Pushing Over the Box

Jasmine Jain
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Performing Arts

Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset — hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through candid ballet interviews with leading figures in the dance world — from principal dancers at American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet to choreographers, dance physiotherapists, and photographers — Jasmine explores the real stories behind the beauty: discipline, injury, recovery, resilience, artistry, and what it really takes to keep going. Past guests include Misty Copeland, Isabella LaFreniere, Cassandra Trenary, Skylar Brandt, and more. New episodes biweekly.

  1. 5d ago

    Nathalia Arja, Miami City Ballet Principal — On Identity & Resilience | Pushing Over the Box

    Nathalia Arja was 15 years old when she waved goodbye to her mother at the airport in Rio de Janeiro and flew to Miami — alone, speaking no English, with a full scholarship and no room left for fear. Her mother was mortified. Nathalia just didn't make space for it. Years later, she was a principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet when an injury stopped her completely — and the doctors treating her said they had never seen anything like it before. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Nathalia Arja — principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet, originally from Rio de Janeiro, and one of the most thoughtful voices in ballet on identity, resilience, and what it means to build a life beyond the studio. They talk about leaving Brazil at 15, learning an entirely new style of ballet, a career-threatening injury that turned into an unexpected creative awakening, and why she believes ballet is a gift — but it is not who you are. TIMESTAMPS: [06:31] Leaving Rio de Janeiro at 15 — Alone, No English, No Fear [14:25] The Injury Doctors Had Never Seen — And What She Found on the Other Side [20:16] Ballet Is Not Your Identity — On Building a Life Beyond the Studio ABOUT THE GUEST: Nathalia Arja is a principal dancer with the Miami City Ballet. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, she began ballet at five at her mother's school, Escola de Dança Alice Arja. At 15, she received a full scholarship to the Miami City Ballet School and moved to Miami in 2008. She joined the Miami City Ballet corps de ballet in 2011, was promoted to soloist in 2014, principal soloist in 2016, and principal in March 2020. Her repertoire includes lead roles in works by George Balanchine, Alexei Ratmansky, Pontus Lidberg, and Liam Scarlett, among others. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #nathaliaarja #miamicityballet #brazilianballet #balletinterview #principaldancer #balletidentity Topics discussed: Nathalia Arja interview, Miami City Ballet, ballet identity, ballet injury recovery, leaving home for ballet, Brazilian ballet, resilience in dance, redefining success Guest: Nathalia Arja — Principal Dancer, Miami City Ballet Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

  2. Aug 12

    Ashley Hod, New York City Ballet Soloist — On Promotion & Success | Pushing Over the Box

    Ashley Hod was a 17-year-old student at the School of American Ballet when Hurricane Sandy shut New York City down — and in the middle of it, sitting at her grandmother's house with the power out, she got the phone call that changed her life: she was being made an apprentice with New York City Ballet, starting the following Tuesday. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Ashley Hod — soloist with New York City Ballet and recipient of the 2018 Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists. They talk about the overnight jump from student to professional, the day she found out she'd been promoted to soloist alongside six of her closest friends, two ankle injuries and what they taught her about patience, and how fourteen years in the company have changed the way she defines success. TIMESTAMPS: [04:01] From SAB Student to NYCB Apprentice — The Hurricane Sandy Phone Call [06:38] The Day She Found Out She Was Promoted to Soloist [19:25] Redefining Success — Why the Title Was Never the Point ABOUT THE GUEST: Ashley Hod is a soloist with New York City Ballet. Born and raised in Great Neck, New York, she began dancing at age four and trained at the School of American Ballet starting in 2003. She became an NYCB apprentice in November 2012 and joined the corps de ballet in October 2013, before being promoted to soloist in January 2022. In 2018, she received the Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists. Her repertory includes Dewdrop and Sugar Plum Fairy in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker and the title role in Balanchine's Firebird. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #ashleyhod #newyorkcityballet #nycballet #lincolncenter #balletinterview #soloistTopics discussed: Ashley Hod interview, New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center Award for Emerging Artists, ballet promotion story, ballet injury recovery, self-doubt and comparison, pandemic and ballet, redefining success Guest: Ashley Hod — Soloist, New York City BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

  3. Jul 29

    Jonathan Chmelensky, Royal Danish Ballet Principal — On Promotion & Success | Pushing Over the Box

    Jonathan Chmelensky was about to premiere the lead role in John Neumeier's Mahler's Third Symphony when the Danish prime minister announced the country was shutting down for COVID — eyeliner still on his face from rehearsal. The premiere got postponed. When it finally happened, his performance won him Denmark's Reumert Award for Dancer of the Year. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Jonathan Chmelensky — principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet, trained in Paris and Havana, and the 2021 Reumert Award winner for Dancer of the Year. They talk about growing up in a family of dancers, the four days in Cuba that turned into a contract with the Royal Danish Ballet, the night he found out he'd been promoted to principal at his Swan Lake premiere, what two months away from the stage taught him about listening to his body, and how he defines success now that the title was never really the point. TIMESTAMPS: [06:55] Getting Discovered in Cuba and a Contract from the Royal Danish Ballet [10:54] His Swan Lake Premiere and the Night He Found Out He Was a Principal [33:24] Redefining Success — On and Off the Stage ABOUT THE GUEST: Jonathan Chmelensky is a principal dancer with the Royal Danish Ballet. Born in Paris into a family of dancers, he trained at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and the National Ballet School of Cuba before joining the Royal Danish Ballet, where he was promoted to principal dancer following his premiere as Siegfried in Swan Lake. In 2021, he received Denmark's Reumert Award for Dancer of the Year for his performance in John Neumeier's Mahler's Third Symphony. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #jonathanchmelensky #royaldanishballet #danishballet #reumertaward #balletinterview #principaldancer Topics discussed: Jonathan Chmelensky interview, Royal Danish Ballet, Reumert Award, ballet promotion story, ballet injury recovery, ballet and identity, pandemic and ballet, advice for young dancers Guest: Jonathan Chmelensky — Principal Dancer, Royal Danish Ballet Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

  4. Jul 15

    Roni Mahler — On Turning Down Joffrey, Swan Lake, and Disturbing Molecules | Pushing Over the Box

    Roni Mahler was three performances into her career at American Ballet Theatre when Cynthia Gregory sprained her ankle. She had 24 hours to learn Odette. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Roni Mahler — former corps dancer with Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, principal dancer with the National Ballet of Washington, and soloist with American Ballet Theatre, celebrated teacher at Juilliard, the Alvin Ailey School, and Ballet Academy East, and author of the memoir Tomboy Ballerina: My Life from Baseball to American Ballet Theatre and Beyond. They talk about turning down Robert Joffrey to honor a commitment, dancing at the White House, what she learned from ten months on crutches, training the Cleveland Browns, and the one thing she has always tried to do on stage: disturb molecules. TIMESTAMPS: [13:40] Her Favorite Role and the Night She Danced Swan Lake on 24 Hours' Notice [19:01] What Ten Months of Injury Taught Her About Mistakes and Resilience [28:41] Disturbing Molecules — How She Defines Success ABOUT THE GUEST: Roni Mahler began her career in the corps de ballet of Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo before becoming a principal dancer with the National Ballet of Washington and a soloist with American Ballet Theatre. A celebrated teacher and artistic associate, she has taught at the Juilliard School, the Alvin Ailey School, Ballet Academy East, and Kansas State University, and served as artistic associate to Dennis Nahat at Cleveland Ballet — where she also trained the Cleveland Browns. Her memoir, Tomboy Ballerina, was published in 2022. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #ronimahler #abt #americanballettheatre #tomboybalerina #balletmemoir #balletteacher Topics discussed: Roni Mahler interview, American Ballet Theatre history, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, ballet memoir, Tomboy Ballerina, ballet injury resilience, Swan Lake debut, ballet teaching, advice for young dancers Guest: Roni Mahler — Former ABT Soloist, Master Teacher & Author Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

  5. Jul 1

    Kathryn Morgan — On Hashimoto's, Seven Years Off, and Life Beyond the Tiara | Pushing Over the Box

    Kathryn Morgan was a soloist at New York City Ballet, dancing Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, when her muscles started giving out on pointe and she couldn't understand why. Weeks later, she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Two years after that, she left the company. Seven years passed before she danced professionally again. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Kathryn Morgan — former NYCB soloist, former Miami City Ballet soloist, and one of ballet's most beloved voices online with over 600 YouTube videos and a platform built on helping dancers know their worth. They talk about the night she was given 24 hours' notice to start her NYCB apprenticeship, what it felt like when her body gave out during Aurora rehearsals, how she rebuilt herself during seven years away from the stage, and the message she comes back to over and over: you are a human being first. TIMESTAMPS: [07:08] Getting Her Apprenticeship — 24 Hours' Notice to Start [10:52] When the Symptoms Started During Aurora Rehearsals [20:01] You're a Human Being First — Her Platform's Core Message ABOUT THE GUEST: Kathryn Morgan is a former soloist with New York City Ballet and Miami City Ballet. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and taking seven years away from performing, she returned to professional dance and simultaneously built one of ballet's most prominent online platforms, with over 600 YouTube videos offering technique tips, career advice, and honest conversations about life as a dancer. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #kathrynmorgan #nycb #newyorkcityballet #hashimotos #balletinterview #dancerwellness Topics discussed: Kathryn Morgan interview, Hashimoto's thyroiditis ballet, NYCB soloist interview, ballet illness and recovery, ballet identity, dancer mental health, you are more than your dancing, ballet YouTube creator Guest: Kathryn Morgan — Former NYCB & Miami City Ballet Soloist, Ballet Educator & Content Creator Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

