Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Company Secrets: Ballet Unfiltered

The season finale of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox closes with a powerful conversation featuring Sir Matthew Bourne, one of the most influential dance theatre makers of our time. Bourne reflects on his landmark 1992 Nutcracker, a bold reimagining that begins in a Dickensian orphanage and transforms into a vivid fantasy world, redefining how this holiday classic can tell an emotionally grounded story.

In this wide-ranging finale, Bourne shares his creative philosophy of finding the “big idea,” his deep respect for music as the foundation of storytelling, and his belief in humor, humanity, and audience connection as essential tools for making dance feel accessible. He also discusses why The Nutcracker remains a lasting gateway to the performing arts, his enduring relationship with the work more than 30 years later, and how New Adventures continues to evolve amid a changing global landscape.

A fitting close to the season, this conversation reflects on tradition, reinvention, and why The Nutcracker continues to matter.

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In this episode of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, Jared Redick is joined by renowned dance scholar and cultural critic Dr. Brenda Dixon-Gottschild for a bracing conversation about why The Nutcracker may no longer deserve its outsized place in American ballet culture.

Rather than arguing for yet another reinvention of the holiday classic, Dixon-Gottschild challenges the field to de center The Nutcracker altogether, questioning its cultural neutrality, its mythologized role as an entry point, and the disproportionate time, money, and discourse it absorbs. She reframes the ballet as a uniquely American obsession, likening it to a kind of institutional Santa Claus that is comforting, lucrative, and rarely interrogated.

Drawing on personal history, scholarship, and decades of observing the field, Dixon-Gottschild explores issues of access, class, Eurocentric validation, and whose stories are perpetually foregrounded or ignored. Together, she and Jared ask what might become possible if ballet organizations invested the same energy in living artists, diverse communities, and multiple traditions as they do in preserving a single seasonal ritual.

This episode is not about canceling The Nutcracker. It is about loosening its grip, expanding our imagination, and making space for many nutcrackers, many audiences, and many futures for dance.

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In this episode of Company Secrets, Jared Redick is joined by choreographer and director Christopher Wheeldon for a deep dive into The Nutcracker as narrative, tradition, and opportunity for reinvention.

Wheeldon reflects on why The Nutcracker has become the definitive holiday ballet, from its concise storytelling and iconic Tchaikovsky score to its role as both a family introduction to ballet and a vital economic engine for companies. Drawing on his background in creating richly layered narrative worlds, he discusses why clarity of story and emotional access are essential to sustaining audience connection today.

The conversation centers on Wheeldon’s Chicago-set Nutcracker for Joffrey Ballet, reimagined on the eve of the World’s Fair. He explains how anchoring the ballet in the city’s history allowed for a more inclusive and socially conscious narrative, transforming Marie into a child of immigrant workers and reframing the second act through the international villages of the fair. From architectural inspiration and immersive lighting to puppetry, live theatrical illusion, and a redefined pas de deux, Wheeldon shares how design and storytelling worked hand in hand.

Wheeldon also speaks to the importance of narrative ballet as an entry point for audiences who may feel intimidated by the art form, arguing that accessible storytelling opens the door to deeper engagement with dance. The episode closes with a look ahead at his newly launched Toy Theater Productions and his vision for creating space for collaborative, story-driven work across theater, dance, and music.

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In this episode of Company Secrets, The Nutcracker Paradox: Magic at the World’s Fair, host Jared Redick sits down with legendary former San Francisco Ballet artistic director Helgi Tomasson to explore how The Nutcracker became both a beloved holiday tradition and a living, evolving work of art.

Tomasson reflects on nearly four decades of leadership at San Francisco Ballet and his deep personal relationship with The Nutcracker, from dancing it as a principal at New York City Ballet to reimagining it through the lens of San Francisco’s 1915 World’s Fair. He shares how anchoring the ballet in the city’s history helped create a production that feels welcoming, family-centered, and uniquely local, while still honoring the classical canon.

The conversation traces the collaborative process behind building a large-scale production, from the technical challenges of the iconic snow scene to the importance of creating space for dancers to rise to difficult choreography. Tomasson also discusses thoughtful updates to traditional divertissements, including his decision to replace harmful stereotypes with imagery inspired by San Francisco’s vibrant Chinese cultural celebrations.

