Conversations on Dance

On today’s episode of ‘Conversations On Dance’, we are joined by Ted Brandsen and Rachel Beaujean, Director and Associate Artistic Director of Dutch National Ballet. We are speaking to them in advance of the company’s first tour to the United States in 40 years, which is to take place at the Ballet Sun Valley festival in Sun Valley, Idaho. First, we talk with Ted briefly about his career and his directorship.  Then Rachel joins the conversation to discuss how they chose the repertoire for the upcoming tour and what they hope American audiences take away from the performances. Performances and additional events will be held this July 1st and 2nd and tickets can be purchased at balletsunvalley.org.  _______________________________________________ This episode’s sponsors: • For our listeners in Hilton Head, and Charleston South Carolina, we hope you will join Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami as they tour to your area on March 22 thru 24th. A bold, cutting edge contemporary ballet company founded in 2016 by former Miami City Ballet Principal Dancers Jennifer Kronenberg and Carlos Guerra, DDTM has established itself with a dazzling repertoire and dynamic world class dancers hailing from various Hispanic, North and South American backgrounds. On March 24th, audiences will be treated to a full evening performance – a mixed bill program that will feature Gerald Arpino’s masterwork, ‘Light Rain,’ a main staple of the Dimensions’ repertoire since the company first brought the full ballet to South Florida in 2017. For tickets, visit artshhi.org. LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

On today’s episode of ‘Conversations On Dance’, we are joined by Gregory Maqoma, founder of Vuyani Dance Theater. Gregory tells us about how he first came to discover and fall in love with dance in South Africa, his artistic journey from performer to choreographer and creator and his latest work ‘Cion: Requiem Of Ravel’s Bolero’, which is currently on tour and will take the stage at Performing Arts Houston on Friday, April 21st at 7:30PM. Visit performingartshouston.org to purchase tickets. This episode was recorded in December 2022.  _______________________________________________ This episode’s sponsors: • For our listeners in Hilton Head, and Charleston South Carolina, we hope you will join Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami as they tour to your area on March 22 thru 24th. A bold, cutting edge contemporary ballet company founded in 2016 by former Miami City Ballet Principal Dancers Jennifer Kronenberg and Carlos Guerra, DDTM has established itself with a dazzling repertoire and dynamic world class dancers hailing from various Hispanic, North and South American backgrounds. On March 24th, audiences will be treated to a full evening performance – a mixed bill program that will feature Gerald Arpino’s masterwork, ‘Light Rain,’ a main staple of the Dimensions’ repertoire since the company first brought the full ballet to South Florida in 2017. For tickets, visit artshhi.org. • A quick update from friend of the pod, Tamisha Guy. Tamisha is thrilled to share with the COD audience, that she is launching Empower Hour, which she talked with us about in Episode 220.  Empower Hour is a series of financial wellness workshops tailored towards equipping all artists and arts administrators with the financial prowess to lead a sustainable life beyond their careers. First up is Let’s Talk Taxes with Nayilah Antoine, a free virtual workshop sharing the tools for the participants to advocate for themselves as it pertains to tax literacy.  This is a FREE Virtual Workshop on March 26 from 1-2:30PM. Click here to sign up.   More information also available on Tamisha’s instagram: @tamishaguy. LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

On today’s episode of ‘Conversations On Dance’, we have celebrated choreographer Cathy Marston on to discuss her upcoming premiere for Houston Ballet, ‘Summer and Smoke’. Cathy tells us what drew her to Tennesse Williams’ play as source material for a new ballet, her casting process and creating to composer Michael Daugherty’s original score for the work. If you are in the Houston area, you can attend performances of ‘Summer and Smoke’ from March 9 through 19th, with tickets available to purchase on houstonballet.org.  LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

Today we are thrilled to welcome back to the pod, the ladies of Ragamala Dance Company. Today we talk with company’s founder and co-artistic director, Ranee Ramaswamy, and her daughter, co-artistic director Aparna Ramaswamy. We first had Ranee and Aparna on the podcast about a year ago, with Aparna’s sister, Ashwini, in episode 275. If you haven’t heard that episode yet, we hope you will go back and tune in to hear more about the trio’s origin in dance and about the founding of Ragamala Dance Company. Ranne and Aparna join us today to talk about ‘Fires of Varanasi,’ the show that they have been touring for the last year. For our listeners in the Houston area, don’t miss Ragamala Dance Company in ‘Fires of Varanasi’ March 10th with Performing Arts Houston. For tickets and more information, visit performingartshouston.org. This Episode’s Sponsor: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is training the next generation of professional dancers by providing ballet and dance education of the highest caliber that prepares students for professional careers in dance.  PBT’s school focuses on the dancer as a whole person and nurturing them into creative, confident and well-rounded individuals.  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Intensive Summer Program runs from June 25-July 29th.  Auditions for PBT’s pre-professional program will be held March 6th through the 11th. Pre-professional dancers will have the opportunity to work with incoming PBT director Adam McKinney starting this summer. For more information visit pbt.org/pbts/auditions2023. LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

On today’s episode of ‘Conversations On Dance’ we are joined by Dance Theater Of Harlem ballerina Amanda Smith. Amanda tells us about how her early extracurricular activities led to greater versatility, how her education at SUNY Purchase shaped her career, and the importance of persistence in achieving one’s goals. Visit dancetheaterofharlem.org to see the company’s tour dates to catch Amanda onstage this season at a theater near you.  This Episode’s Sponsors: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is training the next generation of professional dancers by providing ballet and dance education of the highest caliber that prepares students for professional careers in dance.  PBT’s school focuses on the dancer as a whole person and nurturing them into creative, confident and well-rounded individuals.  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Intensive Summer Program runs from June 25-July 29th.  Auditions for PBT’s pre-professional program will be held March 6th through the 11th. Pre-professional dancers will have the opportunity to work with incoming PBT director Adam McKinney starting this summer. For more information visit pbt.org/pbts/auditions2023. LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

Today on Conversations On Dance we are thrilled to talk about a special children’s programming co-production between Miami City Ballet and the Joffrey Ballet, ‘Rita Finds Home’. We are joined by the choreographer Amy Hall Garner and Miami City Ballet Director Of Community Engagement Monica Stephenson to talk about how ‘Rita’ relates to children today, why it was important to create something entirely new and how it’s different from other works traditionally geared towards young audiences. Tickets to this performance are free. If you are in the south Florida area, you can reserve tickets to a performance of ‘Rita Finds Home’ near you by going to miamicityballet.org/ritafindshome. You can support Monica’s Community Engagement work like ‘Rita Finds Home’ and the Ballet Bus program, here. This Episode’s Sponsor: • This episode is sponsored by Headliners Dance Championships. The Competition for Dancers by Dancers. Coming to a city near you! Our listeners can register for their 2023 Regionals Tour at reg.headlinersdance.com and use code “CODPFREE” for a free solo entry. All questions regarding our code can be emailed to info@headlinersdance.com. Follow Headliners Dance Championships on Social Media : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headlinersdance/ | Twitter: https://twitter.com/headlinersdance | Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headlinersdance | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadlinersDanceChampionships/ | Visit the Official Website to learn more! https://headlinersdance.com/. The Headliners difference… HDC is the first competition to offer FREE Photo + Video Media Packages per event. Offering FREE Competition Live Streaming on https://headlinersdance.com/live. All Entries walk away with Video Critiques by World Class Judging Panels. Offering Trophy or Charity Donation each award ceremony- Over $8000 donated in 2022! ____________________________________________________ LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

It’s just Michael and Rebecca this week. We start by catch up after Michael’s live events at Works & Process at the Guggenheim and Inside NYCB. Michael tells us about seeing Justin Peck’s newest work at New York City Ballet, ‘Copland Dance Episodes,’ then about his work on ‘The Night Falls’ with Troy Schumacher and BalletCollective. See ‘The Night Falls’ February 9th through 12th at Montclair State University. Tickets for ‘The Night Falls’ can be found at peakperfs.org.  Watch the Works & Process event on their YouTube Channel, or click here: https://youtu.be/FfidIh8pi0o. This Episode’s Sponsors: • Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is training the next generation of professional dancers by providing ballet and dance education of the highest caliber that prepares students for professional careers in dance.  PBT’s school focuses on the dancer as a whole person and nurturing them into creative, confident and well-rounded individuals.  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Intensive Summer Program runs from June 25-July 29th.  Auditions are held across the country January 7 – Feb 12.  Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and their Intensive Summer Program at https://www.pbt.org/pbts/isp2023/. LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

On today’s episode of Conversations On Dance, we are joined by Kati Hanlon Mayo, Associate Director of Charlotte Ballet Academy. We talk to Kati about how she reoriented her career goals as a teenager, working with Patricia McBride on Balanchine classics, her beginnings as a teacher while still having a demanding performing career and how she sets short and long term goals for her students as individuals and entire classes. For more information about Charlotte Ballet Academy’s summer intensive and year round program, visit charlotteballet.org.  LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

Today’s episode of ‘Conversations On Dance’ is a live podcast from the Guggenheim’s Works & Process series. We explore the creation of a new dance driven music theater production ‘The Night Falls’, which is set to run February 9th through 12th at Montclair State University. ‘The Night Falls’ is a new myth for our fractured era, depicting the metamorphosis of atomized individuals into a true community, with choreography that dramatizes the leap of empathy between bodies and music that channels the polarities of surrender and resistance. In this interview, we are joined by the show’s creative team, choreographer and director Troy Schumacher, composer and co-lyricist Ellis Ludwig-Leone and librettist and co-lyricist Karen Russell. Tickets for ‘The Night Falls’ can be found at peakperfs.org.  We are happy to be able to share a visual companion to this episode. To watch the full interview including the dancing and signing segments, visit Works & Process’ YouTube Channel, or click here: https://youtu.be/FfidIh8pi0o. This episode was recorded live on January 22, 2023 as a part of Guggenheim’s Works & Process. ‘The Night Falls’: Co-produced by BalletCollective, Inc., and PEAK Performances at Montclair State University. The Night Falls was developed during a 2018 residency for Project Springboard: Developing Dance Musicals with further support provided during a virtual creative residency in 2021. This season was made possible, in part, by the Alexander Kasser Theater Endowment Fund, PEAK Patrons, and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. Leadership support for the world premiere production of The Night Falls is provided by Stephen Kroll Reidy, Project Springboard: Developing Dance Musicals with lead support from the Jerome Robbins Foundation and other funder support, and Jonna Mackin. Singer rehearsal space is generously provided by The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Better Company Records. This Episode’s Sponsors: • Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is training the next generation of professional dancers by providing ballet and dance education of the highest caliber that prepares students for professional careers in dance.  PBT’s school focuses on the dancer as a whole person and nurturing them into creative, confident and well-rounded individuals.  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Intensive Summer Program runs from June 25-July 29th.  Auditions are held across the country January 7 – Feb 12.  Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and their Intensive Summer Program at https://www.pbt.org/pbts/isp2023/. • Fill your summer with technique, learning and fun at Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensive! With classes like classical and contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, West African and musical theater, this well-rounded, 5-week program is complete with reparatory performances and the opportunity to learn new technical skills from renowned resident and guest instructors. Charlotte Ballet’s 2023 Summer Intensive will be held at the Center for Dance from June 26 to July 29, 2023 and you can audition at a city near you! Register for one of Charlotte Ballet’s 11 audition locations or submit a video audition at charlotteballet.org.  LINKS:

