In this episode, Kenedy Kallas reflects on a life shaped by dance—from early beginnings to an evolving artistic voice, and the collaborations that have defined her path.

At the heart of the conversation is “I Am Afraid to Forget Your Smile” by Imre & Marne van Opstal—a work exploring memory, death, and human connection. The piece will be part of the upcoming double bill “Transformations”, premiering April 18 at Staatsoper Hannover.

Having both performed and staged the work, she shares how choreography transforms as it moves between bodies—and what it means to carry something so fleeting while allowing it to become new.

A conversation about memory, transformation, and the fragile beauty of what we try to hold onto.

This Episode is in collaboration with Staatsballett Hannover.

Kenedy's Books Recommendation:

> Womb Awakening: Seren & Azra Bertrand

> Kali Kaula: a manual of Tantric Magick - Jan Fries

> Magdalene Mysteries- Seren & Azra Bertrand

> Tantra - Osho

> The Mary Magdalene Oracle Deck- Megan Watterson

> Kali Oracle Deck- Alana Fairchild

What does confidence really mean in dance — and why do so many talented dancers still struggle with it?

In this episode, we sit down with Kirsten Kemp, known as The Confident Dancer, to explore the mental side of performance. From her journey through professional ballet to becoming a mindset coach, Kirsten shares powerful insights into overcoming perfectionism, building resilience, and unlocking true artistic expression.

We dive into:

• The hidden mental blocks dancers face

• Confidence beyond technique

• The role of identity in performance

• Turning setbacks into growth

This conversation is for dancers, artists, and anyone navigating pressure, self-doubt, and performance.

In this episode, we sit down with legendary Italian dancer and teacher Pompea Santoro for a deeply personal conversation about artistry, identity, and transmission. From her early training between southern Italy and Turin to her extraordinary 25-year collaboration with Mats Ek at the Cullberg Ballet, Pompea reflects on the choices, risks, and inner transformations that shaped her path.

She shares what it meant to embody iconic roles such as Giselle and Carmen, including the role of M. created specifically on her by Ek — a performance that later received an Emmy Award. We explore presence, vulnerability, and what it truly means to “serve the work” without losing yourself inside it.

The conversation also traces her transition from performer to mentor, her ongoing work restaging Ek’s repertoire worldwide, and the vision behind the EkoDance International Project, created to nurture the next generation of artists.

Honest, profound, and full of lived wisdom, this episode is an intimate reflection on artistic growth, legacy, and what it means to remain human — both on and off the stage.

In this episode we interview Aurora Dickie Brazilian soloist dancer based in Berlin, trained in classical and contemporary technique and holding an MA in Dance Science.

Her work sits at the intersection of performance, research, and mentorship. After moving from Brazil to Germany, she rebuilt her career while deepening her understanding of biomechanics, performance psychology, and sustainable training practices.

In this episode, Aurora reflects on: navigating a cross-continental transition, integrating dance science into daily practice, overcoming mental barriers in high-performance environments, mentoring young dancers with both artistic and scientific awareness

For her, success is not just about adaptability—it’s about knowledge, cultural identity, and responsibility toward the next generation.

Listen to the full conversation to discover how her Brazilian roots, academic training, and Berlin experience shape her artistic voice.

In this episode, Robin Kent shares his journey from being a soloist with the Polish National Ballet to building a career in musical theatre. He talks about the challenges of redefining his identity beyond ballet, what musical theatre auditions and rehearsals are really like in the UK, and the realities of freelancing in the performing arts. Robin also offers honest advice for dancers curious about transitioning into musical theatre and developing the skills needed to succeed beyond the ballet stage.

Our next guest is Katharina Christl , Rector of the Palucca University of Dance in Dresden Germany.

Shaped by her early years as a dancer in East Germany, she now leads the Palucca University of Dance with vision and dedication. In this episode, she shares her journey; how she grew, created, and now guides the next generation of dancers.

She reflects on the power of community, the importance of mental well-being, and the responsibility of shaping an art form in a rapidly changing world.

A story of mentoring and creativity, showing how Katharina Christl bridges tradition and innovation to guide dance into the future.

In this episode, Joe Longomo discusses his journey in the dance world, particularly in hip-hop, and the importance of groove in dance culture. He shares insights on teaching, the competitive nature of dance, and the emotional challenges dancers face, including burnout and bullying. The conversation also touches on the balance between confidence and arrogance, the impact of social media on the dance scene, and the need for authenticity in performance.

Owen Belton shares his journey from studying computer science to becoming a composer for dance and theater. He discusses his diverse educational background in fine and performing arts, which included dance, film, theater, and visual arts, and how it shaped his career. Owen talks about his early career challenges, working in a print shop while pursuing music, and his eventual breakthrough composing for choreographer Crystal Pite. He reflects on the differences between composing for dance versus film and theater, emphasizing the upfront nature of music in dance. Owen also shares insights into his creative process, the role of technology in his work, and his collaborations with choreographers like Goyo Montero. He concludes with advice for aspiring composers and discusses his upcoming projects, including a collaboration in Buenos Aires with Goyo Montero and a future show with Crystal Pite’s company Kidd Pivot.