Ballet Uncovered ~ Balancing Pointe Podcast

Balancing Pointe Podcast's new mini series is called "Where are they now?".  On this series some of the earliest and most popular guests to were asked to send an update on what is gong on in their lives right now. On this episode of "Where are they now?", previous Balancing Pointe guest Maggie Kudirka, otherwise known as the Bald Ballerina shares with us her amazing life updates.  Maggie was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer when she was only 23.  At that time, the statistics were not in her favor as the life expectancy of a person with her diagnosis was only three years.  We are all so thrilled to learn that Maggie recently celebrated her 3 year anniversary of survival after her difficult diagnosis.  Maggie's passion for dance, education and spreading the word about metastatic is inspirational to all!  Maggie certainly is an example on living life to the fullest!   If you would like to show your support for Maggie, please stop by her website at:   Bald Ballerina For more episodes and more dance related shows, visit the Premier Dance Network: Premier Dance Network Today's show was sponsored by: Bodywrappers  

Balancing Pointe Podcast's new mini series is called "Where are they now?".  On this series some of the earliest and most popular guests to were asked to send an update on what is gong on in their lives right now. On this episode of "Where are they now?", previous Balancing Pointe guest AND Premier Dance Network host Lauren Fadeley Veyette shares with us some updates in her life as a Principal dancer with Miami City Ballet.  Following her update, you will her the original interview with Lauren and her husband Francis.  This was such a vibrant interview and one filled with golden nuggets of advice! For more episodes and more dance related shows, visit the Premier Dance Network: Premier Dance Network Today's show was sponsored by: Bodywrappers  

Balancing Pointe Podcast's new mini series is called "Where are they now?".  On this series some of the earliest and most popular guests to were asked to send an update on what is gong on in their lives right now.  On today's episode we catch up with Jenelle Figgins.  Since we last spoke with Jenelle, she has not only won the Princess Grace award but was also featured in numerous magazines.  Jenelle has also made a shift from Dance Theatre of Harlem, leaving the city of NYC to now dance with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, where she lives and dances with nature. For more episodes and more dance related shows, visit the Premier Dance Network: Premier Dance Network Today's show was sponsored by: Bodywrappers Aspen Santa Fe Ballet JENELLE FIGGINS: TRANSITION

Balancing Pointe Podcast's new mini series is called "Where are they now?".  On this series some of the earliest and most popular guests to were asked to send an update on what is gong on in their lives right now.  Today, Balancing Pointe is so excited to bring you the VERY FIRST guest on Balancing Pointe podcast from December 2013!  Balancing Pointe's first guest is Dylan Gutierrez with the Joffrey Ballet.  Dylan  still holds such a special place with the podcast as he literally kicked off the the launch of the show.  Kimberly admits to being VERY nervous!  But as you’ll hear in the interview – Dylan was incredible.  For more episodes and more dance related shows, visit the Premier Dance Network: Premier Dance Network Today's show was sponsored by: Bodywrappers

On this mini series, host Kimberly Falker provides an update on some of her most popular Balancing Pointe guests. On today's episode, she shares New York City Ballet corps member Alexa Maxwell's latest life update and then re-publishes Lexi's amazingly inspirational interview from three years ago. For more episodes and more dance related shows, visit the Premier Dance Network: Premier Dance Network Today's show was sponsored by: Bodywrappers

Today Kimberly interviews Jess Spinner of The Whole Dancer Program.  The interview comes LIVE from Boston.  Jess shares with us her journey in dance and how body image struggles led her to becoming a professional in nutrition and ultimately creating The Whole Dancer program to help coach and empower dancers to find their best health both nutritionally but also physically.  You can find more information about Jess' program here: The Whole Dancer Premier Dance Network

In Honor of the Celebration of Balancing Pointe's 200th Episode, host Kimberly Falker takes us on her almost 3 years as a podcaster. You'll hear some never been shared stories on how her early days in the creation of the podcast as well as the biggest lesson learned as a parent of an aspiring professional dancer.  In this episode Kimberly also dives in deep on the background of the Premier Dance Network which she launched in January 2016 as well as some unique perspective on each of the 8 shows currently featured on Premier Dance Network.  And finally, Kimberly tells us about the launch of her Patreon Campaign which is an incredible way for you, as a listener to show the support for both the Balancing Pointe Podcast as well as the other shows on the Premier Dance Network by becoming an official PDN Patron.  To find out more about the Patreon Campaign and to learn about the many rewards being offered to each patron, click on the links below.  Patreon Campaign Support Premier Dance Network

On today's episode Kimberly interviews Ashley Ellis LIVE in a quaint garden in South Boston, adjacent to the Boston Ballet studios.  Ashley is not only a Principal dancer with the Boston Ballet, but the founder of Rubia Wear leg warmers, one of the hottest items for every dancer these days.  Be sure to check out Ashley's trendy and stylish leg warmers here: Rubia Wear Ashley Ellis website Premier Dance Network Boston Ballet

On this episode Kimberly chats with Gina Pero who will be The Premier Dance Network's newest host to join her network of amazingly talented hosts.   Gina Pero has turned her pain from obstacles such as a brain injury, scoliosis, and reverse bullying into her purpose.  Going behind the curtain to learn about her and others personal experiences, influences, and triumphs will empower you to take action on the life you really want. The Gina Pero show will feature dialogue from family, professional colleagues, industry experts and performing artists,  as she goes beyond one’s achievements and into the journey each individual took to arrive at their current destination. The Premier Dance Network Balancing Pointe website

Today's episode comes to you LIVE from the lobby of Sarah's hotel lobby.  Sarah was in town with Alvin Ailey''s ballet company to perform in Minneapolis. We met in the lobby and had a great conversation covering topics from tattoos to life on the road and meditation.  It was great to reconnect with Sarah. Sarah Daley (South Elgin, IL) began her training at the Faubourg School of Ballet in Illinois under the direction of Watmora Casey and Tatyana Mazur. She is a 2009 graduate of the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program in Dance. Ms. Daley has trained at institutions such as the Kirov Academy, National Ballet School of Canada, The San Francisco Conservatory of Dance, and intensives at Ballet Camp Illinois and Ballet Adriatico in Italy. She is a recipient of a Youth America Grand Prix Award and an ARTS Foundation Award. She was a member of Ailey II and joined the Company in 2011.

