Podcasts about Louisville Ballet

Jess Spinner is a former professional dancer turned multi-certified holistic health, nutrition, and lifestyle coach for dancers. She founded The Whole Dancer in 2015 to help dancers prioritize their well-being, find peace with their bodies, feel confident in their food choices, and put their health first.One of the many things I love about Jess is how open she is with her story dealing with body image struggles and how this colored her entire experience as a dancer. In this episode, Jess is incredibly relatable with her own past as well as providing actionable tips for dancers dealing with body image issues. I truly admire the caring, but fierce mama bear approach she takes in her work as a coach. If you've ever struggled with your body image, this episode is a must-listen!Key Moments: Jess's early dance training [1:38] How Jess decided to attend college for dance and what her experience was like at Butler University [3:36] Her transition from student to joining Louisville Ballet to freelance dancer in Boston [9:17] What led Jess to found The Whole Dancer [14:48] Jess's personal struggle with body image as a dancer [17:14] How Jess was able to heal her body image [24:07] The first steps a dancer should take when they are struggling with body image [27:33] How dancers can find body image resilience within their dance career [34:53] The #1 change Jess would like to see in the dance industry [38:11] Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [48:03]Connect with Jess:INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thewholedancerWEBSITE: thewholedancer.comYOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWholeDancerPODCAST: https://open.spotify.com/show/5739hERGw6QXWoRjgGu6M4?si=e29134ce3de14eceLinks and Resources:Set up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet's connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

Send your questions or provocations to Adam or Budi here!Robert Barry Fleming is the Executive Artistic Director of Actors Theatre of Louisville, KY. They have a varied portfolio and a wealth of experience as an artistic leader/administrator, producer, director, choreographer, performing artist, teacher and coach. Their directing/choreography credits include Laura Kaminsky's transgender journey contemporary opera As One (KY Opera); the world premiere of Jonathan Norton's I Am Delivered't (Dallas Theatre Center/Actors Theatre of Louisville co-production); the world premiere of Grace, a new musical by Nolan Williams, Jr., and Pulitzer Prize nominee Nikkole Salter (Ford's Theatre) which was honored as a Broadway World Winner for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Choreography of a Play or Musical; the Humana Festival of New American Plays Professional Training Company's production of Vivian Barnes, Jonathan Norton and Gab Reisman's Are You There? Robert's original ballet suite Hydra for Program 4 mixed repertory (Louisville Ballet); The world premiere of Idris Goodwin's Ali Summit (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Once On This Island (Actors/Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park co-production), Native Gardens (Cleveland Play House), NEXT TO NORMAL (Tantrum Theater), The Royale (CPH), Destiny of Desire (OSF), Caroline Or Change (Tantrum Theater), and Between Riverside And Crazy (CPH). Robert formerly served as Director of Artistic Programming at Arena Stage and Associate Artistic Director at Cleveland Play House. Arena Stage world-premieres commissioned, developed and/or championed under their watch include the 2017 Best Musical Tony-winner, Dear Evan Hansen, Mary Kathryn Nagle's Sovereignty, John Strand's The Originalist, Katori Hall's Blood Quilt, Karen Zacarías' Destiny of Desire and the 2017 Pulitzer Prize winner, Sweat by Lynn Nottage.  Robert was an Associate Producer for the Off-Broadway premiere of The Two Character Play by Tennessee Williams, starring Amanda Plummer and Brad Dourif. Robert is a proud member of the Professional Non-Profit Theatre Coalition (PNTC) planning committee endeavoring to evolve our relationship with governmental support for the arts as well as, our SDC, AEA, and TCG collectives working in solidarity for an equitable and sustainable praxis for our arts ecosystem. Support the showIf you enjoyed this week´s podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. To submit a question: Voice- http://www.speakpipe.com/theatreofothers Email- podcast@theatreofothers.com Show Credits Co-Hosts: Adam Marple & Budi MillerProducer: Jack BurmeisterMusic: https://www.purple-planet.comAdditional compositions by @jack_burmeister

Ballet Help Desk sat down with Vanessa Léonard, Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program. She covered not only how the program is structured, but how dancers work with the main company, where dancers get jobs and also how students can audition to join the program. Ms. Léonard also covers the unique challenges that dancers face when trying to dance in a country that isn't their own, especially when it comes to visa issues. Tune in to hear more about this unique Canadian company! Interested in auditioning for Royal Winnipeg Ballet School? Video auditions being accepted through June 1, 2024: https://www.rwb.org/school/professional-division/audition/video-auditions/   Royal Winnipeg Aspirant Program Ballet Help Desk Submit Year-Round Reviews Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Vanessa Léonard Bio Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Vanessa Léonard has been gracing the studios and stages of the Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet since 1994 as a student, principal dancer, and ballet master. In 2021, Ms. Léonard was honoured to be appointed as Director of the RWB's Anna McCowan-Johnson Aspirant Program. She received her early training from the Edmonton School of Ballet and the RWB School Professional Division before being hired into the RWB Company in 1997. During a fifteen-year career, Ms. Léonard portrayed the lead female role in many well-known works; the first of such roles was in David Nixon's Butterfly when Nixon picked her from the corps de ballet to perform the lead. In the 2001/02 season she worked with Sir Peter Wright to dance the dramatic and technical role of Giselle. Other roles that Ms. Léonard enjoyed dancing include Odette/Odile in Galina Yardonova's staging of Swan Lake, Princess Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Lucy in Mark Godden's Dracula, Pamina in Mark Godden's The Magic Flute, the tender Cours D'Amour in Mauricio Wainrot's Carmina Burana and the lead role of Nancy in Val Caniparoli's A Cinderella Story. Ms. Léonard is known for roles that have been created on her including Tinker Bell in Jorden Morris' Peter Pan; Destiny in Mauricio Wainrot's Carmen, The Passion; March Hare in Shawn Hounsell's Wonderland; and Natalie in Jorden Morris's Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet. In 2009 Ms. Léonard danced the role of Juliet in Rudi van Dantzig's Romeo & Juliet for which she was called “simply stunning” by the Winnipeg Free Press. Ms. Léonard has appeared as a guest artist internationally, performing in galas with the Compania Nacional de Danza in Mexico City, the Benios De La Danse in Moscow, the 10th and 13th International Ballet Festivals of Miami, and the Encore International Dance Festival in Quebec. She has also been invited to dance with various companies and schools in full-length productions of Nutcracker, Swan Lake and The Sleeping Beauty in Canada, the USA and Spain. In 2009, Peter Quanz selected Ms. Léonard to perform a new piece called In Tandem at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City and at the 2010 Canada Dance Festival in Ottawa. As part of the Cultural Olympiad for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games she performed the lead in Iztik Galili's Hikarizatto. Since retiring from dance in 2013, Ms. Léonard has staged and coached many ballets for the RWB Company, Professional Division and Aspirant program. She has also staged full length ballets for Orlando Ballet, Louisville Ballet and the National Ballet of Cuba and has enjoyed guest teaching for schools and companies around the world.

Being a parent and building a dance career, let alone a business is not an easy thing. And it's not something talked about often enough in the dance world. Unintentionally this is the exact topic Nancy and I dove into first. And the conversation just flowed from there to also discuss how Nancy took advantage of the virtual platform during Covid, instead of shied away, and how that has helped her to get to where she is today. Nancy Paradis began her professional ballet career on the east coast performing withthe Washington Ballet with Mary Day. She then joined the Richmond Ballet as anoriginal member in its first year as a professional company, and was thrilled to performfor four years. She also performed one season with The Louisville Ballet. As a principaland soloist, she loved dancing a diversity of roles ranging from classical, neo-classical,Balanchine and modern ballets. In a pivotal career change, Nancy moved to Los Angeles where she performed in thetelevision and film industry, commercial and fitness market. After honing her craft as achoreographer and instructor in ballet and jazz styles, she become adjunct dance facultyat University of California Irvine, Loyola Marymount University and currently MoorparkCollege. She is artistic director of her company LA Dance Moves, a very unique dance, music, artand media company. Combining her passion for music by collaborating with composers,she creates a new genre of performance art by weaving the composer and dancers intoeach other's lives. She shares inspiring works of the human spirit in her most recentwork, a feature documentary titled "Back to the Heart". Nancy resides in Los Angeles with her husband Andre, a relationship coach and their two children who are attending college. Through her works of the human spirit, she isdetermined to warm your heart and move your soul! Episode Highlights: The challenges & rewards of running a business and being a mother Taking advantage of the virtual scene during Covid Building a dance company and making it profitable The different ways we can serve the dance community Links: https://www.ladancemoves.com/www.thedanceceocoach.com/masterclass Follows: Nancy Paradis - @ladance_movesAudra Allen-Queen- @thedanceceocoach Make sure to subscribe to this Podcast & like this episode! Thank you for listening

Matthew Keefe has served the dance field for over 20 years as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, administrator, production & stage manager, non-profit consultant, board member, and artistic director.He holds an MFA in Dance from the University of Iowa and a non-profit management certificate from Rutgers University. Matthew has danced with James Sewell Ballet, Louisville Ballet and BalletMet Columbus, Charleston Ballet Theatre, has appeared as a guest artist for dozens of performances across the US and abroad including productions with Lyric Opera of Chicago, Minnesota Opera, and MN Orchestra's 2015 production of Carousel.He has choreographed over 50 ballets for professional and student ensembles. Matthew served on the board of Dance/USA for six years, chairing the Trustee Committee and a member of the Executive Committee. He served as the Artistic and School Director of the Rockford Dance Company where he led an increase in enrollment and reduction of deficit while creating several innovative productions with the performing company.He was the stage manager for the 2010 and 2016 Youth America Grand Prix and appears (briefly) in the documentary, “First Position”. Matthew directed multiple productions for Children's Dance Theatre in Rochester, MN including: The Mermaid (2016), The Jungle Book (2017), Cinderella (2018), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2019), and Alice in Wonderland (2021). Matthew is proud to work at the University of Minnesota Extension as a Development Associate.Brittany Fridenstine-Keefe danced with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Ballet Memphis, Minnesota Dance Theatre, James Sewell Ballet, American Repertory Ballet, Terpsicorps Dance Theater, Terra Firma Dance Company, Chamber Dance Project, Collide Theatrical Dance Company, at the National Choreographers' Initiative, and with Morphoses. She performed in a solo improvisation show in Germany and Italy under the direction of Luca Veggetti, and was selected to be an American ambassador at the international dance festival in Cali, Columbia.Administratively, Brittany is the Marketing and Communications Director and Young Dance and previously served as the School Coordinator of the Rockford Dance Company.Brittany is certified in the GYROTONIC® exercise system and runs a home-based studio, My Spiral Motion, helping people to “live better in their own bodies!”

Jedimanda is a professional seamstress, author and avid costumer. She's been features in numerous publications, won awards for her costuming, and loves travel as much as she loves cosplay. At (1:54) she tells us why C2E2 Chicago is her vary favorite convention…and shares the story of how she learned to sew…and how this led to her first job in college. She takes us through her Senior thesis project and how she made things work to her liking. (5:34) Jedimanda provides a detailed description of the costume she wore during our interview and how she took this idea from imagination to reality. (6:42) How did she discover and get into cosplay? She shares her journey. And how many costumes has she made…listen to find out. (10:12) Convention competitions are a part of every event – she walks us through the specifics of how these work. And opens up about how it feels for her when she participates in one., also talking of how special she feels to interact with other participants. (14:47) Why does she attend conventions? Her friends play a big part in this for her. (16:09) After college, Jedimanda worked for the Louisville Ballet, her love and appreciation for theatre grew exponentially during this time. Hear how this shaped her future. (17:34) She has a deep love and works with SheProp! – a female centered; non-binary LGBTQ centered Facebook Group founded by her good friend Beverly Downing. Jedimanda talks about this group, their work and why it's important to her. (21:00) How did she choose the name Jedimanda? She tells us the story. And what's her brand? At (21:59) she tells us. (23:03) Her brand-new book – her second- “Level-Up Creative Cosplay” recently launched. Hear the myriad topics she covers in this terrific new venture. (25:20) Her 9 to 5 is leading marketing at the Speed Museum in Louisville, KY. Jedimanda calls this her dream job…learn how cosplay was instrumental in her landing this position. Also, learn who she calls her favorite artist. (28:37) What inspires her and what does the cosplay community mean to her? She lets us in on this! (32:32) What's next for her in her competitions and the possible road to the world event in Barcelona? She will take us along with her on that road. Her dream? To be interested, open, and humble. (35:00) And finally, she shares her biggest tips for someone wanting to start in cosplay.If you want to reach out to Jedimanda, you can do so on all social media mostly on Instagram and TikTok as Jedimanda. If you know someone who has an outstanding story that should be shared on this podcast, drop Meg a note to Meg@sewandsopodcast.com or complete the form on our website.