  6. Jun 18

    Deborah Ory — On Injury, Photography, and What She Looks for in Every Shot | Pushing Over the Box

    Deborah Ory went to college for dance. In her second semester, she got injured. Everyone had already registered for classes and she didn't know what to do — until she spotted her father's camera and talked her way into a photography class that was already full. That was the beginning of everything. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Deborah Ory — acclaimed dance photographer, co-founder of NYC Dance Project, and author of three books including The Art of Movement, winner of the International Photography Award. They talk about how a dance injury accidentally launched one of the most celebrated careers in dance photography, what she's really looking for when she picks up her camera, how she captures movement in a single still frame, and what she'd tell her 13-year-old self about patience. TIMESTAMPS: [02:14] How a Dance Injury Led to Her Photography Career [04:26] How She Captures Movement in a Still Image [11:54] What She'd Tell Her 13-Year-Old Self ABOUT THE GUEST: Deborah Ory is an acclaimed dance photographer and co-founder of NYC Dance Project. Her editorial, commercial, and fine art work has appeared across major publications and campaigns. She is the co-author of The Art of Movement (2016 International Photography Award winner), The Style of Movement: Fashion and Dance (2019), and Martha Graham Dance Company: 100 Years. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletphotography #dancepodcast #deborahory #nycdanceproject #dancephotography #artofmovement #balletinterview #dancephotographer Topics discussed: dance photography, ballet photographer interview, NYC Dance Project, injury and pivot, The Art of Movement, capturing emotion in photography, advice for young dancers, dance and fashion Guest: Deborah Ory — Dance Photographer & Co-Founder, NYC Dance Project Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

  7. Jun 3

    Emilie Gerrity, NYCB Principal — On Falling, Comparison, and Your Own Path | Pushing Over the Box

    Emilie Gerrity was a competition kid. Star Power. Disney World. Hip hop, lyrical, tap, jazz — all of it. At 12, she walked away from competitions and decided she was going to try to get into New York City Ballet. Three years at SAB later, she did. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Emilie Gerrity — principal dancer at New York City Ballet and recipient of the 2009 Mae L. Wien Award. They talk about leaving home at 15, waiting eight years in the company before being promoted to soloist, what happened the night she fell completely sideways on stage during a solo, and the moment she finally stopped comparing her journey to everyone else's. TIMESTAMPS: [13:07] Falling on Stage — and What Her Partner Said [21:26] Letting Go of Comparison and Finding Peace in Your Own Journey [24:05] Advice She'd Give Her 13-Year-Old Self ABOUT THE GUEST: Emilie Gerrity is a principal dancer at New York City Ballet and the recipient of the 2009 Mae L. Wien Award. She is known for her clarity, speed, and expressiveness on stage. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #emiliegerrity #nycb #newyorkcityballet #principaldancer #maelwienaward #balletinterview Topics discussed: NYCB principal dancer interview, ballet comparison, ballet promotion, falling on stage, ballet resilience, Mae L. Wien award, advice for young dancers, ballet mindset Guest: Emilie Gerrity — Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

  8. May 20

    Emma Von Enck, NYCB Principal — On Promotion, Nerves, and Real Success | Pushing Over the Box

    Emma Von Enck quit ballet when she was 12. She wanted to try acting. She hated it. She begged her mom to put her back in. A few years later, she was standing in the wings at New York City Ballet, still in her Rubies costume, being told she'd just been promoted to principal. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Emma Von Enck — principal dancer at New York City Ballet, Fordham University graduate, and two-time Princess Grace Award nominee. They talk about the long road to SAB, what nobody tells you about being a soloist, the moment she found out she was a principal (mid-show, in costume, her dad waiting backstage), how she handles pre-show nerves, and what she wishes her 13-year-old self had known about trying hard. TIMESTAMPS: [11:46] The Night She Found Out She Was a Principal [19:07] How Emma Manages Pre-Show Nerves [28:53] What She's Learned About Real Success ABOUT THE GUEST: Emma Von Enck is a principal dancer at New York City Ballet. A graduate of Fordham University, she is a two-time Princess Grace Award nominee and the 2016 recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award. She is known for her speed, clarity, and vivacious presence on stage. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #emmavonenc #nycb #newyorkcityballet #principaldancer #princessgraceaward #balletinterview Topics discussed: NYCB principal dancer interview, ballet promotion, ballet nerves, pre-show routine, Princess Grace Award, ballet success, ballet mindset, advice for young dancers Guest: Emma Von Enck — Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com

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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset — hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through candid ballet interviews with leading figures in the dance world — from principal dancers at American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet to choreographers, dance physiotherapists, and photographers — Jasmine explores the real stories behind the beauty: discipline, injury, recovery, resilience, artistry, and what it really takes to keep going. Past guests include Misty Copeland, Isabella LaFreniere, Cassandra Trenary, Skylar Brandt, and more. New episodes biweekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Jasmine Jain
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jasmine Jain
  • Show Website
    Pushing Over the Box

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