Rebecca King was born and raised in Northern California. She received her ballet training from former San Francisco Ballet School Director and ABT dancer Richard Cammack, former ABT and SFB dancer Zola Dishong, former NYCB dancer Charles Anderson and former Royal Swedish Ballet dancer Katarina Wester at Contra Costa Ballet Centre in Walnut Creek, Calif. King spent two summers studying at San Francisco Ballet School under the direction of Gloria Govrin. Her senior year in high school, she attended The Rock School in Philadelphia. After graduating in 2006, she moved to Miami to train at Miami City Ballet School. King joined Miami City Ballet in 2007 as a company apprentice and was promoted to corps de ballet in 2008. I n 2010, she founded a dance blog, TendusUnderAPalmTree.com, which has enabled her to reach out to dancers and audience members from around the globe. 

Omar's first connection with visual storytelling through the art of mime theatre. Omar had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of Marcel Marceau at L’École Internationale de Mimodrame de Paris Marcel Marceau. Later, when he went to college to acquire his B.A in Communications and Arts, he discovered in photography a new way of telling stories without words. With photography he could immortalize the moments for a little longer. He has since explored as many areas of photography as he possibly can. Among these, Omar has found a unique way to photograph dancers athleticism and grit while maintaining their beauty and grace - all while immersed in an urban setting.  Omar Z Robles Photography Balancing Pointe Website Facebook Follow BP on Twitter Instagram  

On today's episode of Balancing Pointe Podcast the Host, Kimberly Falker is in the HOT seat!  Melissa Klapper is the host and asks Kimberly all of the questions you may not know.  On this episode she is not uncovering Ballet, but uncovering HER journey in life, in podcasting and in her struggles as a mother of an aspiring ballerina. Melissa Klapper is a History professor at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey and asked Kimberly to provide her some information as research for the book she is in the process of researching and writing, Ballet Class: An American History which is a scholarly book that will explore the twentieth-century growth of ballet class as a central part of American childhood. Melissa is currently on sabbatical and is devoting herself full time to the research and completion of this book. This will me Dr. Klapper's fourth scholarly book but her first book focusing on Ballet.   Melissa's other books are; Small Strangers: The Experiences of Immigrant Children in America, 1880-1925 (American Childhoods Series), Jewish Girls Coming of Age in America, 1860-1920 and Ballots, Babies, and Banners of Peace: American Jewish Women's Activism, 1890-1940. Dr. Klapper reached out to Kimberly to interview her as research for her book. From this they came up with the idea to record the interview and use it as its own episode on Balancing Pointe Podcast.  As you will hear, Kimberly provides a detailed history into her life and experiences as well as providing authentic thoughts on the hardships, frustrations and confusion she feels raising a daughter who is pursuing a life in Ballet. Balancing Pointe Website Facebook Follow BP on Twitter Instagram          

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Today’s question come from: CRUSHED who wrote in saying "Hi Megan, I am 17 years old and in the middle of Summer Intensive Auditions. Each year since I was 13 years old I have gotten into some very reputable programs (including SAB) and have always received at least one full scholarship.  This year not only have I not received ANY scholarship but I have not really received many acceptances.  I am SO upset because I work so hard and now I feel this Th is the ballet world telling me I am not good enough after all.  Do you have an opinion on what might be happening and how I can feel more confident."  Signed, Crushed.   Megan provides some solid and straightforward advice - you almost feel as if you took one of her classes! Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review this show

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Today’s question come from: Amy who is a Ballet Instructor.  She recalls many lessons learned from teachers she had as a young aspiring dancer.  She wonders what are Megan's most important pieces of advice she tries to pass on to her student's when she teaches.   Megan provides some solid and straightforward advice - you almost feel as if you took one of her classes! Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review this show

Originally from Brussels, Belgium, Olivier Wevers is the founder and Artistic Director of Seattle’s critically acclaimed contemporary dance company Whim W’Him. In 2012 Wevers was honored with the City of Seattle’s Mayor’s Arts Award and in 2011 he received the Princess Grace Choreographic Fellowship. In both 2011 and 2010 Wevers’ work took home the grand prize award at the Annual Dance Under the Stars Choreography Festival in California and he has also been named by Dance Magazine as one of their 25 to watch. Wevers first began exploring choreography in 2002 while still a Principal Dancer at Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB). In 2009 he founded Whim W’Him to create a “platform, centered around choreography and dance, for artists to explore their craft through innovation and collaboration.” In 2011 Whim W’Him was named the resident dance company of Intiman Theatre.

This episode features two of my previous guests Nel Shelby and Margaret Mullin who are working together on a very special project; a full length documentary called "No Dominion", a film Celebrating the life of the late Ian Horvath, champion for the art of dance and AIDS awareness.  The film is the brain child and passion project of Margaret Mullin who is a soloist with Pacific Northwest Ballet.  As you will learn in this interview, this has been in Margaret's thoughts since she first saw Ian's work when she was in the 7th grade.   As Margaret's vision began to take shape into reality, it was suggested she reach out the acclaimed film maker, Nel Shelby.  Together they are creating something amazing.  Together they are sharing with the world a beautiful story and showing that a vision and dream can become a reality when hard work is coupled with a good purpose. If you would like to contribute to this film, please click on the link below.  Contribute here: Make a donation here. No Dominion Film  

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Today a listener brought Megan a brand new challenge and asked to hear from a Royal Ballet dancer. As you will hear, NO listener challenge is too great for Megan Fairchild as she brings us an exclusive interview with Leanne Cope from Royal Ballet!     Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review this show

Today’s guest is a break from my usual – my guest today is Doctor Linda Stirrup who is a dentist as well as an author of a children’s book series featuring a young girl named Natalie Jean.  Up on My Tippy Toes, beautifully illustrated by Reginald William Butler, is the story of a young girl whose resolve to take up ballet begins to crumble when she finds her first class challenging. Will she gain the resolve to return?     

