In this enlightening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD — a former ballet dancer turned physician and founder of Hypermobility MD and Bendy Bodies. Dr. Bluestein is a leading expert in hypermobility disorders, especially among dancers, and she’s passionate about educating and empowering those living with conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).

We dive into:

• What inspired Dr. Bluestein to specialize in hypermobility in dancers
• The difference between flexibility and hypermobility
• How to tell if you might have hypermobility or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD)
• The distinctions between HSD and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
• Common signs and symptoms dancers should watch for
• What steps to take if you suspect you're hypermobile
• Dr. Bluestein’s M.E.N.S.P.M.S. framework for managing hypermobility
• Why early care is key to a sustainable dance career
• Myths about hypermobility that need busting
• How dance teachers can support hypermobile dancers
• How to find medical professionals who understand dancers' needs

Whether you're a dancer, teacher, or parent, this episode is packed with practical insights, expert advice, and actionable steps for navigating hypermobility in the dance world.

Connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein:

SUBSTACK: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/

WEBSITE: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/

PODCAST: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/

Links and Resources:

IADMS: https://iadms.org/find-a-provider/

Doctors for Dancers: https://doctorsfordancers.com/

Aloha Nutrition Bars: 20% off using code: BRAINYBALLERINA

Get your copy of the Intentional Career Handbook

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

In this candid conversation, I’m joined by Autumn Klein, a principal dancer and accomplished artist whose career includes performing with Texas Ballet Theater, Oklahoma City Ballet, Ballet Frontier, and Ballet North Texas. Autumn, who is also the co-founder of New Narratives Dance, shares her unconventional journey through the dance world - from overcoming gaps in her classical training, stepping away from dance to attend college, and rising to the rank of principal after returning to her professional ballet career.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

🩰The culture shock of transitioning from competition dance to full-time ballet training at Houston Ballet

🩰Her experiences dancing with renowned companies and eventually becoming a principal dancer at Oklahoma City Ballet

🩰The challenges of burnout, stepping away from dance to attend college and join AmeriCorps and how she found her way back to the stage

🩰Building a massive social media presence (3M+ followers on TikTok) and pioneering her popular pointe painting

🩰The creation of New Narratives Dance, a contemporary ballet company focused on bold storytelling

Autumn also shares valuable advice on balancing a multifaceted career, finding the right company fit, and building an authentic social media community.

Connect with Autumn:

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@autumnsklein

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@autumnsklein

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/autumnsklein

Links and Resources:

Visit the Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/

Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

In this week’s solo episode, I’m tackling a topic that comes up often for dancers: comparison.

I dive deep into why comparison is a natural human instinct - rooted in evolutionary survival - and how it’s especially amplified in the world of ballet, where mirrors, corrections, and casting are constant. Rather than trying to eliminate comparison, this episode is full of empowering tools to reframe it into a source of motivation, self-awareness, and growth.

🩰Why comparison is more than just a bad habit, and why it's especially common among dancers

🩰A simple mindset shift that can make comparison less painful and more productive

🩰My advice on handling social media in a way that supports your growth

🩰Using your unique strengths to stand out in a competitive environment

🩰Practical tools (and journal prompts) to turn comparison into clarity and confidence

Blog Post: thebrainyballerina.com/blog/from-insecurity-to-inspiration-navigating-the-comparison-game-in-dance

Join the Conversation
Head to my Instagram @TheBrainyBallerina and join my channel “Career Guidance for Dancers” to participate in future episode polls and get exclusive career tips straight to your inbox.

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com