The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by professional dancer (and one of my former students!) Kendall Lademann for a full-circle conversation on the unexpected twists and turns that have shaped her dance career.
We dive into Kendall’s transition from student to professional at Mareck Dance, including what it was like dancing alongside former teachers and how that environment helped her grow as both an artist and an adult.
We also talk about how Kendall moved forward with her dance career after Mareck Dance unexpectedly folded, finding new opportunities at Lexington Ballet.
Kendall is a true testament to the fact that dance careers never travel in a straight line. She shares so much thoughtful advice for aspiring professional dancers about taking risks, handling rejection, and treating people with kindness in the small world of dance.
Key “Pointes” in this Episode:
How the teachers, choreographers and directors Kendall has worked with have grown her into the artist she is today
How the pandemic unexpectedly launched her professional dance career
Going from dancing as a student in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” to dancing the title role
Navigating the sudden closure of Mareck Dance and finding a new path
Moving away from home and starting fresh with Lexington Ballet
Unique performance experiences including dancing in a distillery, performing in a music video, and starring as Charlie Chaplin in “A Charlie Chaplin Christmas” with Lexington Ballet
Kendall’s passion for adaptive dance through Danceability and why teaching became one of the most meaningful parts of her career
Connect with Kendall
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kendall_lademann
Links & Resources:
SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)
SHOP 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

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by former professional dancer and Arts in Health professional Kate Webb Berk to explore the powerful connection between dance and health.
Kate shares her journey from dancing professionally with Verb Ballets (now Ohio Contemporary Ballet) to pursuing a master’s degree in Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida, where she focuses on social prescribing and arts-based health interventions.
We dive into the growing field of arts in health, why dance is uniquely impactful for mental and physical wellbeing, and how movement and community can combat the loneliness epidemic.
This conversation is both deeply validating for dancers and eye-opening for anyone interested in the science behind why dance matters.
Key “Pointes” in this Episode:
What “social prescribing” is and how it’s changing healthcare systems
Why dance is considered one of the most effective arts in health interventions
How dancers can reconnect with the initial joy that brought them to dance in the first place
The powerful physiological and emotional benefits of community and shared movement
Why the arts are not luxuries but an intrinsic part of us and truly essential to human health (backed by research!)
Connect with Kate
WEBSITE: https://artsinmotionwellness.com/
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/katestahgram
Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives by Dr. Daisy Fancourt (affiliate link)
University of Florida Arts in Medicine Program
Jameel Arts & Health Lab
Ohio Social Prescribing Collaborative
SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)
SHOP 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

In this solo episode, I dive into everything dancers need to know to make the most of their summer intensives. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pre-professional, this episode is packed with insight to help you thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally during one of the most transformative times in your dance training.
Key “Pointes” in this Episode
🩰Why summer intensives are critical for growth in technique, artistry, and professionalism
🩰The importance of journaling and reflection - before, during, and after
🩰Tips for adjusting socially and forming lasting connections
🩰Staying healthy: sleep, recovery, nutrition, and hydration
🩰Turning your summer intensive into an extended audition and possible job opportunity.
Related Blog Posts:
➡️ 3 Benefits of Attending a Summer Dance Intensive
➡️ Pack Like a Pro: Essential Items for Your Summer Dance Intensive
➡️ Coping with Missing Home During your Summer Intensive
➡️ Everything Dancers Need to Know Before Their First Partnering Class
Join the Conversation
Head 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.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call
Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

Physiotherapist and dance medicine specialist Erika Mayall, founder of Allegro Performance + Wellness in Vancouver, BC, joins us to share expert guidance on managing and preventing injuries during a dancer's busiest seasons.
Erika breaks down why high-stakes periods like auditions, competitions, and intensives carry such elevated injury risk, and what dancers can do to protect themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. She walks us through how to build a smarter annual training calendar, how fatigue directly increases injury risk, and practical strategies for recovery even when a full night's sleep isn't realistic.
Key "Pointes" from this Episode:
Why auditions, competitions, and intensives are the highest-risk times of year for dancers.
The physical and emotional/mental aspect of dance injuries.
Warning signs that a dancer may be heading toward injury.
How to tell the difference between normal muscle soreness and an injury.
What a well-structured dance season should look like and when to prioritize strength and flexibility vs. rest and recovery.
The science behind fatigue and injury risk.
Practical tips for recovery when getting more sleep isn't possible.
Connect with Erika:
Follow Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancephysioerika/
Allegro Performance’s Website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/
Listen to The Dance Physio Podcast: https://www.allegroperformance.com/podcast
Links and Resources:
BRANDLLET: https://www.brandllet.com/
Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring
Let’s connect!
MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring
Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Hayley Meier: dancer, choreographer, and educator currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada
Hayley shares her journey from competition studio training to intensive ballet education, and how she ultimately carved out a career that blends performance, choreography, and teaching. We talk about her time dancing with Rochester City Ballet and River North Dance Chicago, including the persistence it took to land her dream job and why not getting hired right away doesn’t mean “no” forever.
We also dive into the emotional reality of unexpected career transitions, including the closure of River North, and how that pivotal moment led Hayley toward graduate school at her alma mater, the University of Arizona, and a new creative path in choreography and higher education.
This conversation is full of honest insight on navigating uncertainty, building confidence through small daily habits, and why learning to love the process is essential for long-term success in dance.
Key “Pointes” in this Conversation:
Choosing college over a direct company path to pursue both ballet and jazz and how attending the University of Arizona opened up career opportunities
Landing her dream job at River North Dance Chicago and the impact of River North’s unexpected closure on her dance career
Navigating the freelance dance scene and redefining her identity beyond performing
How graduate school opened the door to choreography and teaching
What she loves about teaching at the collegiate level and developing artistry in dancers
Connect with Hayley
WEBSITE: www.hayleymeier.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/hayleymeier
Links and Resources:
Brandllet: www.brandllet.com
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