In this heartfelt solo episode, I’m putting on my dance teacher hat to share the things every dance educator wishes their students understood, drawing from over 15 years of teaching experience.

You’ll hear practical insight and honest reminders that can completely shift the way you show up in class. From respecting the process to understanding feedback and showing up with positive energy, this episode is packed with wisdom for dancers at every stage of training.

Key points in this episode:

 * Why your teacher’s corrections come from care, not criticism
 * How your energy can change the entire atmosphere of a class
 * The importance of learning choreography outside of rehearsal
 * What teachers really mean when they say they “see your potential”
 * Why effort matters more than perfection
 * How professionalism and respect make you stand out
 * A reminder that your teachers are human, too
 * The life lessons you’re learning in dance that go far beyond the studio
 * Why growth happens outside your comfort zone
 * A reminder that your teachers have been exactly where you are now

Whether you’re a dancer who needs perspective, a teacher looking for words to share with your students, or a parent hoping to understand the studio dynamic better, this episode will leave you inspired and grounded in the shared humanity behind the art of dance.

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition [https://www.etoilecomp.com/] with code BRAINY10.

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

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

75. What Your Dance Teacher Wants You to Know

Today’s conversation is one that every dancer - current or retired - needs to hear. I’m joined by Kaylee Randall, a former professional dancer who spent nearly a decade performing on cruise ships, in theme parks, and in Las Vegas. After an incredible performing career, Kaylee made a bold move to Australia in 2018, where she founded Pivot for Dancers, a platform dedicated to helping professional dancers find meaning off the stage and confidently step into their next chapter.

In this episode, Kaylee opens up about what it was really like to leave the professional dance world behind and how her own experience navigating that transition inspired the creation of Pivot for Dancers. We talk about the identity crisis and imposter syndrome so many dancers face after retiring, and how starting these conversations can help dancers connect on a deeply human level.

Kaylee also shares practical advice for performers who might be wondering what’s next. She encourages dancers to explore hobbies outside of dance, connect with non-dancers, and start side projects that might someday turn into a new career path. We also discuss how to identify and articulate the transferable skills dancers already have and how those skills can apply to surprising new fields (including coding!).

This episode is a must-listen for anyone standing at the edge of a career pivot or curious about what life after dance can look like. Kaylee’s perspective is empowering, grounded, and refreshingly real, reminding us all that the end of one chapter can be the beginning of something even more meaningful.

Connect with Kaylee:

pivotfordancers.com [http://pivotfordancers.com/]

@pivotfordancers on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pivotfordancers/

Pivot for Dancers on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pivotfordancers

Links and Resources:

Etoile Dance Competition: 10% off registration with code “BRAINY10” - https://www.etoilecomp.com/

The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/theultimateauditionguide]

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

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

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.

74. Pivot for Dancer’s Kaylee Randall on Redefining Success Beyond the Stage

In this week’s insightful episode, I am joined by Ali Block and Rachael Dailey Goodwin. Ali is a former professional ballerina. She studied psychology at Columbia University and currently works as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Lab Manager at Icahn School of Medicine. Rachael is a former dancer and is currently Assistant Professor of Management at Syracuse University Whitman School of Management.

Together with Lyndon Garrett, they recently published an incredible research paper titled: Under Pressure to Be Perfect: How Dehumanizing and Rehumanizing Social Cues Lead to Maladaptive and Adaptive Perfectionism in Professional Ballet.

In this episode, we dive deep into how environment and culture shape our perfectionist tendencies and explore the role we all play in thriving in our pursuit of excellence.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * What first drew them to study perfectionism in the world of professional ballet
 * How high-pressure environments (such as ballet) often employ excessively high standards that may evoke harmful experiences of perfectionism
 * The difference between maladaptive and adaptive perfectionism, and why perfectionism in general is not always harmful
 * The role environmental cues play to support dancers in shifting from maladaptive to adaptive perfectionism
 * The specific forms of dehumanizing and rehumanizing social cues
 * How artistic leaders can become more aware of some of the ways they are subtly fueling dancers’ perfectionistic tendencies

Connect with Ali:

WEBSITE:  http://alipaigeblock.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ali_p_block [http://instagram.com/ali_p_block]

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-paige-block-b8798a112/

Connect with Rachael:

WEBSITE: https://www.rachaeldaileygoodwin.com/

FACULTY: https://whitman.syracuse.edu/faculty-and-research/faculty-staff-directory/details/rdgoodwi

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachaeldaileygoodwin/

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition [https://www.etoilecomp.com/] with code BRAINY10.

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide]

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

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

73. Under Pressure to Be Perfect with Rachael Dailey Goodwin and Ali Block

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by former professional ballerina and performance psychology expert Lauren Ostrander McArdle. Lauren danced with companies including the National Ballet of Canada and as a soloist with Sarasota Ballet and now holds a Master’s Degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. She is the founder of Behind the Curtain, a platform dedicated to equipping dancers with the mental tools they need to thrive on and off the stage.

