The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

• 79. ENCORE: Nutcracker Survival Guide for Dancers

  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 intentionAnd 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 GuideFind a specialist on Doctors for DancersRachel Fine's To The Pointe Nutrition article for a balanced Nutcracker meal plan1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callGift Guides:2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Dancers2025 Nutcracker Gift Guide for DancersRelated Episodes:Episode 16: Realistic Time Management Strategies for DancersBook Recommendation:The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairy Tale Memoir by Janine Kovac (affiliate link)Let’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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• 78. From Professional Ballerina to CEO: How Genevieve Custer Weeks Built Tutu School

  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 GuideLet’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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• 77. Innovating Ballet Education: Elizabeth Troxler on Creating the Ballet Boost App

  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.comhttps://www.allongefilms.com/INSTAGRAM:instagram.com/liztroxlerinstagram.com/balletboostappinstagram.com/chronicledanceinstagram.com/allongefilmsLinks and Resources:Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10.Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition GuideLet’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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• 76. Love Your Body (or Don't) with Katrena Cohea

  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/yourbodyimagebffLOVE YOUR BODY (OR DON’T): https://www.thenourisheddancer.com/love-your-body-or-dontLinks and Resources:Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition with code BRAINY10.Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition GuideLet’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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• 75. What Your Dance Teacher Wants You to Know

  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.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career callQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

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