Today on the Conversations on Dance podcast, we are joined by Alastair Macaulay, critic and historian of the performing arts, and former Chief Dance Critic of the New York Times. While Alastair is no stranger to the podcast, today we get to delve into the history of numerous rare Balanchine ballets. Ahead of Alastair's program at the New York Public Library on the topic, he gives a preview of what audiences can expect, what films will be shown, and gives us the backstory of some of these works that were only seen a few times. Plus, he tells us about some of the works that aren't able to be sh ..read more

On today's episode of 'Conversations On Dance', we are joined by internationally acclaimed ballet teacher and professor at Indiana University Michael Vernon. We talk to Michael about how his early artistic influences shaped his life's work as teacher and choreographer, his own philosophies of how to approach ideas in the classroom and how he is shaping the young dancers of Indiana University today.  Take Michael's class on YouTube that we discuss in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMFj_pX_Oug. THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Megan Williams Dance Projects presents the ..read more

This week we welcome back friend of the pod, and frequent guest host, Kate Penner. Kate does the social media marketing for the Vail Dance Festival, so we come together to talk about social media and specifically TikTok culture's impact on ballet and dance. Plus, we hear about Kate and Michael's trip to see Boston Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' in December. THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Unlock your potential with the Graduate Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship from the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma. In partnership with the prestigious Price College of Busine ..read more

It's just us this week! We check in on some of the dance we have seen recently and talk about Michael's work as a repetiteur. THIS EPISODE'S SPONSORS: Unlock your potential with the Graduate Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship from the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma. In partnership with the prestigious Price College of Business, this innovative program is expertly designed for the aspiring arts entrepreneur, blending your creative and artistic talents with the business knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to successfully launch and manage arts-re ..read more

On today's episode of 'Conversations On Dance', we are joined by Jake Roxander, rising star at American Ballet Theatre. Jake tells us about the intensity of his training growing up in a family of ballet dancers, why it's important for dancers to keep an open mind about the companies and goals they set their sights on, and how he's handled the challenges of a year marked by numerous major principal role debuts. You can catch Jake in ABT's upcoming New York City MET spring season, June 18th through July 20th.  THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR:  artÉmotion’s popular adult summer intensive prog ..read more

This week on Conversations on Dance, we are joined by Australian Choreographer, Tim Harbour. Tim tells us about his ballet career with The Australian Ballet, how he became interested in creating dance, and about his process. We talk in depth about his work, 'Filigree and Shadow,' which will be performed by Houston Ballet this month. Tim tell us about what inspired the work, what sets it apart form some of his other ballets, and working with Houston Ballet dancers. If you are in the Houston area, see 'Filigree and Shadow' as a part of Houston Ballet's "Bespoke" program, running March 7 - 17. F ..read more

This week on Conversations on Dance, we are joined by Cassandra Trenary, a principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre. Cassandra tells us about her leap of faith to pursue ballet, what it's like to be an ABT lifer, the challenges of the pandemic, and ultimately her promotion to principal dancer. Catch Cassandra onstage with ABT. For more information visit, abt.org. Photo by Dane Shitagi LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance Merch: https://bit.ly/cod-merch YouTube: https://bit.ly/youtube-COD Join our email list: http ..read more

On today's episode of 'Conversations On Dance', we are joined by Chyrstyn Fentroy, principal ballerina with Boston Ballet. We talk to Chyrstyn about how she built her work ethic during her training years, dancing under Virgina Johnson in the newly revived Dance Theater Of Harlem and what it was like to make the move to a larger company in the middle of her career. If you'd like to see Chyrstyn perform, stay tuned to the Boston Ballet website at bostonballet.org.  LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance Merch: https://bit.ly ..read more

On today's episode of 'Conversations On Dance', we are joined by Katlyn Addison, principal dancer with Ballet West. Katlyn takes us on the journey through her early training days in Canada, the decision to take a risk by leaving her first major company for new terrain, and how that risk paid off through years of hard work and steady promotions. Katlyn will be making her premiere as Odette/Odile in Ballet West's upcoming performances of 'Swan Lake', which is having its run this February 9th through the 17th. If you are in the Salt Lake City area and would like to purchase tickets, vi ..read more

On today's episode of 'Conversations On Dance' we are joined by documentary filmmaker Jennifer Lin. Jennifer's latest film 'Ten Times Better' explores the life and legacy of dancer George Lee, who originated the role of tea in 'George Balanchine's The Nutcracker'. She tells us the inspiring story of George's experience as an immigrant, performing as a child in nightclubs and shuffling across countries before ultimately landing in New York City, and his experience working with theater luminaries like Balanchine and Gene Kelly. If you are in the New York City area, check out the Works and ..read more