Maggie Kudirka was a member of the Joffrey Concert Group in NYC when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in June 2014. She was only 23 years old and had no risk factors for breast cancer other than being female. Results from a subsequent genetics screening showed that she did not carry the genes linked to breast cancer. Maggie had a large, aggressive tumor that grew very quickly and spread to her bones and lymph nodes. She moved back home to be with her family and began treatment at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Fortunately, her type of breast cancer (positive for Her2, ER & PR) responds very well to the drug Herceptin. Maggie's tumor began shrinking after her first chemo treatment on 7/1/14 and continued to shrink until it was completely gone. The pathology report following her double mastectomy on 12/26/14 found no cancer in either breast or lymph nodes. She had a pathological complete response. Six days after surgery, Maggie was back in the studio working to regain my strength, stamina, and technique. Maggie hopes to return to dance in NYC again. Once breast cancer metastasizes to another body part, it is very difficult to know if all the cancer has really left the body after treatment. Tiny, undetectable cancer cells could be lurking dormant in the body. If these cells come to life, the cancer will return. That is why metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer is considered incurable. To keep the cancer cells dormant, Maggie will remain on medications for the rest of her life or until a cure is found. The cost of these medications is enormous: $4,000 to $9,000 per dose, per drug. She receives two drugs every 3 weeks, and a 3rd drug every 4 weeks. Maggie is hoping to join a clinical trial testing a treatment that will keep her cancer from returning. Since the day of her diagnosis, Maggie began spreading the word about metastatic cancer by starting the "Bald Ballerina" campaign.  She now travels the country speaking and teaching to help educate and inspire young dancers.    The costs of battling cancer are enormous even with health insurance which does not cover all expenses. Maggie greatly appreciates donations in any amount for her medical expenses. If you would like to help, tax deductible donations can be made at: http://www.theyoungandbrave.com/warriors/maggie-k/#sthash.NoVcxbRI.dpuf Bald Ballerina Website  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review this show  

Margaret Mullin is from Tucson, Arizona. She studied on scholarship at Ballet Arts Tucson with Mary-Beth Cabana and at Pacific Northwest Ballet School, and attended summer courses at Ballet Tucson, and Pacific Northwest Ballet School. Margaret was the recipient of a Thurber Scholarship Award in 2003 and 2004, the 2007 Founding Director Scholarship Award from Angela Whitehill of Burklyn Ballet, and a 2011 Princess Grace Award recipient. Margaret joined Pacific Northwest Ballet as an apprentice in 2008. She was promoted to corps de ballet in 2009 and soloist in 2014. Margaret has choreographed works for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Choreographers’ Showcase and Next Step performances. In 2012, she choreographed her first ballet, Lost in Light, for the Company. She has also choreographed works, performed as a guest artist, and served as guest teacher for Ballet Tucson and Ballet Arts School in Tucson. Margaret has recently teamed up with Balancing Pointe's previous guest Nel Shelby to produce an amazing film called "No Dominion" which will celebrate the remarkable life the late Ian Horvath, dance champion and AIDS activist.   No Dominion kickstarter campaign link Pacific Northwest Ballet website Margaret Mullin instagram Margaret Mullin twitter Balancing Pointe Facebook Page Twitter - Balancing Pointe Balancing Pointe instagram  

My guest is Rebecca King who a soloist with the Finnish National Ballet. Rebecca is also the daughter of Shelly King who was the Director of Operations for the Youth American Grand Prix.  For those you unfamiliar with the Youth American grand prix – or YAGP, it is the largest global network of dance and probably the most popular and well known ballet competitions in the world.  Sadly Shelly recently passed away after dedicating the past 12 years of her life to becoming a "ballet mom" to thousands of young dancers all over the world through her dedicated work with YAGP program.  I know she has made a difference in lives throughout the globe and will continue to be greatly missed. I caught up with Rebecca in Tampa, Florida during the YAGP Regional Competition.  At the time of our interview, Rebecca was finishing up her contract with the National Theater Prague and was just about to start her new contract with the Finnish National Ballet. Rebecca flew in from the Czech Republic for YAGP Regionals to serve the as a judge in the competitions as well as to perform in the YAGP Gala, partnering with Amar Ramasar, who is a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet. We met in the hotel lobby near the theater and had a such an enriching conversation.  Rebecca shares with us her journey in ballet and the fact that the YAGP program is truly the reason she is so successful today. The interview was filled with great advice and information about the benefits of YAGP and the opportunities it can provide aspiring dancers who participate. Finnish National Ballet website YAGP website Balancing Pointe website Twitter You Tube performance from Prague State Opera and Ballet  

Step inside the halls of five NYC public schools and celebrate dance! Hosted by veteran TV journalist Paula Zahn, PS DANCE! is the new documentary that captures what happens when students have dance in their curriculum. The journey is one of imagination, curiosity, hard work and discipline. In these studios, dance is for every child. PS DANCE!, two years in the making, interviews 16 kids and captures more than 100 students, who joyfully share the influence of dance on their daily learning. Created by today's guests; award-winning dance filmmaker Nel Shelby, dance ambassador Jody Gottfried Arnhold, and dance education consultant Joan Finkelstein, PS DANCE! shows that dance can be viewed as core curriculum at all levels PreK-12. Currently, there are close to 400 dance teachers serving New York City's 1,800 public schools, 192 of whom hold a New York State dance teacher license. With a significant new education budget allocation to support arts in schools, this is a definitive moment in New York City arts education history. Dance teachers are now listed as a high-need subject area, and this film shows us why! PS Dance! website PS Dance! Movie Trailer PBS special New York Post Article

Barry Kerollis was born in Philadelphia, PA. He began his training at the Chester Valley Dance Academy and continued on scholarship at the Kirov Academy of Ballet and the School of American Ballet. Mr. Kerollis began his professional career in 2003 with the Houston Ballet. The following season Barry joined Pacific Northwest Ballet, where he danced leading and featured roles for seven seasons. He currently works as a Choreographer, Principal Guest Artist, and Instructor based out of Philadelphia. Barry is also an award-winning choreographer. He was selected out of over 60 applicants to choreograph at the 2014 National Choreographers Initiative in Irvine, CA. In 2015, Barry was selected as a finalist in both the McCallum Theatre’s 18th annual Choreography Festival and the Visions Choreographic Competition. Mr. Kerollis has also received an Outstanding Choreographer award at the Youth America Grand Prix. Beyond these achievement, Barry has created works for the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, Seattle’s “Men in Dance” festival, Alaska Dance Theatre (in collaboration with the Alaska Native Heritage Center), Pulse Dance Company, and four works for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s annual Next Step choreographers showcase. Currently, Barry is developing “Core-ography: A Global Dance Storytelling Project.” This mini-documentary style film project shares 12 professional dancer’s life-defining stories through revealing interviews and movement. These interviews can be viewed on Core-ography’s Youtube channel. Barry Kerollis website You Tube Channel Barry's Blog Balancing Pointe Facebook Page  Twitter - Balancing Pointe    

ASK MEGAN is a weekly show hosted by New York City Ballet's Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild and brought to you by Balancing Pointe Podcast. On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Each episode will feature an actual question submitted from someone like you! Today's question come from: Cosette who wants to know how to balance her Academic goals with her goal to pursue a career in professional Ballet.  Megan reflects on some of her struggles with her personal experiences taking college courses at Fordham.  Do you have a question about Ballet?   YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions ~ it is EASY! Simply go to BalancingPointe.com and click on the "Leave Your Question Here" tab on the side of the page.  From there follow the directions and you are all set. If you like the show, please take a moment to stop by ITunes and leave us a rating and review.  And be sure to stop by: Contribute to my Indiegogo Campaign here! Balancing Pointe Website - SUBMIT your questions here! Megan Fairchild's website NYCB Website with Megan's Bio Balancing Pointe Facebook Page Twitter - Balancing Pointe Twitter - Megan Fairchild

ASK MEGAN is a weekly show hosted by New York City Ballet's Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild and brought to you by Balancing Pointe Podcast. On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Each episode will feature an actual question submitted from someone like you! Today's question come from: Stephanie who wants to what Megan's favorite role is to dance.  Megan really gives us great insight into her personal experience with this role.  Do you have a question about Ballet?   YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions ~ it is EASY! Simply go to BalancingPointe.com and click on the "Leave Your Question Here" tab on the side of the page.  From there follow the directions and you are all set. If you like the show, please take a moment to stop by ITunes and leave us a rating and review.  And be sure to stop by: Contribute to my Indiegogo Campaign here! Balancing Pointe Website - SUBMIT your questions here! Megan Fairchild's website NYCB Website with Megan's Bio Balancing Pointe Facebook Page Twitter - Balancing Pointe Twitter - Megan Fairchild

My guest Ksenia Ovsyanick is a Soloist with the English National Ballet.  She is from Tihvin, Russia and began her training at received her training at the Belarus State Ballet College.  After competing in the Prix de Lausanne, Ksenia was offered the opportunity to move to London to train with the English National Ballet.  In 2013 she became First Artist and then in 2014 she was promoted to Soloist. Ksenia received ‘Outstanding Female Performance’ (Classical) at the Critics’ Circle National Dance Awards 2012 and in 2014 was nominated for the Company’s Emerging Dancer Award.   Ksenia provides thoughtful insight and compelling advice to aspiring dancers.  I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Ksenia and feel blessed to have her as a guest on my show. Contribute to my Indiegogo Campaign here! Balancing Pointe Facebook Page  Twitter - Balancing Pointe Ksenia Facebook page Ksenia Twitter 

In this episode, host Kimberly Falker reflects on the life lessons she learned from 100 episodes and makes an exciting announcement at the end.

Colby Damon has spent his entire life exploring various types of movement. Born and raised in Richmond VA, Colby was active in various sports as a young child, including snow skiing and sailing, but he found his true calling in the arts, and began formal classical ballet training at age 7 at the Richmond Ballet. At age 15, he left home to attend the Virginia School of the Arts in Lynchburg, VA, a pre-professional boarding high school for dancers, and spent his summers training at the Boston Ballet. Upon graduation, Colby joined the Sacramento Ballet, where for five years he performed soloist and principal roles.  While living in California, Colby also began studying Qi Gong and Chen style Tai Ji Quan with renowned Grandmaster Bing Fan YeYoung, and eventually received certification to teach. In 2007, Colby relocated to Brooklyn, NY, in order to explore life's options, and to pursue a career as a freelance artist. While living in New York, Colby also began studying other forms of Chinese Martial arts, including Ba Gua Zhuang, and also embarked on a personal study of Yoga.  In 2008, Colby joined BalletX in Philadelphia, PA. As a company member, Colby has been featured in over 20 world premieres.     As a choreographer, Colby's style blends an inevitable fluidity with a sense of classical line and virtuosity. He began his choreographic explorations while dancing with the Sacramento Ballet, where he produced a total of five works on fellow company members, including the piece 3 to 1, which was performed for the Sacramento Ballet's annual contemporary repertoire program, Modern Masters, in 2004. After focusing primarily on performing for a number of years, Colby began choreographing again in 2012, when he created the structured improvisational piece, Run Barefoot Down the Mountain, for Pennsylvania Ballet's annual Shut Up & Dance. He has since worked with Opera Philadelphia, The Curtis Institute, the Charlottesville Ballet, and the BalletX summer program, in addition to having his work selected to perform in the Vivadança Festival in Salvador, Brazil, The Current Sessions contemporary dance festival in New York City, and again annually for Shut Up & Dance. In the spring of 2015, he spent two months as a choreographer in residence at the Sacatar Institute in Itaparíca, Bahia, Brazil. In fall 2015, Colby will begin creation on an all new production of Jungle Book for Pennsylvania Ballet II, as well as a new work for Bryn Mawr College. He currently serves as a company class teacher for BalletX, and has served as a guest teacher for Balé de Cidade do São Paulo and Balé de Teatro Castro Alves in Brazil. Recently, after years of integrating a personal, daily yoga practice into his dance regime, Colby completed his 200 hour yoga teacher training through Sadhana Yoga School, and is a registered yoga teacher currently based out of Philadelphia, PA.  Colby Damon's website Colby's choreography Choreographer Interview | R. Colby Damon's "Inevitable Resonance" Matthew Neenan's THERE I WAS (Extended Version) BalletX website Balancing Pointe Website Balancing Pointe Facebook page Balancing Pointe Twitter Balancing Pointe Instagram  

