The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

• 60. Building New Narratives: Autumn Klein's Unconventional Path Back to Ballet

  In this candid conversation, I’m joined by Autumn Klein, a principal dancer and accomplished artist whose career includes performing with Texas Ballet Theater, Oklahoma City Ballet, Ballet Frontier, and Ballet North Texas. Autumn, who is also the co-founder of New Narratives Dance, shares her unconventional journey through the dance world - from overcoming gaps in her classical training, stepping away from dance to attend college, and rising to the rank of principal after returning to her professional ballet career.Key “Pointes” in this Episode🩰The culture shock of transitioning from competition dance to full-time ballet training at Houston Ballet🩰Her experiences dancing with renowned companies and eventually becoming a principal dancer at Oklahoma City Ballet🩰The challenges of burnout, stepping away from dance to attend college and join AmeriCorps and how she found her way back to the stage🩰Building a massive social media presence (3M+ followers on TikTok) and pioneering her popular pointe painting🩰The creation of New Narratives Dance, a contemporary ballet company focused on bold storytellingAutumn also shares valuable advice on balancing a multifaceted career, finding the right company fit, and building an authentic social media community.Connect with Autumn:YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@autumnskleinTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@autumnskleinINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/autumnskleinLinks and Resources:Visit the Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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• 59. From Insecurity to Inspiration: Navigating the Comparison Game in Dance

  In this week’s solo episode, I’m tackling a topic that comes up often for dancers: comparison.I dive deep into why comparison is a natural human instinct - rooted in evolutionary survival - and how it’s especially amplified in the world of ballet, where mirrors, corrections, and casting are constant. Rather than trying to eliminate comparison, this episode is full of empowering tools to reframe it into a source of motivation, self-awareness, and growth.Key “pointes” in this episode:🩰Why comparison is more than just a bad habit, and why it's especially common among dancers🩰A simple mindset shift that can make comparison less painful and more productive🩰My advice on handling social media in a way that supports your growth🩰Using your unique strengths to stand out in a competitive environment🩰Practical tools (and journal prompts) to turn comparison into clarity and confidenceBlog Post: thebrainyballerina.com/blog/from-insecurity-to-inspiration-navigating-the-comparison-game-in-danceJoin the ConversationHead to my Instagram @TheBrainyBallerina and join my channel “Career Guidance for Dancers” to participate in future episode polls and get exclusive career tips straight to your inbox.Let’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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• 58. Plot Twists: Holly Dorger's Rise to Principal Ballerina of the Royal Danish Ballet

  In this heartfelt and inspiring episode I sit down with Royal Danish Ballet Principal Ballerina Holly Dorger - a childhood friend whose dance journey has taken her from suburban Michigan to the royal stage of Copenhagen.Holly’s path has been anything but predictable. From training at the School of American Ballet with dreams of joining New York City Ballet, to unexpectedly being offered a contract abroad, Holly opens up about how she began her professional career at 18 with the Royal Danish Ballet.She shares candid reflections on everything from finding personal healing through dancing roles such as Giselle to what it’s like to be knighted by the Queen of Denmark. We talk about the challenges of building a life in a foreign country, what it's like to grow artistically over nearly two decades as a professional, and how she brings authenticity and emotional depth to every performance - especially the ones rooted in human experience and vulnerability.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a career abroad, channel personal pain into performance, or face the question of "what’s next?" after reaching the top, this conversation is a must-listen.Key “Pointes” in this Episode🩰Holly's early days training in Michigan (where we first met!)🩰Moving to NYC at 14 to train at the School of American Ballet🩰The path that led her to Copenhagen and the Royal Danish Ballet🩰Her favorite roles (hello, Giselle, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and anything Balanchine)🩰Processing personal heartbreak through performance🩰The perks of dancing in a European ballet company🩰What it was like to be knighted by the Queen of Denmark🩰Facing the reality of forced retirement and dreaming of what's nextConnect with Holly:WEBSITE: Www.HollyDorger.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/hollydorgerLinks and Resources:Visit the Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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• 57. Longevity in Dance: Nancy Paradis Shares the Key to a Sustainable Dance Career

  Join me today as I sit down with Nancy Paradis, a seasoned choreographer, artistic director, and educator with a rich career spanning classical ballet and the commercial dance world. She also leads LA Dance Moves, an innovative company blending dance, music, art and media to create inspiring works.In this inspiring episode, Nancy takes us through her remarkable journey in the dance world - a path that began with just one ballet class a week and led to a professional career spanning over five decades.She opens up about how her dance beginnings were anything but typical, and how she made the bold leap from limited training to dancing professionally. Nancy shares what it was like to leave home at a young age to pursue her passion, and her experience as one of the original members of the Richmond Ballet.We dive into the moment she first stepped into a jazz class and how that experience opened her eyes to a new style, far removed from the rigid structure of classical ballet. Nancy also recalls her very first professional gig - a short 10-day contract that paid enough for her to buy her first car!Balancing motherhood and a demanding dance career is a challenge many dancers face. Nancy talks candidly about when she felt secure enough in her career to take a step back and focus on her family, and how she managed to return and evolve as a performer, choreographer, and teacher.She discusses the key differences between company life and commercial work, and shares valuable insights into what it takes to sustain a long-term career in the ever-changing world of dance.With over 50 years of experience, Nancy offers heartfelt advice for aspiring dancers, reveals the kind of energy she strives to foster in her classes, and the lasting impact she hopes to have on her students. Plus, for anyone curious about what makes a dancer stand out to a director - Nancy lets us in on her secret. She even shares rarely discussed business tips that every dancer should hear.Connect with Nancy:YOUTUBE: Nancy Paradis (LA Dance Moves)WEBSITE: ladancemoves.comINSTAGRAM: @ladance_movesLinks and Resources:Aloha Nutrition Bars: 20% off using code: BRAINYBALLERINABallet Help Desk WebsiteLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected] episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

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• 56. A New Chapter for Dance Kaleidoscope with Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter

  In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dance Kaleidoscope Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter to explore his multifaceted dance journey from a theater-loving high schooler in Atlanta to an influential choreographer and artistic leader in the dance industry.Joshua shares pivotal moments in his development, including his time at the University of Arizona, his early choreographic commissions, and his 14-year tenure with Giordano Dance Chicago.Now at the helm of Dance Kaleidoscope, he opens up about his leadership philosophy, audition process, and long-term vision for the company. Whether you're a dancer, educator, or choreographer, this episode is full of rich insights on persistence, artistry, and creating space for others to thrive.Key Topics:✨The transformative role of college dance and the importance of asking for opportunities✨Navigating his first professional choreographic commission while still a college student✨Transitioning from student to professional dancer and striking a realistic balance✨What makes a great dancer in auditions (hint: it’s not perfection)✨Why collaboration and respect are the cornerstones of his leadership style✨His vision for Dance Kaleidoscope and what makes it a fulfilling place to work✨Advice for young dancers on building a sustainable, long-term careerConnect with Joshua:JOSHUA INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jbcchoreographyDANCE KALEIDOSCOPE IG: instagram.com/dance_kaleidoscope_indyDANCE KALEIDOSCOPE WEBSITE: www.dancekal.orgLinks and Resources:Get your copy of The Intentional Career HandbookSet up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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