On today’s episode of ‘Conversations On Dance’, we are joined by New York City Ballet soloist Mira Nadon. Mira joins us for a special bonus episode discussing her role as the central ballerina in Justin Peck’s upcoming premiere ‘Copland Dance Episodes’. She gives us an inside view of NYCB’s first non-narrative full length premiere since George Balanchine’s ‘Jewels’, discussing the creative process, her character’s emotional arc and what audiences can expect to see at the premiere this January 26th at the David H. Koch theater.  This Episode’s Sponsors: • The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy is excited to announce announce their summer programs. Come explore Salt Lake City and all that Ballet West has to offer. We are launching an exciting chapter in 2023 under Academy Director, Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, with the return of our strong summer programs and year-round Professional Training Division. Start your journey to Ballet West Academy today at academy.balletwest.org and use code BWPOD for $5 off your audition fee. • Works & Process moderated by Michael Sean Breeden: The Night Falls by Karen Russell, Ellis Ludwig-Leone, and Troy Schumacher (January 22, 2023) TICKETS • Inside NYCB moderated by Michael Sean Breeden, with guest Justin Peck (January 23, 2023) TICKETS LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

On today’s episode of Conversations On Dance, we are joined by principal ballerina with the Royal Danish Ballet, Holly Dorger. Holly shares her experience growing up as a highland dancer, accepting a contract with Royal Danish straight out of SAB, the change in style and technique that accompanied her new job and how she continues to grow and adapt in full length roles she revisits. If you are in the Copenhagen area, you can catch Holly’s performance as Odette/Odile in ‘Swan Lake’ this coming March.  This Episode’s Sponsors: • Fill your summer with technique, learning and fun at Charlotte Ballet’s Summer Intensive! With classes like classical and contemporary ballet, modern, jazz, West African and musical theater, this well-rounded, 5-week program is complete with reparatory performances and the opportunity to learn new technical skills from renowned resident and guest instructors. Charlotte Ballet’s 2023 Summer Intensive will be held at the Center for Dance from June 26 to July 29, 2023 and you can audition at a city near you! Register for one of Charlotte Ballet’s 11 audition locations or submit a video audition at charlotteballet.org.  • This episode is sponsored by Headliners Dance Championships. The Competition for Dancers by Dancers. Coming to a city near you! Our listeners can register for their 2023 Regionals Tour at reg.headlinersdance.com and use code “CODPFREE” for a free solo entry. All questions regarding our code can be emailed to info@headlinersdance.com. Follow Headliners Dance Championships on Social Media : Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/headlinersdance/ | Twitter: https://twitter.com/headlinersdance | Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headlinersdance | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeadlinersDanceChampionships/ | Visit the Official Website to learn more! https://headlinersdance.com/. The Headliners difference… HDC is the first competition to offer FREE Photo + Video Media Packages per event. Offering FREE Competition Live Streaming on https://headlinersdance.com/live. All Entries walk away with Video Critiques by World Class Judging Panels. Offering Trophy or Charity Donation each award ceremony- Over $8000 donated in 2022! • In 2020, Boston Ballet School entered a partnership with Walnut Hill School for the Arts, an independent boarding school and day school for high-school-aged artists, to create a more well-rounded artistic, academic, and residential experience for our pre-professional students. Boston Ballet School’s Professional Division at Walnut Hill offers Boston Ballet School’s world-renowned dance instruction in conjunction with Walnut Hill’s best-in-class college preparatory academic and rich residential program. Students receive an immersive and intensive educational experience on Walnut Hill’s scenic and safe campus...

Our friend, Kate Penner, returns to the pod this week as our special guest host to talk all things Summer Intensives. We talk about our personal stories with summer training, how to choose the school that’s right for you, why you should cast a wide net, and some tips and tricks for auditioning. This Episode’s Sponsors: • Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is training the next generation of professional dancers by providing ballet and dance education of the highest caliber that prepares students for professional careers in dance.  PBT’s school focuses on the dancer as a whole person and nurturing them into creative, confident and well-rounded individuals.  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Intensive Summer Program runs from June 25-July 29th.  Auditions are held across the country January 7 – Feb 12, with a virtual audition on January 13.  Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and their Intensive Summer Program at https://www.pbt.org/pbts/isp2023/. • The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy is excited to announce announce their summer programs. Come explore Salt Lake City and all that Ballet West has to offer. We are launching an exciting chapter in 2023 under Academy Director, Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, with the return of our strong summer programs and year-round Professional Training Division. Start your journey to Ballet West Academy today at acadmey.balletwest.org and use code BWPOD for $5 off your audition fee.    • Works & Process moderated by Michael Sean Breeden: The Night Falls by Karen Russell, Ellis Ludwig-Leone, and Troy Schumacher (January 22, 2023) TICKETS • Inside NYCB moderated by Michael Sean Breeden, with guest Justin Peck (January 23, 2023) TICKETS LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