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Jess Spinner, entrepreneur and holistic health coach at The Whole Dancer. Jess holds a bachelor's degree from Butler University in Dance and Arts Administration. Upon graduation, she danced with the Louisville Ballet and did some professional work as a freelancer in Boston. Now, Jess's life mission is to support dancers in finding a personal balance in their approach to food and their bodies.  As a former professional dancer that struggled with body image issues, Jess knows the physical, mental, and emotional grind of dance. And, now looking back, Jess firmly believes that if she put more focus on taking care of herself off the dance floor, she'd have been an even better performer on the dance floor. On the podcast, Jess explains how she's now helping other dancers see that truth and discusses the joy she finds in seeing lives changed and dreams renewed.   Moving Quotes: "When dancers say to me, 'It feels like you're reading my mind,' it's because I've been in exactly that place. You're in the studio or elsewhere and all you can think about is the size of your thighs or how much skinnier the girl next to you is." "I'm a firm believe that, wherever life takes you, there's something to be learned or gained." "I've had a number of dancers now say to me, 'I think I would have quit dancing if I hadn't worked with you.' This was my journey too. You can get into such a negative headspace... It gets you to a place where it's no longer fun." "So much of my dance journey from the time I was quite young became negative and hyperfocused on my body. To now be able to help dancers see a different path is hugely rewarding." "In starting my business, from the beginning, I was steadfast. This is what I am going to do. I'm going to make it work. I'm going to make it work for myself. And then I refused to give up."   Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed: 3:15: Jess describes her company — The Whole Dancer — and the types of services that it offers. 5:55: Jess discussed “the whole you” — the idea of holistic dancer health that is the foundation of her company. 8:02: Spinner gives some advice for anyone looking to explore life beyond the dance floor who may be feeling guilty for spending free time away from practice. 9:26: Jess shares what she would consider to be a “client success story” for anyone who has gone through her program. 13:00: Spinner explains why she decided to become an entrepreneur and is honest about challenges she's encountered along the way. 16:19: Spinner recounts some times where, as an entrepreneur, she was tempted to give up but explains how she managed to persevere. 20:24: Jess explains her decision to work with a business coach and how to find one to work with your unique situation. 24:50: Spinner describes where she hopes to see her company in 5 years. 26:58: Jess walks through her dance career and how her own body image issues equipped her to help other dancers along their journeys. 31:17: As she recounts her own dance journey, Spinner shares some sage advice for dancers who are actively pursuing their dreams.   Bullet List of Resources –  Jess Spinner LinkedIn The Whole Dancer Company Website YouTube Facebook Twitter Instagram  

MoxieMoments brings you Robert Curran, Artistic Director of the Louisville Ballet, telling us about their personal inspirations. Trained at The Australian Ballet School & having enjoyed an exciting & fulfilling career with The Australian Ballet as a Principal Artist, Robert took the passion & discipline he developed as a dancer & set his sights on diversifying his knowledge, skills & abilities. With education and experience, he continually expanded his ability to move his own body on stage &, through this, move an audience through a wide range of emotions. Beyond his dancing career, he strives to move people towards a satisfying encounter with dance. Robert is motivated by the form that a dancer gains from training in the traditions of classical ballet, where respect & discipline can facilitate breathtaking strength & freedom. He is also inspired by the innovation that forms the function of any artist, that being to bravely & boldly express oneself through art for the greater good of a community. As Artistic Director, Robert contributes to the Global Arts Community, enriching his knowledge of the art form to which he has devoted his life. He is excited by & committed to the Louisville community with its great respect for the arts and its exciting perspective on the future.

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://youtu.be/9DQqqMnnQac National Empanada Day Each year on April 8th, National Empanada Day recognizes a delicious pastry that comes in several different forms. The name empanada comes from the Galician, Portuguese and Spanish verb em pandar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread. Christopher John Denofrio serves as the de-facto “Cape boy” and Chauffeur for David Maiocco's Liberace. As a former professional ballet dancer, Mr. Denofrio's affiliations have included The Boston Conservatory Dance Theatre, Indianapolis Ballet Theatre, Louisville Ballet and Boston Ballet.  As the Irving Heritage Senior Center's “Senior Idol” Doug McAlister has entertained at a variety of events presenting timeless Standards from the Great American SongBook. Being in the entertainment industry all his life, he is committed to helping others and furthering the profession. @tvdvdguy. Matt Nelson fell in love with classic films and television programs watching them on WSBK 38 and WLVI 56 in Boston. His love of the silver and small-screen Golden and Silver Ages led to his starting the film review section of Examiner. An art v. commerce conflict led to Matt starting Unreal TV at http://classictvdvdreviews.blogspot.com. Wendy Scherl is a New York City and Scottsdale, AZ based singer and recording artist. Her critically acclaimed debut CD, You'll See (Harbinger Records), garnered her the prestigious 2020 LaMott Friedman award.  BRYON SOMMERS, pianist/singer/composer/MD has been a part of the New York City nightlife scene since arriving in 1975. As a composer he has written with Tony Award winning lyricist, David Zippel having had his songs sung or recorded by Nancy Lamont, Jenifer Lewis, Andrea McArdle just to name a few. 

Dance Education Canada is serious about preparing dance educators to work with children under all conditions and scenarios. We know that dance educators require access and exposure to current training, experience, expertise and insight to be able to apply tools tips and strategies to help their dancers realize the fullest extent of their talents. But what do we do during rehearsals? These stressful moments before a competition, or during a dress rehearsal, can cloud the purpose of these experiences for the dancers. How do we manage our own feelings while allowing students to improve and progress during rehearsals in so that they succeed in performance. Todays' guest will provide us with tips, tricks and tools you can use when rehearing with children in so that they can succeed in performance. GUEST: As a young dancer, Elisabeth Everitt attended the Houston Ballet Academy on full scholarship, and trained at both the Van Metre School of Dance and the Washington School of Ballet. She has danced professionally with the Houston Ballet, Louisville Ballet, and Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre. More recently, she has performed various character roles with Houston Ballet and Houston Ballet Academy. Beth attends regular teacher training workshops and is a certified GYROTONIC instructor. Beth currently holds the position of Lower School Principal and Children's Ballet Master for the Houston Ballet Academy. INSTA: @everittbeth WEBISTE: @houstonballet.org Disclaimer: Any and all ideas and information presented in the following podcast are those of the presenter. The presenter is not an employee or representative of Dance Education Canada (DEC), and is participating in this podcast on a voluntary basis. The ideas and information they express do not necessarily represent the views of the DEC or its partners, employees or affiliates. The ideas and information expressed herein are for general educational purposes only. They should not necessarily be applied to specific individual situations. DEC recommends consulting an expert or professional regarding specific medical, legal or business concerns. DEC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Please note that Canada's National Academy of Dance Education is now operating as Dance Education Canada.

Today I spoke with my good friend and fellow teacher, Olivia Cianciulli. Olivia has danced with the Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Theatre of Maryland, Charlottesville Ballet, and The Louisville Ballet. Olivia has trained in both the United States and abroad while working with many notable ballet instructors from around the world. She currently serves as an instructor at the former Pennsylvania Ballet, now Philadelphia Ballet, as well as Wayne Ballet… and she is the mom to two beautiful kids and wife of another former dancer, now pianist, Joe Cianciulli. We spoke about the ins and outs of retirement, mental health, and how she came back to ballet through a discovered love of teaching. To connect with Olivia, check out her IG @oliviahcianciulli_dance Please remember that I am not a mental health professional, and anything you hear me say on the show is based on personal experience and perspectives, and should not be considered medical advice. If you are in crisis, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text MHA to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. To find a local MHA affiliate who can provide services, check out https://www.mhanational.org/ Theme music is, "A Journey" by Kevin Hartnell It has been edited and reproduced under the Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). Follow us on Instagram! Dance; Better Podcast @dancebetterpodcast Send in your questions or episode suggestions to dancebetterpodcast@gmail.com If you relate and found this episode helpful, please click follow/subscribe and leave us a review. (We might even read it on the next episode!) This helps to make our show more searchable, and will make it more accessible to more people...plus, we'd love to hear from you!

