Considering full-time or summer training at Louisville Ballet? Artistic Director Mikelle Bruzina and School Director Christy Corbitt Krieger explain how the school is structured, what the studio company experience involves, and how dancers transition into professional careers. They also share insights on tuition, housing, casting, and how dancers are recruited. This episode offers a clear, behind-the-scenes look for dancers and families exploring the path through Louisville Ballet.

Learn more about Louisville Ballet's training options on their website

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Former San Francisco Ballet soloist Madison Keesler shares the twists and turns of her ballet path—from falling in love with dance to navigating career pivots and returning to SFB more than once. She talks about leaving at the height of her career, what she’s up to now in New York, and the launch of Pointe of View, her new consulting business for dancers. Plus, she offers thoughtful advice for students hoping to go pro.

You can find Madison on Instagram: @madisonkeesler or on her website

Interested in working with Madison? Book a free consultation.

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Ballet competitions are more common than ever—but do dancers really need them? In our latest episode of #NoThirds, Fran weighs in on the role competitions play in today’s training landscape.

He tackles key questions from parents and dancers alike:

• Are comps essential for landing trainee or second company spots?
• Do they actually help with long-term career goals?
• Why are so many schools and companies participating now?
• What’s the real value compared to strong training and company performances?

Fran brings his signature clarity and candor to a topic that’s often confusing and feels high-stakes. This conversation is packed with insight regardless of whether you’re all-in on the comp circuit or don’t compete at all.

Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Victoria Mazzarelli, Artistic Director of the Nutmeg Conservatory, joins us to share what sets this independent ballet conservatory apart. Widely known for its warm and nurturing environment, Victoria covers everything from curriculum and housing to performance opportunities, as well as the school's postgraduate program. She also explains how Nutmeg supports its students both in and out of the studio, what kind of dancer thrives in their environment, and how they help students navigate big decisions about career paths.

Learn more about Nutmeg
Read reviews of the school

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

We all know that dancers have their own unique style. Welcome to our interview with the founders of Barre Trash, Lucas Labrador and Louis DeFelice as they let us in on ballet’s not-so-glamorous side—with honesty, humor, and a sharp eye for merch. In this episode, they talk about how Barre Trash was born, what the name really means, and how their side hustle turned into a platform for both laughter and change. From surviving on dancer salaries to calling out industry nonsense, Lucas and Louis share why they believe humor is a coping mechanism—and a catalyst for reform. Plus: the Yale detour, the realities of multi-hyphenate life, and what they’d put on a T-shirt if they could sum up ballet in one phrase.

You can shop Barre Trash products on the Ballet Help Desk Summer Intensive Essentials Guide or on the Barre Trash website

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Why open a ballet school in San Antonio? Former Pacific Northwest Ballet principals Lindsi Dec and Karel Cruz share what inspired them to found DeCruz Ballet, how their training model stands apart, and where they see their school fitting into the evolving ballet ecosystem. They discuss everything from attracting male students and navigating competition culture, to counseling dancers through audition season and offering guidance on college ballet paths and postgrad training. With honest insight and a dancer-first mindset, Dec and Cruz are shaping the next generation their way.

Learn more about DeCruz Ballet School
Read reviews of the school

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Silas Farley walked away from his performing career while he was arguably at the top of his game. In this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Farley—former New York City Ballet dancer and current choreographer, educator, and leader—reflects on his journey through the ballet world. He shares how his cultural background shaped his experience, the pressures of representation, and what ultimately led him to step away from the stage at a young age. Silas opens up about the emotional challenges of transition, the role of faith and mentorship, and why he’s committed to building a more inclusive and emotionally intelligent future for ballet. We also explore how training can evolve without losing its rigor, and what he’d say to a young boy considering dance today. This is a must-listen for anyone questioning what it means to succeed in ballet—and how to define that for yourself.

Learn more about Silas Farley and his curent role as Armstrong Artist in Residence, Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

In Part 2 of our conversation with Fran Veyette, we dig into the realities of postgraduate training—what kind of “help” programs actually offer (and what dancers should be asking for), how long is too long to stay in a bridge program, and why some dancers move quickly into company jobs while others spin their wheels. We talk about whether dancers are truly company-ready at high school graduation, the myth (or not) of lateral moves, and the sometimes unspoken rules of getting hired. Plus: Fran’s take on college vs. company, how influence really works in hiring decisions, and the most honest advice he’d give to any dancer navigating this path.

This is the real talk dancers and families need before making big decisions.

• Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI