Season 4 Ep:02 In this episode of the Dance Real Podcast, Kate Histon speaks with Co-Founder of Otoxia Productions John English, who co-director of Unbound, a powerful film following a group of professional ballet dancers who are also survivors of abuse within the ballet system. Unbound documents the formation of Ballet de Barcelona, a radical new company created by dancers who chose to walk away from toxic institutions and rebuild ballet on their own terms. Led by a gender-fluid director and grounded in values of inclusion, psychological safety, and artistic integrity, the dancers begin again with no funding, no institutional backing, and no guarantee of success. Together, Kate and John explore the realities behind the “code of silence” in ballet, the long-term impacts of abuse on identity and wellbeing, and the complex intersection of trauma, the body, and artistic expression. This conversation offers rare insight into what it takes to reclaim agency after harm, both individually and collectively. In this episode, we explore: • Why abuse and mistreatment remain structurally normalised in elite ballet training • The identity conflict dancers face when leaving institutions that shaped their entire sense of self • How trauma shows up in the body, rehearsal space, and performance • The emotional and ethical responsibilities of documenting vulnerable stories • What psychological safety looked like during the formation of Ballet de Barcelona • The role of leadership, consent, and trust in trauma-informed creative environments • Why dance itself can become a pathway for healing, resistance, and recovery • What parents, teachers, and studio owners can reflect on regarding culture and care John also shares how Unbound was made with consent as an ongoing relational process, rather than a one-time formality, and how the filmmakers intentionally prioritised trust, presence, and listening over extraction or spectacle. This episode speaks directly to dancers, educators, parents, and leaders, while remaining accessible to non-dancers interested in creativity, power, and human resilience. Where to watch Unbound: The film is available worldwide on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV(excluding Spain, where it will be released in early 2026). To follow updates, behind-the-scenes material, and join the conversation, connect with Otoxia Productions and Unboundon Instagram. 🩰 Stay Connected with Kate Follow Kate for more episodes, personal reflections, and real-talk on healing and integrity in the dance world: 🌐 Website: www.katehiston.com 📷 Instagram: @katehiston | @dance_real_podcast | @Master_Dancer_Mindset 🎧 Podcast: Dance Real Podcast – available on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms Disclaimer: The Dance Real Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations rooted in real-life experiences within the dance world. What I share and what my guests share is based on personal perspective, not professional advice. If you’re seeking support for your mental health, legal matters, or business decisions, I encourage you to speak with a qualified professional. The views expressed by guests are their own and don’t always reflect mine. Any references to people, places, or situations are shared with respect and the intent to spark reflection, learning, and conversation not to harm or misrepresent. By engaging with this content, you acknowledge and agree that the host, guests, and Dance Real Podcast are not liable for any decisions made based on the information provided.
