The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

In this solo episode of the Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m sharing practical advice for professional dancers and aspiring teachers looking to connect with studio owners and build a sustainable teaching career in the dance industry.
Drawing from my own experiences as an experienced dance educator and former school director, I’m breaking down the realities of finding teaching work, from preparing your materials and making initial contact with a studio to understanding what studio owners actually value most in a teacher.
Key “Pointes” in this Episode:
Why professional dance experience does not automatically make someone a strong teacher
The importance of researching a studio before applying
Why flexibility can help newer teachers gain more opportunities
How your teaching priorities may evolve throughout different seasons of life
What to include in a professional teaching portfolio
How to identify and market your “unique selling points” as a dance educator
Why teaching should be approached as a true profession, not just a side hustle
Links & Resources:
BLOG POST: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/booking-dance-teaching-gigs-tips-for-connecting-with-studio-owners
SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)
Let’s connect!
My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

Ashley Thorndike is a licensed clinical professional counselor, longtime dance educator, and founder of Dance and College Counseling. With a PhD in Dance Studies, an MEd in Counselor Education, and a BFA in Modern Dance, she brings a rare combination of mental health expertise and firsthand academic experience to college and career planning for dancers.
Ashley and I are both products of college dance programs and have gone on to mentor dancers through this process, so I absolutely loved connecting over this topic! Our conversation is jam-packed with everything from the complex admissions process to building a broad, sustainable career in dance.
Key "Pointes" from this Episode:
Ashley's winding path into dance and her academic journey through the University of Utah, the University of Virginia, and Ohio State University where she became the first person to earn a PhD in dance studies.
The biggest mistakes dancers make when applying to college dance programs.
How families can explore financial options when loans and personal resources do not cover the cost of a dance education.
How to identify the right college fit as a dancer and what to look for during your search.
The importance of moving beyond a one-lane mindset and exploring the many paths available within the dance world.
Why college is a uniquely valuable time to explore interests beyond dance.
How a long, meaningful dance career can take many different shapes, even beyond performing on stage.
What dance faculty are looking for at auditions, based on Ashley's experience serving on an admissions committee.
How to approach your interview as a dance applicant and what questions you should and should not be asking.
Advice for parents who feel uncertain about their child pursuing dance as a college and career path.
Connect with Ashley:
Ashley’s College Planning Guide: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/guide
Ashley’s Website: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/
Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danceandcollegecounseling/
Links and Resources:
SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)
SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com ($20 off all Orza Pro® 2.0 ballet shoes June 22nd through the 28th with ORZA day deals - no code needed!)
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

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