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  • 61. Understanding Hypermobility in Dancers with Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD
    2025/07/21

    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.

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    49 分
  • 60. Building New Narratives: Autumn Klein's Unconventional Path Back to Ballet
    2025/07/14

    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

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    44 分
  • 59. From Insecurity to Inspiration: Navigating the Comparison Game in Dance
    2025/07/07

    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.

    Key “pointes” in this episode:

    🩰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

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    26 分
  • 58. Plot Twists: Holly Dorger's Rise to Principal Ballerina of the Royal Danish Ballet
    2025/06/30

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode I sit down with Royal Danish Ballet Principal Ballerina Holly Dorger - a childhood friend whose dance journey has taken her from suburban Michigan to the royal stage of Copenhagen.

    Holly’s path has been anything but predictable. From training at the School of American Ballet with dreams of joining New York City Ballet, to unexpectedly being offered a contract abroad, Holly opens up about how she began her professional career at 18 with the Royal Danish Ballet.

    She shares candid reflections on everything from finding personal healing through dancing roles such as Giselle to what it’s like to be knighted by the Queen of Denmark. We talk about the challenges of building a life in a foreign country, what it's like to grow artistically over nearly two decades as a professional, and how she brings authenticity and emotional depth to every performance - especially the ones rooted in human experience and vulnerability.

    If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a career abroad, channel personal pain into performance, or face the question of "what’s next?" after reaching the top, this conversation is a must-listen.

    Key “Pointes” in this Episode

    🩰Holly's early days training in Michigan (where we first met!)

    🩰Moving to NYC at 14 to train at the School of American Ballet

    🩰The path that led her to Copenhagen and the Royal Danish Ballet

    🩰Her favorite roles (hello, Giselle, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and anything Balanchine)

    🩰Processing personal heartbreak through performance

    🩰The perks of dancing in a European ballet company

    🩰What it was like to be knighted by the Queen of Denmark

    🩰Facing the reality of forced retirement and dreaming of what's next

    Connect with Holly:

    WEBSITE: Www.HollyDorger.com

    INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/hollydorger

    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

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    43 分
  • 57. Longevity in Dance: Nancy Paradis Shares the Key to a Sustainable Dance Career
    2025/06/23

    Join me today as I sit down with Nancy Paradis, a seasoned choreographer, artistic director, and educator with a rich career spanning classical ballet and the commercial dance world. She also leads LA Dance Moves, an innovative company blending dance, music, art and media to create inspiring works.

    In this inspiring episode, Nancy takes us through her remarkable journey in the dance world - a path that began with just one ballet class a week and led to a professional career spanning over five decades.

    She opens up about how her dance beginnings were anything but typical, and how she made the bold leap from limited training to dancing professionally. Nancy shares what it was like to leave home at a young age to pursue her passion, and her experience as one of the original members of the Richmond Ballet.

    We dive into the moment she first stepped into a jazz class and how that experience opened her eyes to a new style, far removed from the rigid structure of classical ballet. Nancy also recalls her very first professional gig - a short 10-day contract that paid enough for her to buy her first car!

    Balancing motherhood and a demanding dance career is a challenge many dancers face. Nancy talks candidly about when she felt secure enough in her career to take a step back and focus on her family, and how she managed to return and evolve as a performer, choreographer, and teacher.

    She discusses the key differences between company life and commercial work, and shares valuable insights into what it takes to sustain a long-term career in the ever-changing world of dance.

    With over 50 years of experience, Nancy offers heartfelt advice for aspiring dancers, reveals the kind of energy she strives to foster in her classes, and the lasting impact she hopes to have on her students. Plus, for anyone curious about what makes a dancer stand out to a director - Nancy lets us in on her secret. She even shares rarely discussed business tips that every dancer should hear.

    Connect with Nancy:

    YOUTUBE: Nancy Paradis (LA Dance Moves)

    WEBSITE: ladancemoves.com

    INSTAGRAM: @ladance_moves

    Links and Resources:

    Aloha Nutrition Bars: 20% off using code: BRAINYBALLERINA

    Ballet Help Desk Website

    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.

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    41 分
  • 56. A New Chapter for Dance Kaleidoscope with Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter
    2025/06/16

    In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dance Kaleidoscope Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter to explore his multifaceted dance journey from a theater-loving high schooler in Atlanta to an influential choreographer and artistic leader in the dance industry.

    Joshua shares pivotal moments in his development, including his time at the University of Arizona, his early choreographic commissions, and his 14-year tenure with Giordano Dance Chicago.

    Now at the helm of Dance Kaleidoscope, he opens up about his leadership philosophy, audition process, and long-term vision for the company. Whether you're a dancer, educator, or choreographer, this episode is full of rich insights on persistence, artistry, and creating space for others to thrive.

    Key Topics:

    ✨The transformative role of college dance and the importance of asking for opportunities

    ✨Navigating his first professional choreographic commission while still a college student

    ✨Transitioning from student to professional dancer and striking a realistic balance

    ✨What makes a great dancer in auditions (hint: it’s not perfection)

    ✨Why collaboration and respect are the cornerstones of his leadership style

    ✨His vision for Dance Kaleidoscope and what makes it a fulfilling place to work

    ✨Advice for young dancers on building a sustainable, long-term career

    Connect with Joshua:

    JOSHUA INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jbcchoreography

    DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE IG: instagram.com/dance_kaleidoscope_indy

    DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE WEBSITE: www.dancekal.org

    Links and Resources:

    Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook

    Set up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

    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

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    57 分
  • 55. How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer Intensive
    2025/06/09

    In this solo episode, I dive into everything dancers need to know to make the most of their summer intensives. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pre-professional, this episode is packed with insight to help you thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally during one of the most transformative times in your dance training.

    Key “Pointes” in this Episode

    🩰 Why summer intensives are critical for growth in technique, artistry, and professionalism

    🩰 The importance of journaling and reflection - before, during, and after

    🩰 Tips for adjusting socially and forming lasting connections

    🩰 Staying healthy: sleep, recovery, nutrition, and hydration

    🩰 Turning your summer intensive into an extended audition and possible job opportunity.

    Related Blog Posts:

    ➡️ 3 Benefits of Attending a Summer Dance Intensive

    ➡️ Pack Like a Pro: Essential Items for Your Summer Dance Intensive

    ➡️ Coping with Missing Home During your Summer Intensive

    ➡️ Everything Dancers Need to Know Before Their First Partnering Class

    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

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    24 分
  • 54. See & Be Seen: Creating Pathways from High School to College Dance
    2025/06/02

    In this episode, I am joined by Anne Bak Marine and Lindsay Chirio-Humenay from Eisenhower Dance Detroit to discuss their transformative event, See & Be Seen. This two-day collegiate dance experience connects high school dancers with college dance programs, helping them navigate the often overwhelming path from high school to higher education in dance.

    Anne and Lindsay share how the program has evolved from a small in-studio event to a statewide (and growing!) hub for dance college recruitment, complete with auditions, classes, workshops, and expert-led panels for both students and their families. They also reflect on their personal journeys through college dance programs in Michigan, and how those experiences inform their current work.

    What We Cover:
    ✨ The origins and evolution of See & Be Seen
    🎓 How the event bridges high school dancers with college programs
    🧠 Health, wellness & mental health support for dancers
    📚 Parent "nugget" sessions covering FAFSA, housing, campus life & more
    💡 Advice for dancers on how to get the most out of the event
    💬 Reflections on what success means in a dance career
    🛠 The skills and confidence college dance programs build both on and off the stage

    Learn more about the event:

    REGISTER FOR SEEN & BE SEEN: www.eisenhowerdance.org/beseen

    EISENHOWER DANCE DETROIT WEBSITE: www.eisenhowerdance.org

    INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/eisenhowerdancedetroit

    Links and Resources:

    Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook

    Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA

    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

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    44 分