In this week's episode, we chat with Sanjay Saverimuttu. He is a ballet dancer with the Louisville Ballet and a choreographer who grew up in South Florida. Sanjay attended college at Stanford and studied Biology but decided dance was really his passion. His other passion is reading and he is the leader of the Louisvile LGBTQ book group sponsored by the Louisville Pride Foundation. Sanjay talks about how important it was for the Pride book club to provide a safe space for its members that had nothing to do with meeting people at bars or on apps. Sanjay says this small group of readers feels like family. You can find find Sanjay on instagram @thesanj or his website at www.sanjaysaverimuttu.com. You can learn more about the Louisville Pride Foundation and the bookclub at www.louisvillepride.com, on insta @louprideky. Books Mentioned in this Episode: 1- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling 2- No Ashes in the Fire by Darnell Moore 3- We Are Ok by Nina LaCour 4- I Wish You All the Best by Nathan Deaver 5- Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin 6- This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel 7- Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai 8- A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 9- The Hummingbirds' Gift: Wonder, Beauty, and Renewal on Wings by Sy Montgomery 10- Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery 11- Birdology by Sy Montgomery 12- Wave by Sunali Deraniyagala 13- They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera 14- What If It's Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli 15- The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin 16- Aristotle and Dante's Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

In this week's episode, we chat with Sanjay Saverimuttu. He is a ballet dancer with the Louisville Ballet and a choreographer who grew up in South Florida. Sanjay attended college at Stanford and studied Biology but decided dance was really his passion. His other passion is reading and he is the leader of the Louisvile LGBTQ book group sponsored by the Louisville Pride Foundation. Sanjay talks about how important it was for the Pride book club to provide a safe space for its members that had nothing to do with meeting people at bars or on apps. Sanjay says this small group of readers feels like family. You can find find Sanjay on instagram @thesanj or his website at www.sanjaysaverimuttu.com. You can learn more about the Louisville Pride Foundation and the bookclub at www.louisvillepride.com, on insta @louprideky. Books Mentioned in this Episode: 1- Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling 2- No Ashes in the Fire by Darnell Moore 3- We Are Ok by Nina LaCour 4- I Wish You All the Best by Nathan Deaver 5- Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guin 6- This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel 7- Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai 8- A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara 9- The Hummingbirds' Gift: Wonder, Beauty, and Renewal on Wings by Sy Montgomery 10- Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery 11- Birdology by Sy Montgomery 12- Wave by Sunali Deraniyagala 13- They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera 14- What If It's Us by Adam Silvera and Becky Albertalli 15- The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin 16- Aristotle and Dante's Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

  On Super Bowl Sunday of 2019, Hannah Drake, who had long written about politics, feminism and race, reached a new level of fame when film director and producer Ava DuVernay, to protest the NFL's treatment of quarterback-turned-activist Colin Kaepernick, tweeted out a video of Hannah's poem “All You Had to Do Was Play the Game, Boy.” Kaepernick in turn shared the poem with his followers, and in short order Hannah's words reached 2.4 million viewers. Hannah has only continued turning up the volume on her art and activism since, especially in the last year when after the murder of Breonna Taylor she stood and spoke on the frontlines of protests against police brutality in her hometown of Louisville, KY. She has collaborated with the Louisville Ballet and the Actors Theatre of Louisville on new projects and continues to offer up provocative commentary on her widely read blog, “Write Some S#it.” Hannah is also the chief creative officer of IDEAS xLab, an artist-run nonprofit based in Louisville, KY that champions inclusion and belonging through creativity, art, and action. Inspired by a trip she made with her daughter three years ago to the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, AL, Hannah — along with IDEAS xLab's co-founder and CEO, Josh Miller — devised The (Un)known Project. The (Un)known Project is a multi-year series of public art installations and educational experiences designed to bring to civic and national consciousness the Black men, women and children in Louisville's past who have been overlooked in history. In this interview with Rob Kramer and Pier Carlo Talenti, conducted just a few days before the first portion of the (Un)Known Project was to be unveiled on the banks of the Ohio River, Hannah celebrates the power of art to instigate powerful social change and explains why she pushes through discomfort and fear to stand up for her art and her community. https://www.ideasxlab.com/about https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/09/arts/design/hannah-drake-unknown-project.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjiuvLzhCrI  

Grammy award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma speaks with conductor, composer, and musician Teddy Abrams about the power of music, healing cultural differences, and other timely topics. Yo-Yo Ma has recorded more than 100 albums, is the winner of 18 Grammy Awards, and has performed for nine American presidents, most recently on the occasion of President Biden’s inauguration. He has received numerous awards, including the National Medal of the Arts, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Kennedy Center Honors. He has been a UN Messenger of Peace since 2006, and was recognized as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020. Teddy Abrams is the acclaimed Music Director of both the Louisville Orchestra and the Britt Festival Orchestra. Abrams has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations with organizations including the Louisville Ballet, the Center for Interfaith Relations, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Speed Art Museum, and the Folger Shakespeare Library. His rap-opera, ‘The Greatest: Muhammad Ali,” premiered in 2017, celebrating Louisville’s hometown hero. Abrams’ work with the Louisville Orchestra has been profiled on CBS News Sunday Morning, NPR, and in The Wall Street Journal.

Maria Tallchief was a member of the Osage nation who happened to become the first major American ballet dancer. Her story is read by Ashley Thursby, a dancer with The Louisville Ballet. The Dancing Plague of 1518 began when Frau Troffea stepped out of her home and started dancing. For months, hundred of people danced along with her - for no discernible reason. All this and more when you join host Mick Sullivan for the fun.

“When a dancer has support, she is much more likely to move forward into a career in dance that is sustainable, positive, joyful, and happy." In this episode we speak with Jess Spinner. We discuss creating a balanced lifestyle that supports our dancing, developing a healthy body image, creating time for self care, fueling during busy dance days, and being an advocate for our own health and well-being. About Jess: Jess studied dance and arts administration at Butler University. She danced with The Louisville Ballet and freelanced throughout the Boston Area. Jess is a certified Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and has a Precision Nutrition Certification with a focus in Sports Nutrition. She is the founder of The Whole Dancer where she is a health and lifestyle coach for dancers. The Whole Dancer Instagram: @thewholedancer The Whole Dancer Website: thewholedancer.comBest Body Program Waitlist: thewholedancer.com/waitlist movementtowardchange.orgFollow us on instagram @movementtowardchange

An interview with NYC-based conductor Tara Simoncic, music director of the Louisville Ballet. We discuss her unique journey from being a serious trumpet player to becoming a conductor. Tara specializes in ballet and conducts major companies in America and internationally.   Highlights The past three months for New York - 5:33 New York has been changing over the last months - 9:19 Competition in a city like New York - 9:54 Thinking like an optimist - 13:19 The music director role in ballet - 19:20 What’s the real challenge? - 20:51 The online season - 27:02 Being a ballet conductor - 28:16 How the ballet world is changing - 38:41 10 years of doing auditions - 44:53 Loving the theatre - 49:09 Having a connection with opera - 52:09 Her early days - 53:20 Dancers are smart musically - 1:11:19   Episode Resources Connect with Robert Hunt Simonds: roberthuntsimonds@gmail.com  http://roberthuntsimonds.com/ Performing Labor's music: http://craigwagnermusic.blogspot.com  Connect with Tara Simoncic: Tara's website: https://tarasimoncic.com  Louisville Ballet: https://www.louisvilleballet.org "Mastery" by Robert Greene: https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Robert-Greene/dp/014312417X

I'm super excited to have the beautiful Jessica Spinner on the pod this week. Jess is a former professional dancer with the Louisville Ballet. She is also the founder of ... The post Jess Spinner on Dealing with Food, Body Pressure, Judgement, Restrictive Dieting and more appeared first on RACH ACTIVE.

George Marriner Maull, Artistic Director of The Discovery Orchestra and three-time Emmy© nominated public television personality, has helped people nationwide to heighten their classical music listening pleasure through his Discovery Concerts© for American Public Television (APT), now available on Amazon.com. His course Fall in Love with Music, also recorded for APT, may be viewed on the orchestra’s website: www.discoveryorchestra.org. Inside Music, his public radio show, can be heard on 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 7:30 PM (ET) on WWFM, 89.1, in the Princeton/Philadelphia area and worldwide at wwfm.org The Classical Network. Beginning his 17th season as host of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center’s Classical Overtures, he presents pre-concert chats before such ensembles as The Philadelphia Orchestra and Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and artists Yuja Wang and Itzhak Perlman. His conducting career has included leading performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Among the posts he has held: Music Director of the Louisville Ballet, New Jersey Youth Symphony, and Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey. Recordings include CD’s conducting the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra for Naxos.

Louisville Ballet dancer (and Louisville LGBTQ+ Book Club Facilitator) Sanjay Saverimuttu interviews Samantha Allen, author of "Real Queer America: LGBT Stories from Red States"

We talk to Johanna Wint from the Salvation Army and Brandon Ragland from the Louisville Ballet

Jess Spinner is the Founder of The Whole Dancer and an ex-professional ballerina with Louisville Ballet. Jess began her journey into nutrition and health coaching when she had to leave behind the world of professional ballet due to an injury. Jess is a fully qualified Health Coach with over eleven years of experience behind her working with dancers from top companies such as New York City Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Miami City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet Company as well as aspiring young ballerinas and adult ballet dancers from around the world. Jess and I have a lot in common. Our businesses were both born out of a gap in the industry. A gap that we only discovered because we experienced the pain and anguish of not feeling balanced... or whole. I love how the two are interchangeable throughout this conversation... Like myself, Jess struggled with body positivity, confidence and food choices as a young professional dancer and through research, study, discipline and innovation with her business has created a community that supports and encourages young dancers to find their wholeness, their balance... their best body (which you'll find out in this discussion is different for everyone). In this conversation Jess and I do focus on the additional challenges during this particular time whilst navigating food choices and body positivity. But Jess also helps us define health and success in the broader sense with a sprinkle of confidence boosters, common sense advice and helpful suggestions. _____________ Get your FREE Balanced Ballerinas 'Intention Setting' worksheet HERE and start kicking GOALS: https://www.balancedballerinas.com/product/balanced-ballerinas-intention-setting-worksheet/ You can find more resources at www.balancedballerinas.com Instagram @thebalancedballerina Podcast @balancedballerinas Facebook - Balanced Ballerinas (ensure you join the *SECRET* Facebook group too!)

This is the sentiment and directional inspiration of Robert Curran, currently in his sixth season with the Louisville Ballet, where he serves with fierce passion and authenticity as both Artistic and Executive Director. Listen in on this week's episode of the #502LeaderSeries Podcast to learn more of Robert's story, his vision for this Season of Imagination at the Louisville Ballet, and his passion to see the arts be part of pushing our city beyond its comfort zone to the next phase of growth. For more, check out and subscribe to YesLouisville.com! We appreciate your attention!

Teddy Abrams is a widely acclaimed conductor, as well as an established pianist, clarinetist, & composer.  As Music Director of the Louisville Orchestra & Music Director & Conductor of the Britt Classical Festival, Teddy also served as Resident Conductor of the MAV Symphony Orchestra in Budapest, which he first conducted in 2011. A tireless advocate for the power of music, he continues to foster interdisciplinary collaboration with organizations including the Louisville Ballet, the Center for Interfaith Relations, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Speed Art Museum, & the Folger Shakespeare Library. His extensive community outreach continues to reach new audiences & bring classical music into increasingly diverse communities. Teddy’s previous seasons have included debuts at the Kennedy Center & with Colorado, North Carolina, & New Jersey Symphonies, as well as a return to the New World Symphony. Recent guest conducting highlights include engagements with the San Francisco, Houston, Vancouver, Phoenix, & Jacksonville Symphonies; Florida Orchestra; & Louisiana and New Mexico Philharmonics. He has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Indianapolis Symphony, & recently conducted them with Time for 3 for a special recording for PBS. Prior to these stints, he served as Assistant Conductor of the Detroit Symphony from 2012-2014. From 2008 to 2011 Teddy was the Conducting Fellow & Assistant Conductor of the New World Symphony (NWS) & conducted many performances, including subscription concerts & numerous other full & chamber orchestra events. He has conducted the NWS in Miami Beach, Washington, D.C. & at Carnegie Hall, with a recent return to conduct the NWS on subscription with Joshua Bell as soloist. An accomplished pianist & clarinetist, Teddy has appeared as a soloist with a # of orchestras—including play-conducting the Ravel Piano Concerto with the Jacksonville Symphony in Fall 2013—& has performed chamber music with the St. Petersburg String Quartet, Menahem Pressler, Gilbert Kalish, Time for Three, & John Adams, in addition to annual appearances at the Olympic Music Festival. Dedicated to exploring new & engaging ways to communicate with a diverse range of audiences, Teddy co-founded the 6h Floor Trio in 2008. Together, they founded & direct GardenMusic, the music festival of the world-renowned Fairchild Tropical Garden in Miami; they continue to tour regularly throughout the U.S. Teddy studied conducting with Michael Tilson Thomas, Otto-Werner Mueller and Ford Lallerstedt at the Curtis Inst. of Music, & with David Zinman at the Aspen Music Festival; he was the youngest conducting student ever accepted at BOTH institutions! He is also an award-winning composer & a passionate educator – he has taught at numerous schools throughout the USA. His 2009 Education Concerts with the New World Symphony (featuring the world premiere of one of Teddy’s own orchestral works) were webcast to 100’s of schools throughout South Florida. Teddy performed as a keyboardist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, won the 2007 Aspen Composition Contest, and was the Assistant Conductor of the YouTube Symphony at Carnegie Hall in 2009.  He has held residencies at the La Mortella music festival in Ischia, Italy & at the American Academy in Berlin.  He was a proud member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra for 7 seasons, & graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music, having studied piano with Paul Hersh.