Throughout the episode, Tomasson returns to the idea of approachable magic, the belief that The Nutcracker succeeds not because it is simplified, but because it invites audiences of all ages and backgrounds into the theater year after year. It is a reflection on tradition, imagination, and why live performance still matters.

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In this episode of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, Jared Redick sits down with Ethan Stiefel; principal dancer, film star, choreographer, and arts leader. From performing The Nutcracker at New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre to choreographing his own version and leading major institutions, Stiefel reflects on a lifetime spent inside the ballet.

Together, they explore why The Nutcracker remains a powerful gateway for audiences, what it gets right artistically, and where it demands thoughtful evolution. Stiefel introduces the idea of “progressive classicism,” arguing for honoring ballet’s technical rigor while reimagining context, storytelling, and cultural representation for contemporary audiences. Along the way, he shares candid memories, from marathon performance runs to the infamous two pairs of white tights, and reflects on how tradition, humor, and responsibility coexist in sustaining a classic.

Insightful, personal, and often funny, this episode examines The Nutcracker not just as a holiday staple but as a living work that continues to shape dancers, audiences, and the future of ballet.

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In this episode of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, host Jared Redick speaks with Stanton Welch, Artistic Director of Houston Ballet, about his 2016 production of The Nutcracker and the unique role the ballet plays in American culture. Welch reflects on how differently The Nutcracker functions in the United States compared to other parts of the world, describing it as ballet’s version of a shared, multi-generational cultural event—an increasingly rare experience in the age of streaming and fragmented media.

The conversation dives into the cultural complexities surrounding traditional divertissements, including Chinese Tea and Arabian Coffee, and how Welch approached these sections through a purely classical ballet vocabulary rather than literal or stereotypical references. By grounding each divertissement in the technique and structure of classical training, Welch aimed to honor the music while avoiding problematic physical motifs, framing the work as a fantastical, imagined world rather than a literal depiction of culture.

Welch also discusses the financial and institutional importance of The Nutcracker, candidly acknowledging that its disappearance would be devastating for American ballet companies. He reflects on how the ballet serves as both a stabilizing force and an opportunity for emerging dancers, offering a glimpse into future generations of artists. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving nature of choreography, the balance between revising and preserving work over time, and the surreal, often humorous reality of creating ballet’s most iconic holiday tradition.

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In this episode of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, host Jared Redick sits down with Victoria Morgan, former principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet and Ballet West, and longtime artistic director and CEO of Cincinnati Ballet, to explore the enduring legacy, complexity, and future of The Nutcracker. Morgan reflects on the ballet as a powerful “teacher,” tracing its role in artistic development from childhood through professional careers and its importance as both an educational gateway and a financial cornerstone for ballet companies.

Morgan discusses her own Nutcracker choreography, created in 2011 and still performed today, including how her perspective as one of the few women to choreograph the work influenced creative choices, humor, and vulnerability. She speaks candidly about the balance between tradition and innovation, the evolution of a production over time, and the freedom inherent in reimagining divertissements and narrative details.

The conversation also touches on The Nutcracker’s outsized cultural impact in the U.S., its surprising origins as an initial failure, and what ballet might lose if it were to disappear. Morgan shares personal memories, from dancing Clara as a child to her evolving relationship with the ballet in retirement, offering insight into how distance from leadership has allowed her to experience the art form with renewed joy and reflection. The episode closes with a humorous onstage mishap that underscores perspective, resilience, and the lifelong lessons learned through performance.

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In this episode, Jared Redick sits down with Dr. Jennifer Fisher, renowned dance scholar, cultural critic, former dancer, and author of Nutcracker Nation and The Routledge Introduction to Ballet. With her signature blend of insight, humor, and cultural analysis, Dr. Fisher unpacks why The Nutcracker has become one of America’s most enduring secular rituals.

She reflects on the ballet’s evolution from its Russian roots to its distinctly American identity, why Act II still casts an irresistible spell, and how the annual production shapes dancers, audiences, and ballet companies alike. Jared and Dr. Fisher also explore issues of representation, cultural shifts within the ballet world, and the often-overlooked emotional power of Tchaikovsky’s score.