On today’s episode of ‘Conversations On Dance’, we are joined by choreographer and incoming Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) Robert Garland. Robert began his dance training in Philadelphia where he first saw DTH perform as a child. He continued his training at Juilliard before joining DTH as a company member. He eventually reached the rank of principal and began work in various leadership roles as a teacher and choreographer. We talk to Robert about having the legendary Arthur Mitchell as a mentor, the wide range of his choreographic inspirations and his appointment in June 2023 to Artistic Director of the company he has long called home. If you are in the Houston area, see Dance Theatre of Harlem with Performing Arts Houston on February 3 & 4. Tickets are available at performingartshouston.org This Episode’s Sponsors: • Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School is training the next generation of professional dancers by providing ballet and dance education of the highest caliber that prepares students for professional careers in dance.  PBT’s school focuses on the dancer as a whole person and nurturing them into creative, confident and well-rounded individuals.  Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Intensive Summer Program runs from June 25-July 29th.  Auditions are held across the country January 7 – Feb 12, with a virtual audition on January 13.  Learn more about Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School and their Intensive Summer Program at https://www.pbt.org/pbts/isp2023/. • Visit the Performing Arts Houston website to learn more about the performance and other upcoming shows, including four multidisciplinary world premieres by Houston artists Anthony Brandt, J.E. Hernandez, Vivalda Dula, and Tazeen Zahida. All four new works will be presented in festival format at New/Now: The Houston Artist Commissioning Project on February 24 and 25. Tickets are available at performingartshouston.org ___________________________________________ LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance conversationsondancepod.com

It’s just us this week for our annual year-end wrap up. What a year 2022 has been! We list our favorite episodes from this year, our favorite performances we saw, our FOMO list of what we didn’t get to see but wished we had, and we share what we learned this year. Check out our COD Reading List for some last minute gift ideas for the dance lover in your life: https://conversationsondancepod.com/cod-reading-list/ Support COD: https://conversationsondancepod.com/support/ This episode’s sponsors: Just in time for holiday gift-giving, DANCIO, the online dance instruction provider, has announced an expansion of its line-up of classes, teachers, and menu of subscriptions. Dancio is run by dancers for dancers, and makes a memorable holiday gift. To gift Dancio, Go to dancio.com and click on subscribe.  The Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy is excited to announce announce their summer programs. Come explore Salt Lake City and all that Ballet West has to offer. We are launching an exciting chapter in 2023 under Academy Director, Evelyn Cisneros-Legate, with the return of our strong summer programs and year-round Professional Training Division. Start your journey to Ballet West Academy today at acadmey.balletwest.org and use code BWPOD for $5 off your audition fee.    _____________________________ LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance

Today on Conversations on Dance we are delving into the research and advocacy of the Dance Data Project. We are joined by DDP President and Founder, Elizabeth Yntema, and Senior Research Consultant, Junyla Silmon. The pair tell us about DDP and it’s mission, they break down their recent Artistic Director/Executive Director Compensation report, tell us about their First Look report that came out this month, and the research they have planned for the future. Learn more about DDP on their website: dancedataproject.com. We have linked to the recent reports that we discuss in the description of this episode. DDP Website: https://www.dancedataproject.com AD/ED Compensation Data Byte: https://www.dancedataproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Artistic-Director_Executive-Director-Compensation-Data-Byte.pdf First Look report (2022-2023 season): https://www.dancedataproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/First-Look-Report-2022-2023.pdf _____________________________ LINKS: Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RwJqWc Join our email list: https://bit.ly/3USVfcp Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Facebook Group:  facebook.com/groups/conversationsondancefriends Twitter: twitter.com/convoondance