East Coast native, Jess Spinner, trained extensively in classical ballet from a young age up until she left home for college to attend Butler University. Upon graduation, Jess went off to dance with Louisville Ballet. Her years there were challenging, finding herself navigating struggles surrounding food and body image that most all dancers face in one way or another. Years later, the lessons learned from those challenges were the exact fuel she needed to create The Whole Dancer, which exists to encourage dancers in the areas of health, wellness, and having a balanced lifestyle. Shownotes for this episode at: jordannicoleh.com/blog/jess  thewholedancer.com Instagram:  @thewholedancer @jordannicoleh

Podcast Description “And now some of you sit looking at me and now you feel uncomfortable. But today you have heard me. You can not unsee me. In this space I belong we belong here, in this space.”Hannah L Drake is a blogger, activist, public speaker, poet, and the author of 9 books. She writes commentary on politics, feminism, and race and her work has been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine. In 2019 during Super Bowl Sunday, Hannah’s poem, "All You Had To Do Was Play The Game, Boy," which addresses the protest by Colin Kaepernick, was shared by film writer, producer and director Ava DuVernay, and then shared by Kaepernick. The poem has been viewed more than two million times. Hannah was selected by the Muhammad Ali Center to be a Daughter of Greatness which features prominent women engaged in social philanthropy, activism, and pursuits of justice. Hannah has presented at the Idea Festival, curated performances for the Festival of Faiths, partnered with The Louisville Ballet for their Choreographer’s Showcase, shared the stage with activist Angela Davis, and exhibited her visual art and poetry at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and 1619 Flux. Her poem “Spaces” was selected by the National Academy of Medicine as 1 of 30 pieces of art that speak to health equity. Hannah was selected as a 2017 Hadley Creative by the Community Foundation of Louisville and Creative Capital and her work has been honored by the Kentucky Alliance of Against Racist and Political Repression and Hannah Drake was featured on the Tom Joyner Morning Show with Jacque Reid to discuss her movement, “Do Not Move Off The Sidewalk,” which addresses the power of holding your space. Hannah’s message is thought-provoking and at times challenging, however, Hannah believes that change dwells in the realm of the uncomfortable. “My sole purpose in writing and speaking is not that I entertain you. I am trying to shake a nation.” Additional Resources Facebook Hannah DrakeFacebook Business Page Hannah L. DrakeInstagramWebsite Blog  Twitter Hannah L. Drake Become a #causeascene Community Sponsor because disruption and innovation are products of individuals who take bold steps in order to shift the collective and challenge the status quo.Learn more >All music for the #causeascene podcast is composed and produced by Chaos, Chao Pack, and Listen on SoundCloud Listen to more great #causeascene podcasts full podcast list >

The Best in Rehab podcast hosts, Steven Hnat, PT, DPT, OCS and Chad Garvey, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, welcome KORT Downtown’s Teresa Smith, PT, DPT, Clinic Director, to inform listeners on dance medicine. Teresa is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, as well as the American Physical Therapy Association Performing Arts Special Interest Group. She cares for professional dancers at Louisville Ballet Company, as well as students in Louisville Ballet School and local dance studios. She has treated performers traveling with Broadway shows, including Book of Mormon, Flashdance and Newsies. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Orthopedic Sports Physical Therapy and Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. Teresa discusses an overview of dance medicine and her involvement with the Louisville Ballet. She elaborates on the “pre-point screening” performed in August of each year (2:25). Teresa and the medical team ensure that the dancers are prepared anatomically prior to practicing and performing. There are several tests during the pre-season screening to see if they have adequate motor control (4:00). With identifying these motor control patterns, they can pinpoint where the dancer’s weak areas are and strengthen those areas, in order to prevent injury. Common injuries include: foot and ankle injuries and hip injuries due to external rotation in young dancers (6:05). Furthermore, Teresa discusses the difference between sports medicine specialization versus dance medicine specialization (7:24). Because dancers are so mobile and have greater range of motion, stiffness is rarely the issue. However, truly learning the physical skill to prevent injury is crucial. She emphasizes cross-training and how being a multi-sport athlete can be beneficial in this population. Additionally, Teresa elaborates on how the culture of dance and the physique of dancers have changed (13:40). To learn more about dance medicine and additional services offered at KORT, connect with us at KORT.com!

The Best in Rehab podcast hosts, Steven Hnat, PT, DPT, OCS and Chad Garvey, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, welcome KORT Downtown’s Teresa Smith, PT, DPT, Clinic Director, to inform listeners on dance medicine. Teresa is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, as well as the American Physical Therapy Association Performing Arts Special Interest Group. She cares for professional dancers at Louisville Ballet Company, as well as students in Louisville Ballet School and local dance studios. She has treated performers traveling with Broadway shows, including Book of Mormon, Flashdance and Newsies. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Orthopedic Sports Physical Therapy and Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. Teresa discusses an overview of dance medicine and her involvement with the Louisville Ballet. She elaborates on the “pre-point screening” performed in August of each year (2:25). Teresa and the medical team ensure that the dancers are prepared anatomically prior to practicing and performing. There are several tests during the pre-season screening to see if they have adequate motor control (4:00). With identifying these motor control patterns, they can pinpoint where the dancer’s weak areas are and strengthen those areas, in order to prevent injury. Common injuries include: foot and ankle injuries and hip injuries due to external rotation in young dancers (6:05). Furthermore, Teresa discusses the difference between sports medicine specialization versus dance medicine specialization (7:24). Because dancers are so mobile and have greater range of motion, stiffness is rarely the issue. However, truly learning the physical skill to prevent injury is crucial. She emphasizes cross-training and how being a multi-sport athlete can be beneficial in this population. Additionally, Teresa elaborates on how the culture of dance and the physique of dancers have changed (13:40). To learn more about dance medicine and additional services offered at KORT, connect with us at KORT.com!

The Best in Rehab podcast hosts, Steven Hnat, PT, DPT, OCS and Chad Garvey, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, invite Kevin Brown, MEd, ATC to share all there is to know about Dance Medicine at the Louisville Ballet. Kevin practices as the Chief Athletic Trainer for the Louisville Ballet. The Louisville Ballet endeavors in a vigorous 30-week season from August to April, in which Kevin is a major part of. He shares that the most common injuries he treats are foot and ankle injuries from jumping and landing (7:46) and goes into further detail about additional injuries caused by extra stress on the tendon while performing (8:49). One of the Louisville Ballet’s biggest performances is the Nutcracker, which debuts on December 10 and goes until December 23rd (7:00). Kevin works with individuals of all ages at the Louisville Ballet, ranging from seven-years-old to mid-forties. He talks about the differences between the injuries he sees due to age. Kevin reflects on the common misconceptions that often go along with the Dance Medicine world (19:19). He shares that he treats the dancers at the Louisville Ballet as he would any other athlete. There is “Lots to Say about the Louisville Ballet” and Dance Medicine in general, so listen in on the Best in Rehab podcast or visit us at www.kort.com!

