The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

As dancers, we tend to be creative people. During our training, our focus is on technique and artistry as opposed to the business aspect of our career. As we advance into the professional world and are offered our first contract, it can be a rude awakening. Most dancers don’t know what they should be looking for, or even how contract negotiations will develop.
In this episode, I’m joined by ballet dancer-turned-attorney Cielomar Puccio, founder of Brandllet Law to get the scoop on what dancers need to know. Together, we break down the essential parts of a dance contract in clear, practical terms so dancers can confidently understand what they’re agreeing to before they sign.
From salaries and rehearsal schedules to exclusivity clauses and shoe stipends, this episode covers the details that can make a big difference in a dancer’s daily life and long-term career.
Key Points in this Episode:
The most important things dancers should look for in a contract
The difference between employees and independent contractors
Important clauses to look out for including exclusivity, intellectual property, moral, termination, and automatic renewal
What dancers can realistically negotiate and how to do so professionally and confidently
Red flags to watch out for in both the actual contract and the negotiation
Disclaimer:
A contract is a legal document subject to the laws, rules, and regulations of each particular jurisdiction in which they are executed. In the United States, each state has specific laws, rules, and regulations that apply to them. If you have questions about your issues in relation to a contract consult with an attorney barred in the state in which the contract is executed before you proceed with the agreement. The content and information provided in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice or opinion.
Connect with Brandllet Law:
WEBSITE: www.brandllet.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/brandlletlaw
Links and Resources:
1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call
Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA
Blog Post: Is Your Contract Knowledge En Pointe?
Let’s connect!
My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

This week on The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Janessa Urwin: former professional ballerina, Resident Costume Designer for American Repertory Ballet, and founder of Florimund’s, a luxury ballet costume rental company.
Janessa shares her unique journey from dancer to designer, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet costuming. We talk about everything from constructing tutus that survive decades of performances to helping dancers feel confident and transformed the moment they step on stage. We also chat about career pivots, creative entrepreneurship, and the many meaningful ways to build a life in ballet beyond performing.
Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, studio owner, or just love the magic of ballet productions, this episode will give you a peek behind the seams at the passion and work that goes into crafting gorgeous costumes.
Key Points in this Episode:
How Janessa began learning the art of costume design while still dancing professionally
What the costume design process really looks like and the unique challenges of designing for dancers
How ballet costumes are built to last and get passed down through generations
Practical tips for dancers during costume fittings (what to speak up about!)
Why beautiful, well-fitting costumes elevate performance and confidence
Founding Florimund’s to simplify the costume rental process and make high-quality tutus accessible for everyone!
Connect with Florimund’s:
WEBSITE: florimunds.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/florimunds
Links and Resources:
1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call
Let’s connect!
My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Felix Molinero Del Paso of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo joins The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ahead of the company’s February 26th performance at the Overture Center in Madison, WI.
Raised in Spain and later trained at the collegiate level in Germany, Felix shares the bold email he sent that led to a life-changing opportunity with the world-renowned all-male ballet company.
Known for parodying the conventions of classical ballet while maintaining exceptional technical standards, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo requires its dancers to master both male and female roles, on and off pointe.
Felix pulls back the curtain on the training demands, the artistry behind comedic ballet, the realities of touring life, and the creative personas he embodies onstage, proving that ballet can be both technically brilliant and wildly entertaining.
Key "Pointes" from this Episode:
• How Felix’s ballet training in Spain and Germany prepared him for a professional career
• The email that led to his audition and eventual contract with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
• What makes The Trocks unique in the ballet world
• Training for both male and female roles, including dancing on pointe
• The skill required to balance high-level technique with comedic timing
• The realities and challenges of being part of a touring company
• The development of his onstage personas “Holly Dey-Abroad” and “Bruno Backpfeinfengesicht”
• How comedic ballet attracts new and nontraditional audiences to the art form
Follow Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesballetstrockadero/
Visit Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s Website: https://trockadero.org/
Links and Resources:
Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring
Let’s connect!
My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Self-care gets marketed as bubble baths and spa days. But for dancers, real self-care is often much less glamorous and much more powerful.
In this solo episode, I break down what sustainable self-care actually looks like for dancers who want long, healthy, fulfilling careers. From sleep and hydration to decision fatigue, physical therapy, and getting off social media, this conversation focuses on the small, proactive habits that protect your body, brain, and soul.
Because true self-care isn’t reactive; it’s the daily basics that make everything else easier.
If you’ve been feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly playing catch-up with your health, this episode is your reminder to go back to the foundations.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Self Care for Dancers Blog Post: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/self-care-for-dancers-that-actually-works
Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/the-brainy-ballerina-book-club
The Lazy Genius: https://amzn.to/45Kuxty (affiliate link)
Brick: https://getbrick.app
Related episodes:
BONUS: The Impact of the Ballet World's Obsession with Weight with Dr. Stephanie Potreck
23. A Holistic Approach to Strength Training with Wendy Reinert
25. Nourishing Dancers: a Conversation on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders with Registered Dietitian Monika Saigal
68. Fueling the Mind-Body Connection with Registered Sports Dietitian Lisa Rivera
84. 2025 Year in Review and Being Where Your Feet Are in 2026
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 [email protected]

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by choreographer, educator, and former professional dancer Autumn Eckman for a thoughtful conversation about building a long, sustainable career in dance.
From leaving home at a young age to embracing leadership, choreography, and academia, Autumn shares how curiosity and collaboration have shaped her path, and why a dance career doesn’t have to follow just one track to be successful.
Key Points in this Episode:
Why Autumn shifted from Houston Ballet Academy toward contemporary and jazz-focused work
How Autumn transitioned into choreography, teaching, and artistic leadership while still performing
The impact collaborating with composers has had on her choreographic career
How preparation and openness coexist in the studio
What led Autumn to pursue her MFA later in her career, and how academia offers a new lens on dance, research, and creativity
Listening to inner cues and values when deciding to change direction
Connect with Autumn:
WEBSITE: https://www.autumneckman.com/
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/autumn__eckman
Links and Resources:
1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call
Let’s connect!
My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]