The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

Caitlin Sloan
  • 5.0 (37)
  • 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. 5d ago

    115. ENCORE: Side Gigs I've Had as a Professional Dancer

    It’s no secret that many dancers in the industry are underpaid and overworked. And while we’re pushing for change, the reality is that many of us will take on side gigs to support ourselves financially, especially when we’re first starting out. I found it necessary to have a side gig during my entire professional ballet career in order to support myself. Of course, some of these gigs were better than others and eventually I fell into my dream job! Have you ever wondered what kind of side gigs might work for a professional dancer? Tune in to this encore of one of my most popular episodes as I dish about the ways I supplemented my income throughout my professional dance career. Links and Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) 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

    115. ENCORE: Side Gigs I've Had as a Professional Dancer

  2. Jul 27

    114. Following your North Star in a Dance Career with Shannon Quirk

    What does it take to sustain a professional dance career for 15 years while always finding new ways to grow as an artist? In this episode I’m joined by Madison Ballet company artist Shannon Quirk to discuss her journey from a young ballet student in Southern California to a longtime professional dancer and co-founder of the newly launched North Star Dance Theatre. Shannon reflects on her decision to pursue a BFA at UC Irvine, the realities of transitioning from college into the professional world, and the lessons she's learned through rejection, leadership changes, and career longevity. She shares how her perspective on artistry has evolved over the years (and why enjoying the process may be the most important career advice she can offer). We also dive into the creation of North Star Dance Theatre, a new summer dance company dedicated to providing performance opportunities for dancers and choreographers while fostering artistic collaboration and new work. Whether you're an aspiring professional dancer, a seasoned artist, or someone interested in arts leadership, this episode is full of wisdom about building a sustainable and fulfilling career in dance. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: Why Shannon chose to go to college for dance and why the decision came easily to her What it felt like to realize dance had become her paying career Navigating three different artistic directors over 15 years with the same company Taking on a mentorship, "motherly" role for younger dancers Her favorite roles, including one she was thrown into unexpectedly Starting her own company, North Star Dance Theatre, and balancing it with her professional careerConnect with Shannon: Visit North Star Dance Theatre’s Website: https://www.northstardancetheatre.com/ Follow North Star Dance Theatre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstardancetheatre/ Visit Madison Ballet’s Website: https://www.madisonballet.org/ Follow Madison Ballet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonballet/ Links and Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) Register for the “See & Be Seen” College Recruitment Event: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen Let’s connect! MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    114. Following your North Star in a Dance Career with Shannon Quirk

  3. Jul 20

    113. Breaking the Burnout Cycle in Dance with Rylie Beck of Inner Studio

    What if becoming a stronger dancer had less to do with pushing harder and more to do with creating space to breathe? In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by former professional dancer and founder of Inner Studio, Rylie Beck, to talk about burnout, dancer identity, nervous system regulation, and the mental habits that so many dancers struggle with behind the scenes. Rylie shares her journey from student to professional, and how repeated experiences with burnout ultimately led her to create Inner Studio - an online platform offering guided meditations, visualizations, and wellness resources designed specifically for dancers. This episode is so healing and necessary to start unpacking the pressures dancers face to constantly achieve and the culture of self-criticism that is so prevalent in our industry. You’ll walk away not only feeling completely seen but with practical tools to start building a healthier relationship with dance. Key “Pointes” in this Episode: The realities of burnout in the professional dance world The culture of negative self-talk and perfectionism in dance Why rest feels so difficult for many dancers Simple nervous system regulation techniques dancers can use every day The benefits of meditation, visualization, and journaling How mental rehearsal can improve performance without physical strain The inspiration behind Inner Studio and how it supports dancers Why dance educators should introduce wellness tools earlier in training The importance of trusting your own inner wisdom throughout your careerConnect with Rylie WEBSITE: https://inner-studio-affiliate-program.peachs.co/a/caitlin-sloan-1 (affiliate link) INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/innerstudio.app/ Links & Resources: REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    113. Breaking the Burnout Cycle in Dance with Rylie Beck of Inner Studio

  4. Jul 13

    112. Inside Louisville Ballet's Innovative College Partnership with Jill Marlow Krutzkamp

    What happens when a ballet company invests in its dancers' futures both on and off the stage? In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Jill Marlow Krutzkamp, former professional dancer and current Artistic Director of the Louisville Ballet Studio Company. Jill shares the story behind an exciting partnership between Louisville Ballet and Bellarmine University that allows dancers to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration while continuing their professional training. Key “Pointes” in this Episode: Jill's professional journey from dancer to arts leader The partnership between Louisville Ballet and Bellarmine University Why higher education matters for aspiring professional dancers Arts administration as a career pathway Preparing dancers for life beyond performance Building sustainable careers in the dance industry The value of dual-career development for young artistsConnect with Jill LOUISVILLE BALLET WEBSITE: louisvilleballet.org LOUISVILLE BALLET STUDIO COMPANY: louisvilleballet.org/studio-company/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jillekrutz Links & Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    112. Inside Louisville Ballet's Innovative College Partnership with Jill Marlow Krutzkamp

