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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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.

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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

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Ballet Memphis is redefining what it means to be a ballet company. In this conversation, Artistic Director Steven McMahon and Academy Co-Directors Virginia and Brandon Ramey discuss how they've built a company that belongs to its city, one that reflects Memphis's energy, diversity, and creative spirit. They also talk about the realities of running a regional company, the importance of representation on and off the stage, and their belief that ballet's future depends on connection to community.

Learn more about Ballet Memphis on their website.

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Eva Stone believes every young woman in ballet should learn to choreograph, and she is on a mission to make that happen. In this episode, the Pacific Northwest Ballet faculty member shares why she sees choreography as essential to developing artistic confidence, voice, and agency in female dancers. She talks about her New Voices program, which gives young women the opportunity to create their own work, and how the experience transforms the way they approach dance, creativity, and leadership. Eva also reflects on her own unconventional path to PNB, the importance of building resilience through rejection, and why empowering dancers to think and create for themselves is key to the future of ballet.

Learn more about Eva on her website.

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Dancer Daria Breslin shares her path from early training in Maryland to professional life with City Ballet of San Diego. She talks about the lessons learned at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Nashville Ballet, the importance of mentorship and community, and the realities of auditions and feedback. Daria's story offers an honest look at what it takes to stay grounded, grow as an artist, and find your place in the ballet world.

Learn more about Daria on her Instagram: @daria.ballerina18/

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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Eugene Ballet has grown from a small regional company into a thriving school and professional ensemble. Founder Toni Pimble, Artistic Director Jennifer Martin, and School Director Sara Lombardi discuss the company's journey, their approach to dancer training, including how dancers in their Aspirant program move into the company, as well as how they're shaping ballet's future in Oregon and beyond.

Read reviews of Eugene Ballet

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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

In this episode of #NoThirds, we sit down with Fran Veyette, co-founder of Veyette Virtual Ballet School, to talk about the realities of ballet training and the role parents play in a dancer's journey. Fran shares why training smarter is more important than training harder, what families should consider when choosing summer intensives, and how experiences in a company setting can shape a dancer's future.

We also look at the parenting side of ballet, including how to support your child while letting them face disappointment, why every child needs a different approach, and the life skills dancers should build early to prepare for a professional career.

For parents and dancers, this episode offers practical insights into navigating the highs, lows and big decisions of pre-professional training.

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