And, in true Fisher fashion, the conversation ends with a delightfully unexpected question: as ballet’s self-appointed “coroner,” will she someday conduct an inquest into the untimely demise of the Mouse King?

A thoughtful, spirited, and deeply human look at the ballet that returns, ritually, every December.

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Jared Redick sits down with choreographer and artistic director Amy Seiwert of Smuin Contemporary Ballet to explore her approach to The Nutcracker and holiday storytelling in ballet. With a career spanning 19 years as a dancer and over a decade as a choreographer and artistic director, Amy reflects on her world-premiere Nutcracker at Sacramento Ballet, the only full-length Nutcracker created by a woman that season, and the importance of telling the story through a female perspective.

They discuss how she balances tradition with cultural competency, gives young protagonists agency and resilience, and creates meaningful moments that empower dancers and audiences alike. Amy also shares insights on the challenges and joys of Act I versus Act II, the impact of Nutcracker on ballet as both a cultural and financial cornerstone, and her work on Smuin’s Christmas Ballet, a holiday tradition blending classical, contemporary, and pop music.

Through behind-the-scenes stories and reflections on her artistic philosophy, Amy reveals how holiday classics like Nutcracker can remain beloved traditions while evolving to reflect modern audiences and values.

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In the second episode of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, Jared Redick talks with arts administrator, educator, author, and choreographer Phil Chan about how ballet can honor tradition while confronting its outdated and harmful elements. As co-founder of the arts advocacy organization Final Bow for Yellowface, Phil has spent years guiding ballet companies toward more inclusive practices, particularly in productions of The Nutcracker, ballet’s most enduring and widely performed classic.

Phil shares insight into the cultural and ethical challenges of updating the ballet for today’s audiences, offers examples of thoughtful reimaginings—like Peter Boal’s inventive reinterpretation of the Tea and Coffee Divertissements—and reflects on what makes Nutcracker magical for dancers, children, and audiences alike. This episode is a thoughtful exploration of how ballet can remain beloved while evolving responsibly for a modern world.

More about Phil: 

https://www.philschan.com/about

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In the Season 2 premiere of Company Secrets: The Nutcracker Paradox, Jared Redick sits down with the fantastic choreographer Val Caniparoli, whose five different Nutcracker productions, created for companies across the U.S. and abroad, give him an unmatched perspective on ballet’s biggest holiday tradition.

With over 50 years at San Francisco Ballet and more than 200 ballets to his name, Val shares how he approaches reinventing a story that must remain both financially essential and artistically alive. He talks about the pressures of creating a production that returns year after year, the importance of community and tradition, and why Act I is the most challenging part of the ballet. Jared and Val also dive into the Christensen brothers’ historic legacy, the balance between innovation and audience expectations, and how subtle updates can keep Nutcracker relevant for today’s families.

Along the way, Val offers insight, humor, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make a holiday classic feel fresh, without breaking what already works.

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In this season finale, Jared sits down with the incomparable Gillian Murphy, whose extraordinary 29-year career with American Ballet Theatre made her one of the defining ballerinas of her generation. From Swan Lake to new works by Ratmansky and Wheeldon, Gillian reflects on her remarkable journey—what it means to dance with freedom, the power of presence, and the perspective that comes from a lifetime on stage.

Now retired from performing and serving as Artistic Associate at American Repertory Ballet, she opens up about motherhood, identity, and how she’s channeling her artistry into teaching and leadership. It’s an inspiring, candid conversation about transition, purpose, and what it means to continue growing beyond the spotlight.

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In this episode, Jared sits down with the incomparable Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre and one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation. Declared by The New York Times as “America’s quintessential American ballerina,” Susan reflects on her extraordinary performing career, her leadership journey from the stage to the boardroom, and what it takes to sustain excellence in one of the world’s great ballet companies.

From shaping ABT’s 85th anniversary season to mentoring the next generation, Susan shares candid insights on artistic vision, mental resilience, and the qualities she looks for when hiring dancers. She also opens up about the importance of self-responsibility, positivity, and lifelong growth—wisdom for artists at every stage.