  5. Jul 6

    111. From Ballet to Broadway Tours with Ashley Talluto

    In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by professional dancer Ashley Talluto to talk about the realities of building a career in New York City. Ashley dives into how she transitioned from ballet into musical theater and how auditions, casting, and unions work in the musical theater world. She also shares what it’s like to tour with major productions like West Side Story, Flashdance, and An American in Paris and gives us invaluable insight into the life of a swing and dance captain. This episode is full of wisdom from a veteran dancer. If you’ve ever considered what it might be like to build a dancer career outside of the ballet company ecosystem, this is a must-listen! Key “Pointes” in this Episode: Why Ashley chose college and how the Boston Conservatory prepared her for professional dance life The realities of moving to New York City as a dancer (survival jobs, balancing auditions, and building a sustainable career) The differences between ballet and Broadway audition processes The pros and cons of joining Actors’ Equity Why performance quality matters just as much as technique in musical theater What life is actually like on national and international tours The intense responsibility of being a swing in a Broadway production What a dance captain does and why the role is so importantConnect with Ashley WEBSITE: Ashleytalluto.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ashleytalluto Links & Resources:SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    111. From Ballet to Broadway Tours with Ashley Talluto

  6. Jun 29

    110. Land More Dance Teaching Opportunities (What Studio Directors Want You to Know)

    In this solo episode of the Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m sharing practical advice for professional dancers and aspiring teachers looking to connect with studio owners and build a sustainable teaching career in the dance industry. Drawing from my own experiences as an experienced dance educator and former school director, I’m breaking down the realities of finding teaching work, from preparing your materials and making initial contact with a studio to understanding what studio owners actually value most in a teacher. Key “Pointes” in this Episode: Why professional dance experience does not automatically make someone a strong teacher The importance of researching a studio before applying Why flexibility can help newer teachers gain more opportunities How your teaching priorities may evolve throughout different seasons of life What to include in a professional teaching portfolio How to identify and market your “unique selling points” as a dance educator Why teaching should be approached as a true profession, not just a side hustleLinks & Resources:BLOG POST: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/booking-dance-teaching-gigs-tips-for-connecting-with-studio-owners SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    110. Land More Dance Teaching Opportunities (What Studio Directors Want You to Know)

  7. Jun 22

    109. What Dancers and Parents Need to Know About College Dance Programs with Ashley Thorndike

    Ashley Thorndike is a licensed clinical professional counselor, longtime dance educator, and founder of Dance and College Counseling. With a PhD in Dance Studies, an MEd in Counselor Education, and a BFA in Modern Dance, she brings a rare combination of mental health expertise and firsthand academic experience to college and career planning for dancers. Ashley and I are both products of college dance programs and have gone on to mentor dancers through this process, so I absolutely loved connecting over this topic! Our conversation is jam-packed with everything from the complex admissions process to building a broad, sustainable career in dance. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: Ashley's winding path into dance and her academic journey through the University of Utah, the University of Virginia, and Ohio State University where she became the first person to earn a PhD in dance studies. The biggest mistakes dancers make when applying to college dance programs. How families can explore financial options when loans and personal resources do not cover the cost of a dance education. How to identify the right college fit as a dancer and what to look for during your search. The importance of moving beyond a one-lane mindset and exploring the many paths available within the dance world. Why college is a uniquely valuable time to explore interests beyond dance. How a long, meaningful dance career can take many different shapes, even beyond performing on stage. What dance faculty are looking for at auditions, based on Ashley's experience serving on an admissions committee. How to approach your interview as a dance applicant and what questions you should and should not be asking. Advice for parents who feel uncertain about their child pursuing dance as a college and career path.Connect with Ashley: Ashley’s College Planning Guide: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/guide Ashley’s Website: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/ Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danceandcollegecounseling/ Links and Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com ($20 off all Orza Pro® 2.0 ballet shoes June 22nd through the 28th with ORZA day deals - no code needed!) Let’s connect! MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    109. What Dancers and Parents Need to Know About College Dance Programs with Ashley Thorndike

  8. Jun 15

    108. How the Pandemic Unexpectedly Launched Kendall Lademann's Dance Career

    In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by professional dancer (and one of my former students!) Kendall Lademann for a full-circle conversation on the unexpected twists and turns that have shaped her dance career. We dive into Kendall’s transition from student to professional at Mareck Dance, including what it was like dancing alongside former teachers and how that environment helped her grow as both an artist and an adult. We also talk about how Kendall moved forward with her dance career after Mareck Dance unexpectedly folded, finding new opportunities at Lexington Ballet. Kendall is a true testament to the fact that dance careers never travel in a straight line. She shares so much thoughtful advice for aspiring professional dancers about taking risks, handling rejection, and treating people with kindness in the small world of dance. Key “Pointes” in this Episode: How the teachers, choreographers and directors Kendall has worked with have grown her into the artist she is today How the pandemic unexpectedly launched her professional dance career Going from dancing as a student in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” to dancing the title role Navigating the sudden closure of Mareck Dance and finding a new path Moving away from home and starting fresh with Lexington Ballet Unique performance experiences including dancing in a distillery, performing in a music video, and starring as Charlie Chaplin in “A Charlie Chaplin Christmas” with Lexington Ballet Kendall’s passion for adaptive dance through Danceability and why teaching became one of the most meaningful parts of her careerConnect with Kendall INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kendall_lademann Links & Resources:SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off) Let’s connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

    108. How the Pandemic Unexpectedly Launched Kendall Lademann's Dance Career
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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.

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