This week, we’re joined by Erica Fischbach, Director of Colorado Ballet Academy, to talk about the school’s full-time training programs, including the trainee and studio company levels. While the studio company is part of the main company, Erica shares everything you need to know about it.

We also discuss how CBA recruits dancers, what interested students can do to be considered for admission, as well as the performance opportunities available at each level. Plus, Erica explains why Colorado Ballet Academy chooses to compete and how it benefits their dancers. Whether you're aiming for a spot in the studio company or looking to join the Academy, this episode has the details you need!

You can learn more about Colorado Ballet Academy at these links:

• Colorado Ballet Summer Intensive Programs
• Young Dancer Workshop - be sure to read about CBA's new family friendly housing opportunity for young dancers!

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"Becoming a professional ballet dancer in the United States requires years of training, dedication, and a bit of luck. With only a few thousand full-time positions available, the path is challenging and often uncertain."

These words open the DataPointes Guide, a groundbreaking report developed by former dancer Jason Yeung. We sat down with Jason to explore how he used publicly available data to create an insightful resource that highlights which ballet training programs are producing the most professional dancers.

For dancers considering serious training or pursuing a career in ballet, the DataPointes Guide is an invaluable tool to navigate the journey.

DataPointes Guide: https://datapointesguide.com/

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• Support Ballet Help Desk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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Join us as we talk with Dan Guin, Co-Artistic Director of Boca Ballet Theatre, about their Advanced Summer Performance Workshop. This five-week program offers dancers the unique opportunity to work directly with artistic directors from top ballet companies, gaining invaluable experience and exposure. Dan shares how the workshop has become a launchpad for professional careers and what makes it such a standout summer experience.

You can learn more about the Advanced Summer Workshop on their website.

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
• Buy Corrections Journals
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https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future

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Ballet Help Desk interviews Cindy Surman of Boca Ballet Theater about their College Dance Fair, an event that brings together top college dance programs and aspiring dancers. Learn how the fair helps students and parents navigate higher education in dance, what sets it apart, and its role in shaping the next generation of performers. This episode offers practical insights for families weighing college dance as a potential option.

You can learn more about the Boca College Dance Fair on their website.

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
• Holiday Gift Guide
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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Kit Holder, Artistic Coordinator of Birmingham Royal Ballet 2, offers an inside look at life within the company, from what a typical day looks like to the performance opportunities they can expect to the career planning support provided. He also addresses how the company prepares dancers for the demands of a professional ballet career, both inside and outside of the studio. Drawing on his graduate education in psychology, Holder shares how empathy and understanding shape his leadership style and training philosophy, and how he hopes to create a nurturing environment for the next generation of artists, while still holding dancers to the highest of artistic standards that the company is known for.

You can learn more about Birmingham Royal Ballet 2 on their website.

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
• Holiday Gift Guide
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
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Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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What’s life like in the Finnish National Ballet Youth Company? Artistic Coordinator Nicholas Ziegler shares his insights on the program, discussing the dancers’ performance schedule, the structure of their compensation as well as the professional opportunities that set this youth company apart. Hear how the program balances intensive training with real-world experience to prepare young dancers for the demands of a ballet career. You can learn more about the Finnish National Ballet Youth Company on their website.

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
• Holiday Gift Guide
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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We're re-releasing one of our most popular episodes! Ballet Help Desk sat down with Francis Veyette, former principal dancer with Pennsylvania (now Philadelphia) Ballet, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School and newly appointed Rehearsal Director & Outreach Manager for Indianapolis Ballet. In this episode, Fran breaks down loaded terms like potential, facility, and body type, offering a practical understanding of what they mean. He also shares insights into the qualities dancers need to thrive in the ballet world. For anyone who has ever scratched their head when they heard people refer to potential or facility, this interview is a must-listen! You can learn more about Fran on his website.

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
• Holiday Gift Guide
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

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In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Anderson, the first Black principal dancer with Houston Ballet, and Dr. Jessica Klanderud, a professor of African American history and ballet parent. Lauren reflects on her groundbreaking career, shares her thoughts on ballet competitions, and discusses the industry's ongoing diversity challenges. Dr. Klanderud discusses the roots of traditionalism and why “Ballet is pink” just won’t work anymore. She also introduces Our Pointe, her YouTube channel where she shares an innovative technique she developed to help dancers dye pointe shoes to match skin tones. By offering this simple, affordable solution, she’s contributing to greater inclusivity in ballet, ensuring all dancers can feel beautiful.

Learn more about Lauren Anderson on her website:

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
• Holiday Gift 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