Lauren shares her unique dance journey, from her reluctant early ballet days, to leaving home at just 14 to pursue serious training, to eventually securing professional contracts. We dive into the highs and lows of a dance career, from dream contracts and devastating injuries to resilience, mental strength, and redefining success beyond the stage. Lauren shares her powerful comeback story, insights into ballet culture, and practical advice for dancers navigating both the physical and mental demands of the art form.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Why Lauren didn’t love ballet at first, and what changed her mind at age 10.
 * The pivotal role of teachers and environment in shaping a dancer’s path.
 * The challenges of balancing independence, schooling, and training as a teen dancer.
 * Lauren’s transition from student to professional and how she navigated auditions.
 * Lauren’s devastating early-career injury and the long road back to dancing.
 * The pivotal moment she returned to the stage with the National Ballet of Canada.
 * Behind-the-scenes stories of being thrown onstage last minute at San Francisco Ballet.
 * The mental challenges dancers face especially fear of failure, comparison, and external validation.
 * Why confidence is a trainable skill and how to start building it today.
   The unique cultural pressures of ballet compared to traditional sports.
 * How teachers and mentors can balance high expectations with high support.

Connect with Lauren:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/behindthecurtain.spp [http://instagram.com/behindthecurtain.spp]

PERSISTENCEPSYCH IG: instagram.com/Persistencepsych [http://instagram.com/Persistencepsych]

PIVOT DANCER IG: instagram.com/pivotdancer [http://instagram.com/pivotdancer]

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition [https://www.etoilecomp.com/] with code BRAINY10

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide]

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

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

72. Behind the Curtain with Lauren Ostrander McArdle: The Psychology of Dance

In this week’s podcast episode, I’m joined by my husband, THE Mr. Brainy Ballerina Steve Sloan, to reflect on our journey together - from his background as a college soccer player to supporting my career as a professional dancer, and now navigating life as parents. We share stories from our early days of dating, his first impressions of the ballet world, and the infamous “apple crisp incident” during tech week.

Steve also opens up about the sacrifices we’ve both made for each other’s careers, how his corporate work “selling robots to scientists” compares to the ballet world, and what lessons dancers can teach everyone about resilience and determination.

We also tackle some fun audience questions, including Steve’s hidden talent, his favorite roles he’s seen me perform, and his heartfelt advice for anyone in a relationship with a dancer.

This episode is full of laughter, honesty, and love. Enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at our marriage and the ways ballet has shaped our lives!

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Steve’s background as a soccer player and how it connected him to ballet culture
 * Our early relationship and the sacrifices we made for each other’s careers
 * Steve’s first time seeing me perform (which was also his first time at a ballet ever!)
 * Quirky realities of living with a dancer
 * How the ballet industry and corporate America could learn from each other
 * Reflections on supporting each other’s dreams through marriage and parenthood

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition [https://www.etoilecomp.com/] with code BRAINY10.

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide]

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

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

71. Mr. Brainy Ballerina Unplugged: The Partner's POV of the Dance World with my Husband, Steve Sloan

What does it take to go from Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnast to professional ballerina with the Birmingham Royal Ballet? In this episode, Hannah Martin shares her remarkable journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers dream big and make it happen.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

 * Hannah’s early career as a rhythmic gymnast, including competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and earning 22 national titles.
 * The key differences between gymnastics training and ballet training—and why flexibility alone wasn’t enough.
 * How competing on the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer became a turning point, ultimately leading to her acceptance at Elmhurst Ballet School, where she graduated with the Sir Peter Wright Award for Performance.
 * The challenges and breakthroughs of transitioning into ballet at 16—and why learning the “in-between steps” became her biggest growth moment.
 * How recovering from injury gave her a deeper appreciation for dance and helped unlock the “next level” of ballet.
 * Why Hannah founded the Make It Happen Academy—an online platform empowering dancers to build strength, refine technique, and develop mental skills for long-term success.
 * Her best advice for young dancers stepping into the professional world: find a life outside of ballet, avoid burnout, and protect your body.

Connect with Hannah:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmartinrg [https://www.instagram.com/hannahmartinrg?igsh=MTgyb2JyZXdyNnZ1cg==]

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hannahmartinrg [https://youtube.com/@hannahmartinrg?si=yUEe2-dAtCTSAnJA]

Website: www.hannahmartin.info [http://www.hannahmartin.info/]

Make it Happen Academy: https://make-it-happen-academy.teachery.co/make-it-happen-academy

Links and Resources:

The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/theultimateauditionguide]

Ballet Help Desk Website [https://ballethelpdesk.com/]

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

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

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.

70. Dream Big, Make It Happen: Hannah Martin’s Journey from  Rhythmic Gymnastics to the Birmingham Royal Ballet

In this episode, I sit down with Erica Hornthal, licensed clinical professional counselor and board-certified dance/movement therapist, to explore the transformative power of movement for emotional and mental health. Known as “The Therapist Who Moves You”, Erica shares how dance and movement therapy can help us reconnect to our bodies, regulate the nervous system, and rewire patterns shaped by trauma, stress, and perfectionism.

