The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

Caitlin Sloan
  • 5.0 (30)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry. Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer. Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence. Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.

  1. 2D AGO

    90. Comedy Meets Classical Ballet with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo's Felix Molinero Del Paso

    Felix Molinero Del Paso of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo joins The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ahead of the company’s February 26th performance at the Overture Center in Madison, WI. Raised in Spain and later trained at the collegiate level in Germany, Felix shares the bold email he sent that led to a life-changing opportunity with the world-renowned all-male ballet company. Known for parodying the conventions of classical ballet while maintaining exceptional technical standards, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo requires its dancers to master both male and female roles, on and off pointe. Felix pulls back the curtain on the training demands, the artistry behind comedic ballet, the realities of touring life, and the creative personas he embodies onstage, proving that ballet can be both technically brilliant and wildly entertaining. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: • How Felix’s ballet training in Spain and Germany prepared him for a professional career• The email that led to his audition and eventual contract with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo• What makes The Trocks unique in the ballet world• Training for both male and female roles, including dancing on pointe• The skill required to balance high-level technique with comedic timing• The realities and challenges of being part of a touring company• The development of his onstage personas “Holly Dey-Abroad” and “Bruno Backpfeinfengesicht”• How comedic ballet attracts new and nontraditional audiences to the art form Follow Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesballetstrockadero/ Visit Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s Website: https://trockadero.org/ Links and Resources: Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

    32 min
  2. 89. Self-Care for Dancers That Actually Works

    FEB 9

    89. Self-Care for Dancers That Actually Works

    Self-care gets marketed as bubble baths and spa days. But for dancers, real self-care is often much less glamorous and much more powerful. In this solo episode, I break down what sustainable self-care actually looks like for dancers who want long, healthy, fulfilling careers. From sleep and hydration to decision fatigue, physical therapy, and getting off social media, this conversation focuses on the small, proactive habits that protect your body, brain, and soul. Because true self-care isn’t reactive; it’s the daily basics that make everything else easier. If you’ve been feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly playing catch-up with your health, this episode is your reminder to go back to the foundations. Resources mentioned in this episode: Self Care for Dancers Blog Post: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/self-care-for-dancers-that-actually-works Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/the-brainy-ballerina-book-club The Lazy Genius: https://amzn.to/45Kuxty (affiliate link) Brick: https://getbrick.app Related episodes: BONUS: The Impact of the Ballet World's Obsession with Weight with Dr. Stephanie Potreck 23. A Holistic Approach to Strength Training with Wendy Reinert 25. Nourishing Dancers: a Conversation on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders with Registered Dietitian Monika Saigal 68. Fueling the Mind-Body Connection with Registered Sports Dietitian Lisa Rivera 84. 2025 Year in Review and Being Where Your Feet Are in 2026 Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    30 min
  3. 88. Autumn Eckman on Equally Loving Performance, Choreography, and Education

    FEB 2

    88. Autumn Eckman on Equally Loving Performance, Choreography, and Education

    In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by choreographer, educator, and former professional dancer Autumn Eckman for a thoughtful conversation about building a long, sustainable career in dance. From leaving home at a young age to embracing leadership, choreography, and academia, Autumn shares how curiosity and collaboration have shaped her path, and why a dance career doesn’t have to follow just one track to be successful. Key Points in this Episode: Why Autumn shifted from Houston Ballet Academy toward contemporary and jazz-focused work How Autumn transitioned into choreography, teaching, and artistic leadership while still performing The impact collaborating with composers has had on her choreographic career How preparation and openness coexist in the studio What led Autumn to pursue her MFA later in her career, and how academia offers a new lens on dance, research, and creativity Listening to inner cues and values when deciding to change directionConnect with Autumn: WEBSITE: https://www.autumneckman.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/autumn__eckman Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    31 min
  4. 87. Leading Ballet Tucson Into a New Era with Artistic Director Margaret Mullin

    JAN 26

    87. Leading Ballet Tucson Into a New Era with Artistic Director Margaret Mullin

    In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina podcast, I’m joined by Margaret Mullin, Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson and former Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist, for an honest conversation about career longevity, leadership, and what it truly takes to sustain a life in ballet, both on and off the stage. Margaret shares her journey from an aspiring dancer growing up in Tucson, to a 14-season professional career at PNB, and ultimately to stepping into artistic directorship during one of the most uncertain moments in our industry. Along the way, she opens up about the realities dancers don’t always expect: the sudden drop-off in feedback after joining a major company, the emotional weight of being passed over, and the resilience required to keep showing up. This episode is a must-listen for dancers navigating career transitions, educators thinking about the bigger picture of arts training, and anyone curious about how thoughtful, human-centered leadership can shape the future of ballet. Key Points in This Episode: Training at home vs. leaving early, and the long-term benefits of having access to quality dance training in your community The reality of transitioning from student to professional, including the sudden drop in feedback Why dancers must learn to advocate for themselves and seek out mentorship The emotional impact of casting, being passed over, and finding value beyond roles Why process matters more than performance in long-term artistic growth Skills beyond technique that support career longevity: discipline, resilience, and follow-through Preparing for leadership and life after performance before retirement arrives Why artistic directors need education in management, leadership, and nonprofit work Rethinking what healthy, human-centered leadership in ballet can beConnect with Margaret: WEBSITE: ballettucson.org INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/margaretmullin BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ballettucson SCHOOL OF BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/schoolofballettucson Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    1h 42m
  5. 86. What No One Tells You About Professional Ballet Company Auditions

