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Today on Conversations on Dance, hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome choreographer Alysa Pires, who's new work for New York City Ballet will be premiering October 1 as a part of NYCB's fashion gala.

Alysa who shares how she gravitated to dance as a child, discovered contemporary dance in high school, and began choreographing early. She discusses mentorship at Toronto Metropolitan University and explains her creative process: coming into ballet settings highly prepared with music charts and organizational planning while developing steps collaboratively in the studio. Byers describes managing imposter syndrome, the people-focused side of choreographing, and a career turning point when the National Ballet of Canada opened its choreographic workshop to outside artists, leading to bigger opportunities. She previews her second NYCB commission, inspired by motherhood, protection, and sacrifice. Tickets and more information: https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/fall-2026/fall-fashion-gala

00:00 Support on Patreon

00:40 Meet the Hosts

01:29 Early Dance Roots

03:14 Finding Contemporary Path

06:34 Choreography Takes Hold

09:28 Mentors and Ballet Return

11:46 Prepping a New Work

14:25 Music Charts and Logistics

18:57 Discovery in the Studio

20:55 Leading the Room

24:37 Breakthrough Commissions

28:53 City Ballet Nerves

30:10 Family Sacrifice Balance

31:48 Who Gets Choreography

36:06 Second Commission Process

37:49 Casting For Collaboration

43:59 NYCB commission Inspiration

48:19 Fashion And Motherhood

53:51 Title And Bird Imagery

55:49 Premiere Dates And Runs

56:57 Thanks And Credits

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Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.

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