The Best in Rehab podcast hosts, Steven Hnat, PT, DPT, OCS and Chad Garvey, PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT, invite Kevin Brown, MEd, ATC to share all there is to know about Dance Medicine at the Louisville Ballet. Kevin practices as the Chief Athletic Trainer for the Louisville Ballet. The Louisville Ballet endeavors in a vigorous 30-week season from August to April, in which Kevin is a major part of. He shares that the most common injuries he treats are foot and ankle injuries from jumping and landing (7:46) and goes into further detail about additional injuries caused by extra stress on the tendon while performing (8:49). One of the Louisville Ballet’s biggest performances is the Nutcracker, which debuts on December 10 and goes until December 23rd (7:00). Kevin works with individuals of all ages at the Louisville Ballet, ranging from seven-years-old to mid-forties. He talks about the differences between the injuries he sees due to age. Kevin reflects on the common misconceptions that often go along with the Dance Medicine world (19:19). He shares that he treats the dancers at the Louisville Ballet as he would any other athlete. There is “Lots to Say about the Louisville Ballet” and Dance Medicine in general, so listen in on the Best in Rehab podcast or visit us at www.kort.com!

Inspired by creativity, Bruce Simpson credits the joy of life for what drives him and fuels his career in ballet. Simpson came to the Louisville Ballet as artistic director in 2002, bringing over 30 years of experience in the ballet world with him. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Simpson mastered the art of ballet. He danced for South Africa’s State Theatre Ballet for 30 years and experienced many performances and leading roles. In 1983 Simpson was named ballet master, and in 1985, he was named senior ballet master. He retired from the stage in 1998 at the age of 50. Simpson began leading the Texas Ballet Theatre in 2000 before coming to Louisville two years later. He has worked with some of the great dancers of this time. In both 2006 and 2010, Simpson was honored to serve on the jury at the U.S. International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi.

This week’s guest on Five Things knows about the limitations of time more than many of us: he’s a ballet dancer, a profession with an early expiration date. Fortunately for him — and for us here in Louisville — Robert Curran is continuing his career in the dance world in Derby City. Curran was a principal dancer with Australian Ballet for 16 years, until his retirement in 2011. He took the job of artistic and executive director at Louisville Ballet, where he handles not only the top administrative job but personally directs many of the productions.

Molly Lynch is an award winning choreographer and artistic director, with over 30 years of experience creating, producing, and presenting dance. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Dance in the Claire Trevor School of the Arts at the University of California, Irvine. She teaches ballet, pointe, partnering, ballet repertory, and dance management. Ms. Lynch is the Founder and Artistic Director of the National Choreographers Initiative, an internationally known project to nurture the development of new choreography. She was the Artistic Director for Ballet Pacifica from 1988-2003. During her tenure, Ms. Lynch established Ballet Pacifica as Orange County's leading professional dance company and one of the area's top performing arts organizations. Among her innovative trademark programs was the Pacifica Choreographic Project. Under Ms. Lynch's direction, the company worked with forty choreographers, premiered more than forty new ballets and restaged some of America's most beloved classics by George Balanchine, Antony Tudor and Choo San Goh. Ms. Lynch has also choreographed over 30 concert and story ballets, 6 children's ballets and a full-length production of The Nutcracker. Ms. Lynch has recently created new ballets for Sacramento Ballet, Nashville Ballet, BalletMet (Columbus, Ohio), and Dance Collage (Hermosillo, Mexico). She began her dance training with Lila Zali, received a scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet School and performed as a soloist and principal dancer with the Louisville Ballet and Ballet Pacifica for over 10 years. As a Fine Arts major at the University of California, Irvine, she studied with distinguished figures in dance such as Eugene Loring, Antony Tudor and Olga Maynard. Upon receiving her MFA in dance from UCI, she was named Outstanding Graduate Student - the first student from Fine Arts so honored. In 1992, Ms. Lynch was given the esteemed Outstanding Alumnus award from UCI and was named one of Orange County Metro Magazine's "Ten Women Who Make A Difference". She was also the recipient of the Red Cross Clara Barton Cultural Arts Award and the Boy Scouts of America Women of Excellence award in 1996. She was the recipient of the 2001 Choo San Goh Award for Choreography. In 2007 she received the Outstanding Arts Organization Award for her National Choreographers Initiative from Arts Orange County. And in April 2008 she was honored with the Irvine Barclay Theatre's prestigious Jade Award for her extraordinary leadership and creativity.

Milliner Sarah Havens from Louisville, Kentucky has her own bespoke business at Sarah Haven Millinery and has created hats for both professional theatre companies and the fashion industry. She has also worked at Santa Fe Opera, The Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Louisville Ballet, The Stage One Children's Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park and The Met.  Visit her website at Sarah Havens Millinery here.  Join us on Facebook at Chris Stafford Radio and on Twitter @chrisestafford. Download this podcast from iTunes to your Smartphone Podcast App for free.

Helen Pickett, born in San Diego, California, studied dance at The San Francisco Ballet School under the direction of Lew Christensen and Michael Smuin, and later, Helgi Tomasson.  In 2005, Mikko Nissinen, director of the Boston Ballet, offered Helen her first choreographic commission,Etesian. The New York Choreographic Institute awarded her a Fellowship Initiative Grant in 2006. In the same year and through 2008, Helen choreographed for Boston Ballet, Washington Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Louisville Ballet and Ballet X. In 2007, Dance magazine named Helen one of "25 to Watch". She received a Choreographic Residency from Jacob's Pillow in 2008. From 2009 through 2011, Helen created new ballets for Royal Ballet of Flanders, Ballet West, Boston Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. In 2012 and 2013, her commissions include Atlanta Ballet, Semper Oper/Dresden Ballet, Vienna State Opera, Scottish Ballet and Smuin Ballet. Helen was one of the first choreographers to receive the Jerome Robbins Foundation’s New Essential Works Grant. For over a decade Helen performed with William Forsythe's Ballet Frankfurt. During her last season with Ballet Frankfurt, Helen simultaneously performed with The Wooster Group, director, Elizabeth Le Compte. She acted with the Group for five non-consecutive years in the OBIE award winning House/Lights,North Atlantic. In 2005, Helen returned to the role, as a guest artist with The Royal Ballet of Flanders, in William Forsythe Impressing the Czar. In 2009, Impressing the Czar received the Laurence Olivier Award and in 2012, the Prix de la Critique award for outstanding performance of the year. Helen collaborates, as an actress and choreographer, with installation video artists and filmmakers including Eve Sussman, Toni Dove and Laurie Simmons. Helen, a founding member of Eve Sussman The Rufus Corporation, created the role of the Queen in 89 Seconds at Alcazar, which was shown at the 2004 Whitney Biennial, and now is in the permanent collection at Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2007, Helen acted in Sussman feature length film, The Rape of the Sabine Women. She played Sally Rand in Toni Dove's video installation and feature film, Spectropia. Helen teaches Forsythe-based improvisation and her motivational creative workshop entitled The Expansive Artist throughout Europe and the United States. Dance Europe published Helen's article, Considering Cezanne,in 2006. In 2011, Helen earned a Master of Fine Arts in Dance from Hollins University.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, our emerging performers encounter some surprises on stage and learn that every show brings its unique challenges and opportunities. Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach receives her crew assignments from her Humana Festival "bible," Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks re-learns how to walk like "a real person" in "Romeo and Juliet" and Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond enjoys some noir-infused fun in "Don Giovanni."