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In this episode, Jared sits down with Cervilio  Amador, Artistic Director of Cincinnati Ballet, to explore what it means to lead one of the nation’s most respected ballet companies. Born and trained in Cuba, Cervilio began his professional journey with the National Ballet of Cuba before joining Cincinnati Ballet, where he quickly rose to become one of the youngest principal dancers in the company’s history.

Now, after a remarkable 16-year stage career and a powerful transition into leadership, Cervilio shares candid insights about balancing artistry and administration, building a healthy company culture, and supporting the next generation of dancers through Cincinnati Ballet’s training pipeline. He discusses what he looks for in auditions, how he manages multiple constituencies from dancers to donors, and the mindset that sustained him throughout his performing career.

From defecting from Cuba to directing in Cincinnati, Cervilio’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and purpose-driven leadership, a must-listen for anyone curious about what it truly takes to guide a forward-looking ballet company.

Cincinnati Ballet company site:

www.cincinnatiballet.org

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In this episode, Jared sits down with Aaron Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet. A former principal dancer with Ballet Frankfurt under William Forsythe, Aaron has built an extraordinary career bridging classical tradition and contemporary innovation. After 17 years leading Semperoper Ballett in Dresden, he returned to ENB in 2023 to shape a new chapter for the company.

Aaron shares candid insights into the realities of running a major ballet organization, from building a five-year artistic and business strategy to reimagining ENB’s touring model, brand identity, and audience engagement. He discusses the importance of culture, mental health support for dancers, and the balance between honoring the classics and fostering innovation.

For dancers, Aaron pulls back the curtain on ENB’s audition and hiring process, and what qualities catch his eye in the studio

Whether you’re an aspiring dancer, a ballet lover, or someone curious about the inner workings of a world-class company, this conversation offers a rare look at artistic leadership grounded in vision, strategy, and care for people.

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In this episode, Daniela Cardim, artistic director of Ballet Arizona, delves into the audition process and what she looks for in dancers. She emphasizes the importance of personality and artistry, noting that dancers who express themselves and show creativity during auditions stand out. Daniela explains that while technical skill is crucial, the ability to convey emotion and engage with the audience is equally important. She advises dancers not to be discouraged by rejections, as auditions are often about finding the right fit for specific roles or company needs. Daniela also highlights the significance of open communication, encouraging dancers to advocate for themselves and share any concerns with the artistic staff. The episode provides valuable insights for dancers on how to navigate auditions and thrive in a professional company environment.

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Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Ma Cong, the new Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet. From his beginnings at the Beijing Dance Academy to his rise as a principal dancer and renowned choreographer, Ma shares his vision for the future of the company. Discover how his unique blend of creativity and leadership is shaping Richmond Ballet's path forward, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for dancers and audiences alike. Aspiring dancers will gain valuable insights into the company's nurturing atmosphere and the opportunities for growth and artistic expression that await them at Richmond Ballet.

www.richmondballet.com

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In this special episode of Company Secrets: Ballet Unfiltered, Jared sits down with Larissa Saveliev, Founder and Artistic Director of Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), the world’s largest international student ballet competition. This special episode is a must-listen for students, dancers, teachers, and parents who are competing or considering competing in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). 

Larissa shares candid insights on what dancers need to know to stand out, YAGP's origins and global impact, what makes YAGP unique, the role competitions play in a dancer’s growth, and how opportunities created on this stage have shaped countless careers. 

Whether you’re preparing to compete, guiding and/ or coaching students, supporting your child as they prepare for the competition, or simply curious about how YAGP became such a powerful force in the ballet world, this conversation offers a valuable perspective you won’t want to miss.

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In this episode, we delve into the artistic vision and leadership of Septime Weber, the dynamic Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet. With a commitment to nurturing young talent, Weber shares invaluable insights for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation and understanding the broader context of their craft. Discover how his innovative productions, like "Romeo and Juliet" set in 1960s Hong Kong, reflect the unique cultural fusion of the city. Learn how Hong Kong Ballet's international environment and Weber's leadership provide a vibrant platform for young dancers to grow and thrive. Tune in to explore how Weber's journey and vision continue to inspire the next generation of ballet artists in Hong Kong and beyond.

