Columbia Classical Ballet is entering a new era, and Artistic Director Joseph Phillips is leading the way.

After performing with some of the world's most prestigious ballet companies including the Mariinsky Theatre, American Ballet Theatre, San Francisco Ballet, and Miami City Ballet, Joseph has returned home to Columbia with a bold vision for the future of ballet in the Midlands.

In this episode of The Soda Citizen Podcast, Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan sit down with Joseph to discuss his journey from growing up in Columbia to dancing on international stages, why he chose to come back, and what the future holds for Columbia Classical Ballet and the School of Columbia Classical Ballet.

They also discuss the opening of the new School of Columbia Ballet in Five Points, the renowned Vaganova training method, upcoming performances and Nutcracker auditions, and how the organization hopes to inspire the next generation of dancers while strengthening Columbia's growing arts community.

Whether you're passionate about the performing arts, interested in what's happening around Columbia, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of the people making a difference in our city, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

🩰 For more on School of Columbia Classical Ballet

🗓️ Open Classes Begin August 10th | 610 Harden Street Columbia, SC
❄️ The Nutcracker Open Auditions: August 22nd & September 19th

📲 Download our App
Follow Us

About The Soda Citizen Podcast

Hosted by Brad Allen and Mary Lane Sloan, The Soda Citizen Podcast highlights the people, places, businesses, and organizations that make Columbia, South Carolina such a special place to live, work, and play. From local leaders and entrepreneurs to hidden gems and community initiatives, each episode offers a deeper look at the stories shaping the Midlands.

Most people know Columbia as the Capital City, but few realize that one of its greatest assets is flowing right through the heart of it.

In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, we're joined by Congaree Riverkeeper Bill Stangler for a fascinating conversation about the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers and why they play such an important role in Columbia's past, present, and future.

We discuss what makes each river unique, the incredible recreation opportunities available right here in the Midlands, the future of Columbia's new riverfront park, and how conservation efforts are helping protect these waterways for generations to come. Along the way, Bill shares some unforgettable stories, from unusual discoveries during river cleanups to rare wildlife, hidden spots along the river, and the work that goes into keeping our rivers healthy.

Whether you're a lifelong Columbia resident, new to the area, or simply love exploring the outdoors, this episode will give you a whole new appreciation for the rivers that make our city unique.

In this episode, we cover:

• The differences between the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree Rivers
• Columbia's exciting new riverfront park project
• The best places to kayak, tube, fish, and explore
• Wildlife you can spot along the rivers
• How the Congaree Riverkeeper protects our waterways
• Water quality, conservation, and local environmental challenges
• Hidden gems and fun stories from life on the river

If you enjoy discovering the people, places, and stories that make Columbia, South Carolina such a special place to live, be sure to subscribe to the Soda Citizen Podcast so you never miss an episode.

More on Congaree Riverkeeper

Download our App

What does the future of public education look like in Columbia, South Carolina?

In this episode of the Soda Citizen Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Todd Walker, Superintendent of Richland School District One, to discuss his Vision 2030 plan and how one of Columbia's largest school districts is preparing students for the future.

From career and technical education to artificial intelligence in the classroom, Dr. Walker shares how Richland One is creating new opportunities for students while strengthening the community as a whole.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Richland One's Vision 2030
• How schools are preparing students for high-skill, high-wage careers
• Why career pathways are just as important as college pathways
• The role of AI in education
• Why strong schools help build strong communities
• The future of public education in Columbia

Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, or considering a move to Columbia, this conversation offers an inside look at where education is headed and why it matters.

Richland One Vision 2030 & Beyond

Download our App