    JAN 19

    86. What No One Tells You About Professional Ballet Company Auditions

    Auditioning for professional ballet companies is very different than auditioning for summer intensives, and that reality can catch even the most prepared dancers off guard. In this solo episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the audition process and sharing the lessons I learned the hard way while navigating company auditions across the country. All the things I wish someone had told me before stepping into the room. Key Points in this Episode: Why professional company auditions operate differently from summer intensive auditions When the audition actually begins The unexpected mindset shifts dancers need when auditioning for contracts What directors may be looking for behind the scenes (and why you often won’t know it) How to mentally survive the uncertainty, rejection, and waiting that come with audition seasonThis episode is a must-listen for: Aspiring professional ballet dancers Pre-professional dancers transitioning into company auditions Dancers feeling discouraged, confused, or stuck during audition season Anyone who wants a more realistic, grounded understanding of how the ballet industry works🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation and walk into your next audition feeling more informed and empowered. Links and Resources: The Brainy Ballerina Audition Hub: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/auditionhub The Ultimate Audition Guide: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide Dance Audition Materials Audit: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-audition-materials-audit 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    19 min
  6. 85. Your Pointe Shoe Fairy Godmother: Finding the Right Fit with Josephine Lee

    JAN 12

    85. Your Pointe Shoe Fairy Godmother: Finding the Right Fit with Josephine Lee

    In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Josephine Lee, founder and CEO of The Pointe Shop and the first official pointe shoe fitter of San Francisco Ballet. With over 15 years of experience, Josephine is one of the most influential and trusted pointe shoe fitters in the world. We dive deep into what actually makes a pointe shoe right (or wrong), why pain is not something dancers should push through, and how pointe shoe fitting is a dynamic, ever-changing process throughout a dancer’s career. Josephine also breaks down virtual pointe shoe fittings, common misconceptions dancers have about their shoes, the real risks of dancing in dead shoes, and what dancers can do to advocate for themselves, especially when they don’t yet have the language to describe what they’re feeling. This conversation is equal parts educational, practical, and eye-opening, and it’s a must-listen for dancers at every stage, as well as teachers and parents who want to support long-term dancer health. Key Points in this Episode: Josephine’s path into pointe shoe fitting and building The Pointe Shop Why pointe shoe fitting is not a one-and-done process How virtual pointe shoe fittings work Common pointe shoe misconceptions dancers have The dangers of dancing in shoes that are too dead The truth about “cheater shoes” and synthetic pointe shoes What dancers should track to advocate for themselves long-termConnect with Josephine: WEBSITE: thepointeshop.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thepointeshop INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/josephineylee Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    40 min
  7. 84. 2025 Year in Review and Being Where Your Feet Are in 2026

    JAN 5

    84. 2025 Year in Review and Being Where Your Feet Are in 2026

    Caitlin here with a solo episode recapping 2025 and chatting about my hopes and dreams for 2026! Biggest takeaways from this episode: Be where your feet are: presence creates deeper impact than constantly chasing what’s next. Consistency beats intensity: small, sustainable routines done regularly matter far more than big, all-or-nothing efforts. There is no finish line: healing, growth, and goals are lifelong, not problems to “solve” once and move on. Understanding your body changes everything: what works for others may not work for you - learn how your body works and advocate for yourself. Impact doesn’t have to be global to be meaningful: work in your local community can be just as powerful than scaling bigger and faster.Tune in to hear how I came to these realizations in 2025, and what I’m doing with that information as we head into 2026! Episodes mentioned: 33. 2024 Year in Review and Embracing the Gray Area in 2025 67. My Program Launch Failed (So Let's Talk About Rejection) Links and Resources: Jennifer Milner (Movement practitioner & Pilates trainer specializing in hypermobility): https://www.jennifer-milner.com/ Camille Sanchez (Avatar Healing, massage therapist based in Madison, WI): https://www.avatar-healing.com/ Brick: https://www.getbrick.app/CAITLIN10476 (affiliate link) 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    43 min

  8. 12/29/2025

    83. Fueled by Caffeine and Chaos with Ballet Trauma Club Founder Sharon Kung

    Professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Sharon Kung is redefining what it means to build a sustainable and empowered life in dance. In this episode, Sharon shares her unconventional path through ballet, contemporary dance, higher education, and entrepreneurship, including the experiences that led her to found Ballet Trauma Club. We dive into honest conversations about dancer pay, burnout, artistic freedom, and the realities of building a long-term career in dance, along with how dancers can begin reshaping the industry from the inside out. Key Points in this Episode: Sharon’s early relationship with dance and her training in Hong Kong through the Royal Academy of Dance Transitioning to the U.S. dance world and discovering contemporary dance at Juilliard Double majoring in dance performance and economics at UC Irvine and what dancers should consider before taking that path Her first professional contract with Thodos Dance Chicago and navigating cultural shifts in the industry Differences between dance work in the U.S., Europe, and Asia The inspiration behind Ballet Trauma Club and the conversations Sharon hopes to spark around sustainability, trauma, and pay equity in ballet Systems Sharon uses to avoid burnout while building a creative businessConnect with Sharon: Follow Ballet Trauma Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballettraumaclub/ Shop Ballet Trauma Club’s Website: https://ballettraumaclub.com/ (Use code BBBTC15 for 15% off your purchase!) Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.sharonkung/ Sharon’s Personal Website: https://sharonkung.com/ Links and Resources: Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

    43 min
See All (93)

Trailer

5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry. Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer. Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence. Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.

Information

You Might Also Like