Ballet Help Desk – Details, episodes & analysis

Ballet competitions are more common than ever—but do dancers really need them? In our latest episode of #NoThirds, Fran weighs in on the role competitions play in today's training landscape.

He tackles key questions from parents and dancers alike:

• Are comps essential for landing trainee or second company spots?
• Do they actually help with long-term career goals?
• Why are so many schools and companies participating now?
• What's the real value compared to strong training and company performances?

Fran brings his signature clarity and candor to a topic that's often confusing and feels high-stakes. This conversation is packed with insight regardless of whether you're all-in on the comp circuit or don't compete at all.

Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
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• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Former San Francisco Ballet soloist Madison Keesler shares the twists and turns of her ballet path—from falling in love with dance to navigating career pivots and returning to SFB more than once. She talks about leaving at the height of her career, what she's up to now in New York, and the launch of Pointe of View, her new consulting business for dancers. Plus, she offers thoughtful advice for students hoping to go pro.

You can find Madison on Instagram: @madisonkeesler or on her website

Interested in working with Madison? Book a free consultation.

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Considering full-time or summer training at Louisville Ballet? Artistic Director Mikelle Bruzina and School Director Christy Corbitt Krieger explain how the school is structured, what the studio company experience involves, and how dancers transition into professional careers. They also share insights on tuition, housing, casting, and how dancers are recruited. This episode offers a clear, behind-the-scenes look for dancers and families exploring the path through Louisville Ballet.

Learn more about Louisville Ballet's training options on their website

Read and submit reviews for Louisville Ballet School

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

In Part 2 of our two-part interview with physical therapist Erika Mayall, we explore how ballet schools are supporting dancer health—and where they still fall short. Erika offers practical advice for dancers and families without access to dance-specific care, busts common ballet injury myths, and shares her favorite recovery tools and daily habits for long-term wellness. She also discusses how to recognize genuine wellness support versus "checking the box" in schools and what one key change could improve injury prevention across ballet training.

Erika also has a fantastic podcast called The Dance Physio Podcast that we think every dancer and their parents should tune in and listen to. Find it wherever you get your podcasts or learn more on her website.

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

In Part 1 of our two-part interview with physical therapist Erika Mayall of Allegro Performance and Wellness, we dive into why ballet dancers need specialized care from providers who truly understand the unique demands ballet puts on the body. Erika shares her journey into working with dancers, how injury prevention differs for ballet artists, common misdiagnoses, and early warning signs dancers and parents should watch for. She also offers guidance on choosing the right specialist and how dancers can advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. Stay tuned for Part 2, where Erika discusses dancer wellness in schools, recovery tools, and long-term health habits.

Erika also has a fantastic podcast called The Dance Physio Podcast that we think every dancer and their parents should tune in and listen to. Find it wherever you get your podcasts or learn more on her website.

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

 Miriam Landis trained at the School of American Ballet, danced with Miami City Ballet, and now teaches at Pacific Northwest Ballet, all experiences that informed her work as the author of three young adult novels set in the ballet world. In this episode, she talks about the reality of the professional ballet path, the emotional and practical sides of stepping away from performing, and how her cultural background shaped her journey.

Miriam also discusses what led her to transition out of ballet, how her training continues to influence her life, and why she keeps returning to ballet as a central theme in her writing. Miriam also offers her thoughts on the current challenges in ballet training, the need for change in how dancers are taught, and the generational shift she sees happening in the field.

Interested in reading her books? Find them here!

Learn more about Miriam on her website

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

What do ballet teachers really want students and parents to understand? In this episode of #NoThirds, we tackle issues in ballet training from the perspective of the teacher -- what frustrates them, what motivates them, and what they wish families better understood about the training process. From managing expectations to building trust, we dig into the unseen dynamics that shape every class and rehearsal and student/teacher relationship.

Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School

More Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

This is a rerelease of one of our popular episodes from our series on ballet summer intensives. Wondering how much the RAs see of student antics? More than you think! We're talking with Robert Fulton and Camille Kellems, both professional dancers and also RAs at ballet summer intensives. Get ready for a mix of insider info that's helpful for parents as well as hilarious anecdotes as Robert and Camille let us in on what really goes on behind the scenes. From dorm shenanigans to studio mishaps, they've seen it all and they're here to spill the tea. 

Robert and Camille are also the founders of Ballet Scout. You can learn more about what they do on their website.

Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

In this conversation, Sarah Wroth discusses the current state of the ballet program at Indiana University, addressing concerns about state mandates and program restructuring. She emphasizes the strong support from the community and alumni, clarifies the differences between degree options, and reassures that current students will not be affected by changes. The conversation also highlights the importance of clear communication and the program's commitment to preparing students for successful careers in dance.

Learn more about the IU Dance Program on their website

Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Summer Intensive Essentials Guide
• Buy Summer Corrections Journals
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

In this two-part series, siblings Bryce and Noelle Lee bring both the male and female ballet dancer perspective to the conversation. Bryce, Founder of the Male Dance Connection, and Noelle share their experiences in ballet, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of male dancers. They discuss the importance of mentorship, community, and supportive environments for boys in dance, as well as practical ways MDC helps, like navigating summer programs. They also talk about how hard it can be for young boys in ballet today. As working dancers themselves, they've created MDC to expand their network, supplement their income, and build careers beyond performing.

Learn more about the Male Dance Connection on their website or on Instagram @themaledanceconnection

Links:

• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
• Facebook: BalletHelpDesk
• Ballet Help Desk

Music from #Uppbeat:

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

License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI