Ballet Initiative Podcast

Alicia Graf Mack is the face of Alvin Ailey American Dance. Alicia joins me in the studio to talk about the back injury that is currently threatening to end her career. We also have a candid conversation about race in ballet, and the lack of women in executive roles in dance. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Damian Woetzel is the Artistic Director for the Vail International Dance Festival. Each year, this innovative festival presents a diverse offering of dance in a truly unique setting. On this episode, we discuss some of the finer points of the festival. Specifically, serial collaborations, new works, debuts, community work and arts education. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Victoria Simon was a soloist with the New York City Ballet. Toward the end of her career, George Balanchine selected her to stage his ballets around the world. On this episode, my curiosity takes us behind the scenes of the process and responsibility of staging Mr. Balanchine's work. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Carol Sumner was a soloist with the New York City Ballet from 1958 to 1978. Under the direction of George Balanchine, she danced principal roles in Concerto Barocco, Divertimento No. 15, Agon, Western Symphony and The Nutcracker.I've found the relationships between Mr. B and his dancers to be fascinating, and often complex. In this case, it's very sweet. Ms. Sumner was moved to tears when she recalled his final days and ultimate passing. I appreciate her candid nature. If you'd like to see images of Ms. Sumner from this period, go here while you listen.http://artsmeme.com/2012/01/25/what-makes-a-balanchine-ballerina-meet-carol-sumner/ Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Ms. Govrin was a soloist with New York City Ballet for 15 years under George Balanchine. Today, she's a renowned teacher and the Artistic Director of Eastern Connecticut Ballet. In our conversation, she shares her life as a dancer and gives fascinating first hand insight into the legend of Mr. B. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Nancy Buirski is the Director of "Afternoon of a Faun: Tanaquil le Clercq". I should admit, I fell in love with 'Tanny' through photographs over decade ago. So, to see her move on screen truly deepened my intrigue/ crush.This is a universal story of struggle and change. I feel that her story will appeal to more than our dance community. It's beautiful. Really well done, Ms. Buirski. Thank you. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Wendy Perron is the author of, "Through the Eyes of a Dancer". Wendy also serves as the Editor at Large for Dance Magazine.Strangely, there were some gremlins at work in the phone line on this day! However, we managed to push through and together shared an informative look at the world of dancer during her celebrated career. Enjoy. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

This is part two of my interview with Wendy Perron. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Ms. Watts was an established Balanchine dancer. Her career and place in history is very significant. Frankly, I was a little nervous dialing the phone on this one. After all, this is Heather Watts! However, it took less than 30 seconds for that feeling to fade once we connected. I really like Heather Watts. I love her honesty. I love her stories of Mr. B, and I also admire how candid she was when she discusses her story. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

It's safe to say, this was an easy conversation. In fact, we spent over two hours talking about art and life. Because of the length, I thought it would be wise to make break the conversation down and present it in two parts. Enjoy. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

In this segment, legendary teacher Finis Jhung walks us through his life. We learn about his career as a dancer, and then his unconventional path to becoming a teacher. It's a great oral history. Take a listen. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

In this segment, I ask Finis about his teaching philosophy. rss Block Select a Blog Page to create an RSS feed link. Learn more RSS

Before Rosalie became the renowned photographer we know today, she was a dancer with American Ballet Theater. It was really cool to visit with her and talk about her life in both ballet and photography. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Dr. Linda Hamilton successfully made the transition from a being Balanchine dancer to a respected doctor. Dr. Hamilton has dedicated her life to helping future generations manage the struggles of being a professional dancer. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Carla Korbes is a principal dancer with the Pacific Northwest Ballet. In part one of our conversation, we talk about her injury and the road to recovery. We also talk about living and working in New York, and her relationship with Artistic Director, Peter Boal. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

In part two, we talk about the keys to success in ballet. You may be surprised what recipe we've discovered! We also talk about her life in Seattle, and her thoughts about social media and ballet on television. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Tess Reichlen is a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. In our conversation, we talk about her road to becoming a principal, dancer burn out, and how changing her approach preserved her career. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

In part two of my conversation with Ms. Reichlen, I wanted to give her more time to talk about her position on ballet in the media. Her October 2013 interview in the Wall Street Journal started a deeper conversation about the way ballet is presented and perceived in the mainstream. Plus, she shares her views on the art of ballet in the media. Including, Sarah Jessica Parker's new project with NYCB and her thoughts on Breaking Pointe. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

Allison is a soloist with Ballet West. She's also a cast member of the CW's, "Breaking Pointe". Frankly, I didn't know much about Allison before this conversation. In part one on my interview, we explore her training and influences. We also talk about the television show, and it's affects on her life and the company. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

In part two of my conversation with Allison, we dig deeper into the power of television. I believe this is the start of a much deeper conversation of how the art of ballet is being impacted, perceived and produced in the media. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

A few years ago, Jacques came to St. Louis to promote his book, "I Was A Dancer". When I found out he was coming, I swiftly contacted his publisher to request an interview. I was instructed to arrive at his hotel in the early afternoon. I nervously waited in the lobby until I received a call telling me to go to his room. My nerves settled as he opened the door shouting, "Christian!"' For the next hour, we talked like old friends. He was extremely kind and reflective. Amazing insight into history. This is part two of my archived conversation with the legendary Balanchine dancer. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

A few years ago, Jacques came to St. Louis to promote his book, "I Was A Dancer". When I found out he was coming, I swiftly contacted his publisher to request an interview. I was instructed to arrive at his hotel in the early afternoon. I nervously waited in the lobby until I received a call telling me to go to his room. My nerves settled as he opened the door shouting, "Christian!"' For the next hour, we talked like old friends. He was extremely kind and reflective. Amazing insight into history. This is part two of my archived conversation with the legendary Balanchine dancer. Ballet Initiative Podcast RSS

For me, Jock Soto was the best partner on the planet. He's a celebrated artist who has danced with several of New York City Ballet's prima ballerinas. Perhaps most notably, Heather Watts, Darci Kistler and Wendy Whelan. Jock teaches at the School of American Ballet, and joined me from his childhood home in New Mexico.

Earlier this year, Tiler and Robbie were in St. Louis for NYCB MOVES. It's interesting having a conversation in the middle of a hotel business center! People were checking email, mailing packages and slamming doors. We had fun. They were both very generous and St. Louis loved them.

After a successful run of shows at the Joyce Theater, choreographer Matthew Neenan joined me to talk about his career and plans for the future. Matthew is the Artistic Director for Ballet X in Philadelphia.

Joy Womack joined us on episode two of the Ballet Initiative podcast. I hope when things settle, she'll come back and tell her story. Listen to our interview with Ms. Womack here.I believe that social media is a huge part of sustaining this great art form. This interview is proof. I met Joy Womack via Facebook. Once we connected, I requested an interview. She agreed and we connected via Skype while she was in Hong Kong. Yes, Hong Kong. She was competing in the 2013 Asian Grand Prix. Oh, and she won. Historically speaking. she's also the first American dancer to join the Bolshoi Ballet.

When I decided to launch Ballet Initiative, I knew I needed someone who had enough patience to endure the challenges of scheduling and technology. So, I created a list of possible first guests. The list resembled the draft board of a professional sports team. I needed a dancer who understood the goals of the program. The kind of dancer who could deliver credibility and insight. Not to mention, crazy feet and legs. Our debut features principal dancer, Maria Chapman of the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Thanks for your friendship, Maria!