Avant Chamber Ballet is redefining what a regional ballet company can be – performing with live musicians, championing diversity and dancer wellness, and connecting with audiences far beyond traditional theaters. In this episode, Artistic Director Katie Puder and School Director Madelaine Boyce share how they've built a company that's both artistically ambitious and community-minded.

They discuss Avant's mission to make ballet more accessible across Dallas, why live music matters, and what makes their trainee program unique. You'll also hear their honest take on college vs. trainee paths, the realities of running a small company, and what today's dancers need to know about navigating the professional ballet world.

Tune in to hear what it takes to start, and sustain, a ballet company that does things differently.

Learn more about Avant Chamber Ballet on their website

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• Shop Our Back to Dance Guide
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• Support Ballet Help Desk
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There's no such thing as a perfect path in ballet, and few people know that better than Francis Veyette, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School. In this episode of #NoThirds, Fran talks about the ups and downs of a dance career, how setbacks can create unexpected growth, and why parental support and trust are critical along the way. He also explains how dancers can better navigate feedback, understand company dynamics, and use peer networks to stay informed. It's a candid look at the messy, unpredictable reality of building a career in ballet, and how to make the most of it.

Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount.

Links:

• Shop Our Back to Dance Guide
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk

Music from #Uppbeat:

https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Oğulcan Borova, Head of the Trainee and Studio Company Programs at the Grainger Academy, joins us to explain how the school is structured. The Conservatory provides intensive training, while the Trainee and Studio Company levels serve as postgraduate bridges to professional careers. Borova also discusses Winning Works, the academy's program where guest choreographers set new creations on students, offering them invaluable real-world experience. He also shares how mentorship, performance experience, and financial support combine to help dancers bridge the gap between the classroom and company life.

Learn more about the Grainger Academy on their website

Links:

• Shop Our Back to Dance Guide
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• TikTok: @BalletHelpDesk