We unpack misconceptions about dance therapy, the challenges dancers face in balancing technique with authenticity, and how to foster embodied practices for healthier, more resilient artistry. Erica also offers a simple grounding exercise you can try right now, and opens up about her books Body Aware and Body Talk, which provide practical tools for cultivating body awareness and self-expression.

Whether you’re a professional dancer, a teacher, or simply someone curious about somatic healing, this conversation will inspire you to embrace movement as more than performance - it’s a pathway to self-discovery, healing, and joy.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * What dance/movement therapy is and how it differs from a dance class
 * How our bodies hold unspoken stories, patterns, and emotions
 * Why embodiment enhances artistic performance
 * Ways to nurture creativity in young dancers without stifling expression
 * Common misconceptions about dance therapy (hint: you don’t need to be a dancer to benefit!)
 * How movement can support healing from trauma, anxiety, and burnout
 * Practical advice for teachers on creating trauma-informed, person-first dance spaces
 * A simple leaning exercise you can use anytime to feel grounded and supported

Connect with Erica:

WEBSITE: www.ericahornthal.com [http://www.ericahornthal.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/the.therapist.who.moves.you [http://www.instagram.com/the.therapist.who.moves.you]

Links and Resources:

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

Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/the-brainy-ballerina-book-club]

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

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

69. Listening to your Body with “The Therapist who Moves You”, Erica Hornthal

In this episode, I’m joined by registered sports dietitian Lisa Rivera, who brings her unique background in both dance and nutrition to the conversation. Lisa shares her personal journey of healing her relationship with food, how proper fueling transformed her dance career, and why she’s passionate about helping dancers thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.

From understanding the mind-body connection to diving into gut health, brain function, stress management, and supplements, this episode is packed with practical insights to help dancers improve performance, resilience, and well-being.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Lisa’s journey from struggling with body image as a dancer to becoming a sports dietitian.
 * How nutrition impacts not just physical performance, but also focus, mood, and emotional health.
 * The role of the gut microbiome and how it connects to brain function.
 * Foods and habits that support gut health and mental clarity.
 * Fueling strategies to manage performance anxiety and stressful rehearsal weeks.
 * Supplements dancers should consider (like omega-3s and magnesium) and how to choose quality brands.
 * Tips for traveling dancers to maintain digestion and energy on tour.
 * One small step dancers can take this week to better fuel their body and brain.

Connect with Lisa:

WEBSITE: https://performancenutritioncompany.com/p/home

Register for Lisa’s course ‘Nutrition for Dancers’ and receive 50% off with code BrainyBallerina50

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/nutritionco_for_dancers [http://instagram.com/nutritionco_for_dancers]

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide]

Set up ticketing [http://www.drttix.com/create-event] for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

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

68. Fueling the Mind-Body Connection with Registered Sports Dietitian Lisa Rivera

In this solo episode, I’m getting honest about one of the hardest parts of being a dancer (and a human) - rejection. I recently launched a brand new mentorship program - and it totally flopped. So I’m sharing with you the process I used to coach myself through the disappointment and the lessons I learned along the way.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Why rejection doesn’t define your worth as a dancer or artist
 * The hidden wins in experiences that don’t go as planned
 * Common mistakes dancers (and entrepreneurs) make when putting themselves out there
 * How imposter syndrome can sabotage opportunities - and how to push back
 * Why you need to talk about your work way more than you think
 * How to ask for feedback and what to do when you don’t get it
 * Reframing rejection as redirection in your career and life

Tune in to talk through the emotions, the mindset shifts, and the practical lessons that can help dancers (and anyone pursuing a big dream) handle rejection with resilience.

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

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

67. My Program Launch Failed (So Let's Talk About Rejection)

In this week’s inspiring episode, I’m joined by Brooklyn-based creative leader and founder of Dance Device Lab, Brandon Cournay. From his unexpected start in a small-town Michigan dance studio to earning a spot at Juilliard and building a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director, executive director and business owner, Brandon shares his multifaceted journey through the dance world.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

🩰How a musical theater camp unexpectedly launched his dance career

🩰The unique training environment of his childhood studio with over 100 boys

🩰His path to Juilliard and how it reshaped his perspective on dance and artistry

🩰The realities of freelancing in New York and how versatility leads to more opportunities

🩰The mission behind Dance Device Lab and how it empowers dancers nationwide

🩰Why building community and being a kind, versatile human matters as much as technique

🩰Practical advice for young dancers: diversifying skills, exploring life outside the studio, and being a dancer AND something

Brandon also dives into his teaching philosophy, nonprofit leadership insights, and the importance of making live performance more engaging and accessible for today’s audiences.

Connect with Brandon:

WEBSITE: brandoncournay.com [http://brandoncournay.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/brandon_cournay [http://instagram.com/brandon_cournay]

DANCE DEVICE LAB WEBSITE: dancedevicelab.com [http://dancedevicelab.com/]

Links and Resources:

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

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

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]

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

66. The Future of Dance Education with Dance Device Lab Founder Brandon Cournay

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.

Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.

Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.

Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.

Caitlin Sloan

Shows