Ida Praetorius, a soloist with Royal Danish Ballet has become one Denmark's upcoming stars. In 2012 she was named" best female dancer" by the prestigous Erik Bruhn COmpetition in Toronto. Since that time she has continued to rise through the ranks at Royal Danish Ballet, most recently being promoted to soloist. Ida is humble and sweet and appreciative of being able to live her dream as a ballerina.   Balancing Pointe's website Balancing Pointe's twitter Pointe Magazine article on Ida Ida's Twitter Ida's Instagram Ida's vimeo of Swan Lake

Matthew Neenan began his dance training at the Boston Ballet School. He later attended the LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts and the School of American Ballet in New York. From 1994-2007, Matthew danced with the Pennsylvania Ballet and 2007, Matthew was named Choreographer in Residenceat the Pennsylvania Ballet. Matthew’s choreography has been featured and performed by the Pennsylvania Ballet, BalletX, The Washington Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Ballet West, Ballet Memphis, Milwaukee Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Tulsa Ballet, Ballet Met, Oklahoma City Ballet, Juilliard Dance, New York City Ballet’s Choreographic Institute, Sacramento Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theatre, Indiana University, Opera Philadelphia, and LaGuardia High School of Performing Arts (NYC), among others. In 2005, Matthew co-founded BalletX with fellow dancer Christine Cox. BalletX had its world premiere at the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival in September 2005 and is now the resident dance company at the prestigious Wilma Theatre. BalletX has toured and performed Neenan’s choreography in New York City at The Joyce Theater, The Skirball Center, Symphony Space and Central Park Summerstage, Vail International Dance Festival, Jacob’s Pillow, The Cerritos Center, Laguna Dance Festival, Spring to Dance Festival in St.Louis, and internationally in Cali, Colombia and Seoul, Korea. In 2010, Matthew became a trustee member for DanceUSA. His ballet The Last Glass was praised in the New York Times as the “The Top 10” of 2013. Matthew Neenan's website   BalletX Website New York Times Article mentioned in introduction Balancing Pointe's website  

This week Megan takes over as the host of the show and interviews New York City Principal Dancer Sara Mearns.  Perhaps a first ever experience. Megan and Sara are not only dancers but very great friends, so this episode feels like you are sitting with them in their home or over coffee.   Megan asks great questions that really help give an authentic peak into the life of a professional dancer. Sara shares her favorite roles, as well as how deeply recently deceased Albert Evans' death has affected her on a daily basis. The interview is authentic and dives in deep into Sara Mearn's journey in ballet. Sara's vibrant energy keeps things light hearted and fun. Today's question come from: - Natalie who is 12 years old and lives in Hong Kong.  Her favorite dancers are Sara Mearns and Megan Fairchild so she was hoping Sara could come on to the show. Do you have a question about Ballet?   You can be a part of the show by sending us your questions ~ it is EASY. Simply go to BalancingPointe.com and click on the "Leave Your Question Here" tab on the side of the page.  From there follow the directions and you are all set. If you like the show, please take a moment to stop by ITunes and leave us a rating and review.  And be sure to stop by: Balancing Pointe Website - SUBMIT your questions here! Megan Fairchild's website NYCB Website with Megan's Bio NYCB Website with Sara's bio Balancing Pointe Facebook Page Twitter - Balancing Pointe Twitter - Megan Fairchild

Cassie Mayo is the Founder and Head Coach of OST. She has trained for the past 12 years under Boston Ballet & Alvin Ailey Professional and 30 year Studio Owner Karen Brown. She has been dancing since she was 6 years old, and helping out with classes since she was 8 years old. She taught her first class in 2010 and has been teaching for 5 years, coaching for 3 years, and running OST for the second year in a row. Cassie was training with the hopes of a pre-professional career until she was diagnosed with RSD/CRPS. She has been battling that for the past 5 years in 80% of her body. She has overcome all the odds, but because of all the injuries and treatments, she was not able to continue with her career. This past year was quite a year. Thankfully she started coaching and is using her knowledge and continuing to grow in the field of Dance Medicine and Exercise Science. She also runs RSD/CRPS 4 a Cure, which she founded in 2012. Cassie is a public speaker and goes around to schools and churches sharing her story, and raising awareness for this commonly unknown disease.  Off Season Training Audition for Off Season Training RSD/CRPS 4 a Cure Cassie's Vlog Balancing Pointe website Balancing Pointe website Balancing Pointe Facebook Twitter - Balancing Pointe  

This week Megan answers two of our listener's questions.  ASK MEGAN is a weekly show hosted by New York City Ballet's Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild.  On each episode of this show Megan will be answering YOUR questions each and every Monday.  Each episode will feature an actual question submitted from someone like you! Today's questions come from: - Bethany who asks Megan about how she can use her Broadway experience to bring a fresh perspective to ballet; - Florrie who asks Megan how she maintains a healthy balance in life in her busy life as a Broadway star. Megan provides very thoughtful and personal answers to these questions. Do you have a question about Ballet?   You can be a part of the show by sending us your questions ~ it is EASY. Simply go to BalancingPointe.com and click on the "Leave Your Question Here" tab on the side of the page.  From there follow the directions and you are all set. If you like the show, please take a moment to stop by ITunes and leave us a rating and review.  And be sure to stop by: Balancing Pointe Website - SUBMIT your questions here! Megan Fairchild's website NYCB Website with Megan's Bio Balancing Pointe Facebook Page Twitter - Balancing Pointe Twitter - Megan Fairchild  

Today's guest is Lara O'Brien Muñoz  who is a Principal dancer with Carolina Ballet in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Laura began her journey in Ballet in Chicago training with the School of Ballet Chicago. At aget 17 she spent two years studying at the School of American Ballet in NYC as well as being chosen as a Dance American National Cultural Exchange scholarship student and was chosen to train at the Royal Danish Ballet for two months.  In 2001 Lara joined Carolina Ballet as a member of the Corps de Ballet.  In 2011 Lara was promoted to Principal.  Lara has now joined the ranks of Entrepreneurs as she recentl opened her own Ballet studio "Tutu Dance Raleigh" which focuses on teaching children age-appropriate motor skills and the fundamental principles of ballet while exposing them to the world of classical music and enchanting stories of famous ballets. Balancing Pointe website Balancing Pointe Facebook Twitter - Balancing Pointe Carolina Ballet - Lara Bio Tutu School Tutu School - Facebook Twitter - Lara O'Brien Carolina Ballet - Facebook Lara O'Brien - Facebook  

Laurie McSherry-Gray is a half-soloist with The Royal Ballet of Flanders.  Laurie trained at The Royal Ballet School in London and then joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet, after which he spent some time with Angel Corella’s company, Corella Ballet, in Spain, where his repertoire included both traditional ballets and modern classics.  My previous guest Joshua McSherry-Gray is Laurie’s identical twin brother who has traveled much of the same journey into professional ballet. Both Josuha and Laurie are extremely close and bring a unique perspective on what it takes to make it the world of professional ballet.

Joshua McSheery-Gray grew up in Hull, England a small town near the Yorkshire Coast.  After finding his love of ballet and dance, Joshua and his identical twin brother made their way to London where they trained at the Central School of Ballet and the Royal Ballet Upper School.  Upon their graduation , both Joshua and his brother Laurie accepted their first professional position with the Royal New Zealand Ballet. Once in New Zealand, Joshua realized that his true dream was to dance with one of the major companies in his home country.  He made his way back to London where he auditioned and was accepted into the prestigious English National Ballet.  Joshua has been dancing with ENB since 2009 and absolutely loves his "job". Balancing Pointe website English National Ballet - Joshua McSherry-Gray Balancing Pointe Facebook

Jenelle Figgins began her training at the historic Jones-Haywood School of Ballet and Duke Ellington School of the Arts. While training, she received scholarships to attend Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Kennedy Center Residency and Summer Intensive.  Ms. Figgins went on to attend SUNY Purchase New York on partial scholarship and in 2011 received her B.F.A. with honors in dance. Following her graduation she accepted a full scholarship to attend Springboard Danse Montreal.  In 2013 Jenelle began dancing with the Dance Theatre of Harlem.  

Reid Bartelme is truly one of the most diversely talented and comprehensively successful guests I have yet to interview.  Reid grew up in SoHo surrounded by music and the arts.  When he was nine years old Reid moved to New Jersey to study voice at The American Boychoir School in NJ whicch is one of only two boychoir  boarding schools in the U.S.  In high school Reid was accepted to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy where he continued his vocal training.  When he was 16 years old Reid discovered his interest and talent in dance after taking a general dance class with Jack Ferver.  Reid wound up double majoring in Dance and Music at Interlochen.  After this, Reid attended SUNY Purchase for college to continue his pursuit of dance.  Reid also continued his vocal training on the weekends with a private teacher in NYC.  Shortly into his time at Purchase College, Reid realized he wanted to pursue a career in dance rather than just dabble in it on the side.  Because of this he left college to pursue this path.  From there Reid wound up being accepted as a trainee with one of the top Ballet Companies in the country; Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) located in Seattle.  Reid trained and often performed with the company for two years before receiving a Corps de Ballet contract with BalletMet in Columbus Ohio.  After three years at BalletMet, Reid moved to Calgary to dance with the Alberta Ballet for another three years.  At this time in his life, Reid realized he really wanted to get back to NYC so he auditioned and danced with the Shen Wei Company for two years.  While a member of the the company Reid auditioned and was given the opportunity to dance for Lar Lubovitch.  Reid danced with Lar Lubovitch for three years.  Incredibly during this time Reid once again changed directions and embarked upon a new journey into design.  As Reid explains, he was not feeling the same passion for dance as he had in the past, so after doing the exercises in Julia Cameron’s instructional book “The Artists Way” Reid’s new journey took him into the world of Fashion and Design.  But just as Reid had done throughout his life, he did not embark into this new career path in a halfhearted manner; instead he applied and was accepted into the acclaimed Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. As Reid shares in his interview, he had always created amazing Halloween costumes so he used these as the bulk of his portfolio when applying to the school.  Since then Reid has quickly climbed through the ranks of top designers for Ballet Companies and Choreographers worldwide.  Reid and his design partner, Harriet have been commissioned for such prestigious companies as New York City Ballet, Miami Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet to name a few.  He has worked with choreographer Emery LeCrone, Justin Peck and Christopher Weeldon among many others.  Reid’s influence in Dance has taken a turn into a different direction and is influencing dancers in a way he may never have thought possible.