The first season of our audio diary series “The Big Break,” comes to a close this week. Since last fall, understudies and apprentices take us behind the curtain at the Kentucky Opera, Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Louisville Ballet. We'll launch the next season of The Big Break with a new class of up-and-coming artists in the early fall. For their final diaries, actor Samantha Beach and dancer Claire Horrocks reflect on their time in Louisville and shaer what lies ahead now that the season is over.

On our audio diary series “The Big Break,” understudies and apprentices take us behind the curtain at the Kentucky Opera, Actors Theatre of Louisville and the Louisville Ballet. The season is almost over for the actors and dancers. Her time in Louisville is almost up, so Actors Theater apprentice Samantha Beach has to decide where she wants to build the next phase of her career. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks makes plans for her summer that will help her prepare for a possibility every dancer fears -- the day she can't dance anymore.

This week on The Big Break, Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach reflects on tech week for "Sleep Rock Thy Brain," the apprentice play that opened last weekend in the Humana Festival of New American Plays. (The music in this week's episode is from "Sleep Rock Thy Brain," composed and performed by Scott Anthony, the show's composer and sound designer.) Over at the Louisville Ballet, trainee Claire Horrocks, who also teaches at the ballet school, describes the joyful madness that is a spring showcase, a true community effort at the Louisville Ballet School.

This week on The Big Break, the Louisville Ballet rehearses for its upcoming mixed repertory program, Breaking Ground while trainee Claire Horrocks gets called up to the stage for a surprise bonus role. Over at Actors Theatre of Louisville, acting apprentice Samantha Beach finishes up rehearsals for "Sleep Rock Thy Brain," the apprentice anthology play that opens this weekend, and she reflects on the new play rehearsal process.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, two of our emerging performers take us inside rehearsals for upcoming productions while a third says farewell to Louisville. Over at the Louisville Ballet, trainee Claire Horrocks discusses the gravity of the understudy role in rehearsal, while at Actors Theatre of Louisville, apprentice Samantha Beach sits in on rehearsals for the five productions opening soon in the Humana Festival of New American Plays.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, we hear from Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks on staging the market scene in Act Two of "Romeo and Juliet," and studio artist Brad Raymond discusses his role in the chorus of "Don Giovanni," his final role with the Kentucky Opera.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, our apprentices gear up for audition season. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks explains why January kicks off her least favorite time of year, while Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach explains the audition showcase the apprentices host for casting directors and agents during the Humana Festival.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, our emerging performers learn and teach some unique history lessons.Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks gets fitted for costumes for the upcoming production of "Romeo and Juliet" and takes us on a tour of the costume shop. Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach uses Roman history to write a play in 24 hours, and Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond goes on tour to local schools, teaching American history through song.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, our emerging performers dig deep into their daily work. Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach learns how fearless high school playwrights can be while reading for the theater's New Voices Young Playwrights Festival. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks studies character development from choreographer Helen Starr in rehearsals for "Romeo and Juliet," while Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond faces the unmentionable—losing his voice during a run of outreach performances.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, all three of our apprentices go back to school. Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach learns a new vocal technique in a workshop, while Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks plays both teacher and student while developing her original piece for the upcoming Choreographer's Showcase (Jan. 24). Studio artist Brad Raymond is back from winter break, performing in schools for the Kentucky Opera's educational outreach program.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, two of our artists stretch their artistic muscles in rehearsal this week. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks finds the most difficult work in her upcoming Choreographer Showcase is a contemporary dance, because she has focused so intently on ballet movements since she started college. Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach takes to the air in rehearsals for the Humana Festival apprentice showcase "Sleep Rock Thy Brain," a collection of one-act plays that all feature flying—as in, strap the actors into harnesses, hoist them high and let them act in mid-air—as a metaphor for sleep.

On our audio diary series The Big Break, two of our artists prepare to step out of the wings and into center stage this month. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks rests her body before opening the Choreographer's Showcase and Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach rehearses a short play for "The Tens," the annual ten-minute play apprentice showcase. Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond is on hiatus until later this month.

This week on our audio diary series, The Big Break, two of our emerging artists see their stages from a different perspective. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks takes a leap of faith in herself to create a piece for the ballet's Choreographer's Showcase, and Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach takes us backstage at the revolving set of "A Christmas Carol." Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond is on hiatus and traveling until January.

This week on our audio diary series, The Big Break, Actors Theatre of Louisville apprentice Samantha Beach gets some sage advice on second careers from the cast members of each of the theater's productions, while Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks opens her first full-length production of "The Nutcracker." Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond is on hiatus and traveling until January.

Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks sees the cast list for "The Nutcracker" and learns her new choreography for the familiar show. Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach sits in on rehearsal for "True West," where she discovers a hidden talent, and Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond takes "Tosca" on the road.

Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks gets a nice surprise during her last public performance. Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach closes "Dracula" without ever going on for the role she understudied, but she already knows she'll take the stage in "A Christmas Story" during student matinees. In "Cinderella," Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond learns there's no such thing as a small role.

Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach prepares for mock auditions while learning how to embrace being cast as a certain type. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks goes through the process of developing her character for her very first public performance with the company, while Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond switches from villain to comic relief in "Cinderella."

This week on our new audio diary series, "The Big Break," Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach pulls a shift in the literary department and sees herself in the incoming ten-minute play scripts. Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks takes us inside the dancer's lounge, while Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond balances family time with the rigors of the stage.

This week on our new audio diary series, "The Big Break," Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks moonlights as a teacher, while Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach works a fundraiser for the theater's annual Humana Festival. Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond figures out how to make his busy rehearsal schedule accommodate his second job and his first love.

This week on our new audio diary series “The Big Break,” Louisville Ballet trainee Claire Horrocks experiences her first full production, while Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach tries to figure out how to set good artistic habits for her future. Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond reflects on his most recent show, "The Prodigal Son."

Louisville Ballet trainee takes us inside rehearsals for "Lady of the Camellias" with choreographer Val Caniparoli. Actors Theatre apprentice Samantha Beach contemplates holiday audition season and Kentucky Opera studio artist Brad Raymond, fresh off his turn as evil henchman Spoletta "Tosca," prepares for another devilish role in "The Prodigal Son."