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This week on Company Secrets, Jared sits down with Kathleen Breen Combes, Artistic and Executive Director of Ballet Rhode Island. A former principal dancer with Boston Ballet — once described by The New York Times as “a ballerina of colossal scale and boldness” — Kathleen brings both artistic depth and business acumen to her leadership role.

In this candid conversation, she shares what it’s really like to wear both the artistic and executive hats, how she curates seasons, and the challenges and rewards of growing a small company into a statewide cultural force. Kathleen also discusses what she looks for in dancers, how she approaches auditions, and why transparency and trust are central to her leadership.

For young dancers, her advice is clear: don’t waste time, focus on your own path, and seize every opportunity. Kathleen also reflects on the importance of understanding the business side of the art form, her own journey of pursuing further education mid-career, and why building supportive company culture is essential to making ballet relevant and accessible today.

Show Notes:

Company Website: https://balletri.org/

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In this episode of Company Secrets, Jared sits down with Stephen Mills, Artistic Director of Ballet Austin, as he celebrates his 25th season leading the company. Stephen reflects on his unexpected path from late-blooming dancer to visionary director, sharing insights on curating repertoire, cultivating company culture, and balancing tradition with bold innovation.

He pulls back the curtain on Ballet Austin’s audition and hiring process, the realities of dancer contracts, and the shift toward more equitable and collaborative company practices. Stephen also opens up about his philosophy of leadership, the importance of curiosity in artistry, and why mentoring and supporting dancers, both onstage and as people, is at the heart of his work.

From building audiences in Austin’s rapidly growing arts scene to creating landmark works like Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project, Stephen offers a candid look at the challenges and rewards of directing a major American ballet company.

Whether you’re an aspiring dancer, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the inner workings of ballet, this conversation is filled with wisdom, perspective, and inspiration.

Show notes: 

Company Website: https://balletaustin.org/

Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project- https://youtu.be/IqVk0YEFuqM

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Ja'Malik stepped into the role of Artistic Director at Madison Ballet in 2022, never anticipating the whirlwind ahead. Just six months in, he also took on Executive Director responsibilities, balancing artistic vision with the demanding realities of organizational leadership.

“I put in 90+ hours a week,” he reveals, navigating company classes, rehearsals, choreography, and countless fundraising meetings — the often unseen but vital work behind sustaining a ballet company.

Driven by his commitment to representation and artistic evolution, Ja'Malik draws on his experience growing up as a Black male dancer in classical ballet. He curates seasons that honor ballet’s rigorous technique while amplifying diverse voices, reflecting the communities they serve. Under his leadership, Madison Ballet expanded dancer employment from 13 to 31 weeks annually, enhancing both artistic growth and dancer wellbeing.

For aspiring dancers, Ja'Malik emphasizes time management, openness to varied choreographic styles, and the importance of mental balance. “Perfection does not exist,” he says, encouraging dancers to lighten up and enjoy the journey. His vision extends beyond performance to mentoring the next generation through initiatives like Ballet Boy Productions and dream projects bringing works by Ulysses Dove and Salvatore Aiello to Madison.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the realities of running a ballet company and offers invaluable insights into leadership, resilience, and the future of ballet.

www.madisonballet.com

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In this episode, Amy Watson, Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet, pulls back the curtain on her journey from California-born dancer to the helm of one of the world’s most storied companies. A former principal with RDB, Amy shares what her day-to-day looks like now: from morning rehearsals and dancer evaluations to shaping long-term artistic vision.

We talk about balancing the Bournonville legacy with contemporary innovation, the company’s structure and hiring practices, and how she’s reimagining the future while honoring its roots. Amy offers honest advice for young dancers on auditions, company culture, and mental health—and reflects on the moment a mentor first saw her potential as a future director.

With upcoming collaborations with Alexei Ratmansky and Akram Khan on the horizon, Amy gives us a glimpse into where RDB is headed and what it takes to lead with both tradition and transformation in mind.

Show notes: 

RDB website: kglteater.dk/en/about-us/arts/the-royal-danish-ballet

Audition address- job.ballet@kglteater.dk

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