Today's interview comes LIVE from School of American Balley with Kaitlyn Gilliland. Kaitlyn's journey in Ballet began before birth.  She was born into a most prestigious legacy of ballerinas.  Her grandmother is renowned choreographer and founder of Minnesota Dance Theater and  and "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy" which just celebrated its 50th anniversary and is Minnesota's longest running Nutcracker.  Kaitlyn's mother, Lise Houlton danced with American Ballet Theater and Stuttgart Ballet and took over the leadership of MDT in 1995.   Kaitlyn began her training at the Minnesota Dance Theatre before moving to New York at age 16 to train with the School of American Ballet. She attended full-time for one year and in 2004 received the school’s Mae L. Wien Award for outstanding promise. From 2006 to 2011, Ms. Gilliland danced with the New York City Ballet, performing corps, soloist, and principal roles. Due to an injury, Kaitlyn retired from NYCB in 2011 and pursuing an equally grueling goal as a pre-med student at Columbia University.  Today, she is a graduating senior with a degree in psychology.  Along her academic journey, Katilyn re-discovered her passion for dance when she was coaxed into the studio by then budding choreographer Emery LeCrone (also a previous Balancing Pointe guest).  After this Kaitlyn began working with the  Columbia Ballet Collaborative.  Since that moment, Kaitlyn's renewed dance career is skyrocketing.

Today's interview comes LIVE from Lincoln Center Plaza in NYC with Kaitlyn Gilliland. Kaitlyn's journey in Ballet began before birth.  She was born into a most prestigious legacy of ballerinas.  Her grandmother is renowned choreographer and founder of Minnesota Dance Theater and  and "Loyce Houlton's Nutcracker Fantasy" which just celebrated its 50th anniversary and is Minnesota's longest running Nutcracker.  Kaitlyn's mother, Lise Houlton danced with American Ballet Theater and Stuttgart Ballet and took over the leadership of MDT in 1995.   Kaitlyn began her training at the Minnesota Dance Theatre before moving to New York at age 16 to train with the School of American Ballet. She attended full-time for one year and in 2004 received the school’s Mae L. Wien Award for outstanding promise. From 2006 to 2011, Ms. Gilliland danced with the New York City Ballet, performing corps, soloist, and principal roles. Due to an injury, Kaitlyn retired from NYCB in 2011 and pursuing an equally grueling goal as a pre-med student at Columbia University.  Today, she is a graduating senior with a degree in psychology.  Along her academic journey, Katilyn re-discovered her passion for dance when she was coaxed into the studio by then budding choreographer Emery LeCrone (also a previous Balancing Pointe guest).  After this Kaitlyn began working with the  Columbia Ballet Collaborative.  Since that moment, Kaitlyn's renewed dance career is skyrocketing.   In fact, Kaitlyn is becoming an icon for freelance dancers worldwide as she is not only making a name for herself; but she is purposefully designing her path along the way ~ a feat few dancers are able to accomplish.   Balancing Pointe website Kaitlyn Gilliland's website Dance Magazine: "Why I Dance" by, Kaitlyn Gilliland New York Times article Dance Magazine: "On Her Own" by, Joseph Carmen  

In this episode I share with you one of my pre-show chats with guest Nel Shelby. You will hear us discuss Ballet, our kids and how we are so impressed by Wendy Whelan. This is your chance to get to know my guest in a much more personal level. Balancing Pointe Website Nel Shelby's website PS Dancer! website Wendy Whelan's "Restless Creature"

Nel Shelby Productions is New York City’s premier source for dance videography, editing promotional films and live-streaming performance.  Now, Nel Shelby Productions has grown from a one-woman show to a thriving operation with an excellent team of creative videographers, editors, marketing minds, client relations and project managers. Nel’s company is deeply dedicated to the preservation of dance through documentation of live performances, while also focusing on digital marketing and promotion with fully edited marketing reels, documentaries and dance films. Nel’s company has  filmed more than 700 dance events and performances in traditional theaters, outdoor plazas and gallery spaces.She also works as Festival Videographer for the internationally celebrated Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in the Berkshires and as Resident Videographer at the Vail International Dance Festival in Colorado. Be sure to check out her half-hour documentary (link below) on Vail’s festival, The Altitude of Dance, debuted on Rocky Mountain PBS in May 2013.Nel has also created four short films for Wendy Whelan’s Restless Creature project, and “Folie a Deux,”.  Nel’s short dance film made in collaboration with Adam Barruch Dance, was selected and screened at the Dance on Camera Festival in New York City and the San Francisco Dance Film Festival. She recently edited a dance documentary titled Where Women Don’t Dance, featuring Nejla Y. Yatkin and filmed during a month-long tour in Central America.Her latest project, PS Dance! which is a documentary about dance education in public schools hosted by TV journalist Paula Zahn. (link below) BalancingPointe.com http://www.psdancenyc.com/ http://www.nelshelby.com/dance-video-portfolio/#.VUz1Yo5VhBc http://www.nelshelby.com/dance-video-portfolio/#.VUz1jY5VhBc

Born in Yorkshire, England, Iain started ballet at the age of 14 and moved to London at 16, where he trained for two years with The Rambert School of Ballet, a year at The Royal Ballet School and a further year as an apprentice with The Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet where he was offered a full time position.  In 1989 he transferred to The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden. In 1996, Iain Webb retired from The Royal Ballet, but was invited back as a guest artist to give three farewell performances.  After retiring as a dancer, he was invited by Matthew Bourne to be Rehearsal Director for The West End, L.A. and Broadway seasons of Swan Lake.  He continued to work with Bourne on his production of Cinderella.  In 1999, Iain was asked by Tetsuya Kumakawa to join his newly formed K-Ballet Company in Japan as Ballet Master. Two years later was appointed Assistant Director. In July 2007, Webb took over the directorship of The Sarasota Ballet and during the last four seasons the company has performed 102 ballets & divertissements which include 16 world premieres, 55 Sarasota premieres, 4 new productions and 27 American premieres.  Iain's interview not only inspires but provides valuable tips and words of wisdom for anyone interested in a career in dance. http://balancing-pointe.com/ http://www.sarasotaballet.org/ http://www.yourobserver.com/article/leaping-page

