Meet Me At The Barre

Like everyone else, I agree that not enough time is focused on the fabulous dancers. Their insight impresses me, but they are often distracted or interrupted by the host, who inserts too much of herself into the discussion. A small point, but Amber needs to recognise that going to the ballet for 5 years does not an expert make; some humility that she is at the beginning of a long road of love for ballet would go a long way. Someone with a longer history of watching TAB could bring in the history of older dancers and performances, which would add depth and knowledge to listeners. Ultimately, listening to a podcast needs to add some value to the half hour of the listener, and a stronger focus on the dancers, their experience in the context of the Australian Ballet would be better served with someone who has a deeper knowledge of ballet and the Company.

Went for a drive for a day out with my 13yr old daughter and turned on ep4 “Don’t stop me now” featuring her hero Benedicte Bemet only to quickly realise the title was referencing the host’s insistent yabbering about everything and nothing. Please someone stop her now. Such access to these amazing artists is being wasted on someone too interested in themselves.

Amber, I’m sure you are genuinely a very interesting person but this podcast is not about you. I can tell that you are a huge ballet fan, so interested in your subjects and trying to cultivate a sense of easy, natural conversation but that is all lost in translation and what comes across is the listener struggling to hear what your interviewees have to say because you are consistently and jarringly interrupting them. Please do yourself, your subjects and your listeners an act of service and either undertake your own research on how to be a podcast host, or invest in some coaching. This podcast has so much potential but I find myself just furious most of the time trying to listen to it. 5 stars for subject matter, 1 star for hosting. Average rating 3 stars.

Accessible, doesn’t assume ballet knowledge and is genuinely interested in the journey of dance and ballet as a soul expression. Was surprised when I went to write a review at previous comments - takes all types! I enjoyed the host asking questions about dancers within the context of their relationships, family and circumstances which enable and challenge them as dancers. I’ve only listed to Nathan Brooks interview and also live on the Northern Beaches. I’ll be listening to the others. Keep It up!