ,

Real information finally!

For a parent and dancer, the ballet field is difficult to navigate when there is so little information available. The Ballet Helpdesk has been a wonderful resource for us to better understand how to navigate this field. Thank you so much for conducting the interviews and providing so much insight!

Gigi gets the scoop ,

Such a great resource!

I can’t remember what I was searching for when I stumbled on to the Ballet Helpdesj podcast but boy am I glad I found them!! They provide so much timely and valuable info! Especially for moms like me who didn’t grow up in the ballet world and have not yet been exposed to it until one of our kids gets involved in it. I’ve listed to every podcast and will continue to do so. Thank you for helping us navigate this journey and for providing transparent info. Be sure to check out their summer intensive and full year reviews on their website as well! Thank you Ballet Help Desk!!

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