Emmy Award winning Tyce Diorio is first and foremost a dancer but most famously known for his work as a choreographer and guest judge for Fox T.V. Network So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD).  His work on this show has helped to promote and elevate dance to a much greater and main stream level.  Before becoming a choreographer Tyce began as a dancer.  He grew up in NYC and wound up in LA after competing on Star Search.   Tyce has danced on tour with Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson and Ricky Martin as well as performing on Broadway in the show Fosee and Chicago.  Most recently Tyce choreographed taylor swift’s “red as tour as well as her “1989” world tour. www.BalancingPointe.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1wr42lSuo8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNBSCdbJ6EM

Ballet 422 Producer Ellen Bar is the wife of Director Jody Lee Lupas and shares with Balancing Pointe more about her experience in producing this most amazing documentary that made its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014 and is now being presented in movie houses all over the U.S. In 2011, after 13 years as a professional ballerina, Ellen became the Director of Media Projects at NYCB, where she is responsible for developing and producing the company's film and video content. In less than two years, she has worked with some of the best young filmmakers in New York to produce and/or direct over 30 short documentary films for the company. BALLET 422 is her first feature-length documentary.  From first rehearsal to world premiere, BALLET 422 takes us backstage at New York City Ballet as Justin Peck, a young up-and-coming choreographer, crafts a new work. With unprecedented access to an elite world, BALLET 422 illuminates the process behind the creation of a single ballet.  

Ballet 422 Producer Ellen Bar is the wife of Director Jody Lee Lupas and shares with Balancing Pointe more about her experience in producing this most amazing documentary that made its world debut at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014 and is now being presented in movie houses all over the U.S. In 2011, after 13 years as a professional ballerina, Ellen became the Director of Media Projects at NYCB, where she is responsible for developing and producing the company's film and video content. In less than two years, she has worked with some of the best young filmmakers in New York to produce and/or direct over 30 short documentary films for the company. BALLET 422 is her first feature-length documentary.  From first rehearsal to world premiere, BALLET 422 takes us backstage at New York City Ballet as Justin Peck, a young up-and-coming choreographer, crafts a new work. With unprecedented access to an elite world, BALLET 422 illuminates the process behind the creation of a single ballet.  

Today I continue with Part Two of my interview with Lauren and Francis as we dive deeper into turning hurdles or disappointments into opportunities to learn and grow. As you will hear, Francis leaves the interview to meet with a friend ~ Matthew Neenan who will be a guest in an upcoming episode.  Before he leaves, however, he shares with us his words of wisdom for aspiring dancers. Lauren and I continue our discussion as she shares with me what it was really like to to dance in the hit movie, "Black Swan". (she still received royalty checks from that experience)  Be sure to take a look at their Shownotes page where you will see some fantastic footage of their photo shoot with award winning photographer (and Balancing Pointe's previous guest), Jordan Matter.   You can find their show notes page at BalancingPointe.com under Podcast.

Today I am bringing to you another husband & wife team, Lauren and Francis Veyette.  You may recognize the last name from a few of my previous interviews and this is because Francis is Andy Veyette’s brother.  This also means that Megan Fairchild, Robbie Fairchild and Tiler Peck are all intertwined not only through ballet but also through marriage.  You’ll hear today that they spend most of their holidays together and the six of them are extremely close.  I truly loved this interview for so many reasons – one because of the most unique journey taken by Lauren in dance. She was interestly quite fast tracked into the New York City Ballet, while still in high school, but then chose a different path – one that was more of a perfect fit for her.  Lauren actually left her professional career to pursue college and then went back to dance and is now a Principal dancer with Pennsylvania ballet.  And her husband, Francis….one of the four Veyette brothers shares a ton about his life growing up in California and the amazing sacrifices his parents made to help him pursue his career in ballet.  Francis is also a principal dancer with Pennsylvania Ballet and has recently received a promotion and is now the director of Pennsylvania Ballet 2 which is their second company.  

Grier began ballet lessons at age five and left home at fourteen to study at the School of American Ballet in New York. She has performed on three out of seven continents with companies such as San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet, totaling more than thirty years of experience as a dancer, teacher and performer. Her work has been praised as “poignant and honest” with “emotional hooks that penetrate deeply.” She writes and blogs about dance in the San Francisco Bay Area and has interviewed and photographed a diverse collection dancers and performers including Clive Owen, Nicole Kidman, Glen Allen Sims and Jessica Sutta. She is the author of Build a Ballerina Body and The Daily Book of Photography. Grier, who touts herself as “a writer in a dancer’s body” just released her debut novel WISH, which is book one in a three part series for young adults.  The series features Indigo Stevens, an aspiring ballet dancer who hopes to have what it takes to become a professional.  Grier impressively uses her personal life as a professional to paint a perfect portrayal of a teenager striving for success in the world of professional dance.

Laura Mead grew up in Austin, Texas and Berkeley, California. She received her BFA from Juilliard, where she performed the works of Paul Taylor, Mark Morris, Ron K. Brown and Eliot Feld, among others. Upon graduation, she joined American Repertory Ballet. She traveled North America with the tour of Twyla Tharp's Movin' Out. Laura originated the principal role of Betsy in Ms. Tharp's Broadway musical Come Fly Away, for which she received an Astaire Award nomination. Jessica Lang Dance (JLD) is a New York City-based dance company dedicated to creating and performing the work of Jessica Lang. JLD enriches and inspires global audiences by immersing them in the beauty of movement and music