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

In this inspiring episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, we sit down with Kerry Nicholls, Director of Artist Development at San Francisco Ballet, to explore the groundbreaking Raising Leaders program.

We dive deep into how the Raising Leaders program is transforming professional dancers into empowered leaders both on and off the stage. Kerry shares how dancers are selected, what the two-year curriculum entails, and how the program bridges the gap between performing and planning for a meaningful career after dance.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

 * Kerry’s personal dance journey and transition into leadership
 * Why she believes it’s never too early for dancers to think about life after dance
 * The mission behind the Raising Leaders program at San Francisco Ballet
 * How this initiative supports dancers’ personal growth, professional development, and studio leadership
 * The four major differences that set Raising Leaders apart from other dancer career development programs
 * How partnerships with Stanford University and LinkedIn are elevating the program
 * Actionable advice for dancers at companies with fewer resources to begin planning for their future
 * The real-world leadership skills dancers aren’t always taught in the classroom, and how to build them

Whether you're a student, a professional dancer, or a company director, this episode will spark ideas about how to support longevity and leadership in the dance world.

Tune in to discover how dancers can thrive beyond the stage, starting now.

Connect with Kerry Nicholls:

San Francisco Ballet’s Website [https://www.sfballet.org/artist/kerry-nicholls/]

Kerry’s Website [https://www.kerrynicholls.com/]

Links and Resources:

✨APPLY to The Core Corps: thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps [http://thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps]

Get your copy of the Intentional Career Handbook [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/intentional-career-handbook%5C]

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.

65. Inside the Raising Leaders Program with Kerry Nicholls of San Francisco Ballet 

In this insightful episode, I’m joined by Tim Lynch to trace his remarkable journey from a hyperactive kid looking for an outlet for his energy to a career dancing at Pacific Northwest Ballet and beyond.

He reflects on his 10-year career at PNB, the value of corps de ballet work, and highlights like dancing A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Agon at the Kennedy Center.

We also explore Tim’s transition into education and how he built a thriving boys' program at PNB. Tim shares the philosophies that shape his teaching style, including his emphasis on somatic practices, individualized instruction, and lifelong learning.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

🩰How Tim stumbled into ballet when his mom found an all boys class

🩰Tim’s time at SAB (including the story of how he landed the role of Prince with NYCB without even knowing what The Nutcracker was)

🩰Dancing at PNB, major roles, and memorable moments on international tours

🩰Tim’s educational philosophy: SAB discipline meets somatic wisdom

🩰The importance of building supportive, affirming environments for boys in ballet

🩰Tim’s commitment to lifelong learning: pursuing an MFA and staying active in professional development

🩰Advice for dance educators to make the classroom as more inclusive atmosphere

Connect with Tim:

WEBSITE: https://www.lynchdance.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tim.j.lynch [http://instagram.com/tim.j.lynch]

Links and Resources:

✨APPLY to The Core Corps: thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps [http://thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps]

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

64.  Rewiring Ballet: Tim Lynch’s Somatic Perspective on Dance Education

In this week’s solo episode, I’m reflecting on the most pivotal lessons I wish I had known as a young dancer. From perfectionism to career pivots, I’m sharing the emotional, mental, and practical challenges of transitioning from student to professional dancer + how to thrive through them.

PLUS I have a special announcement - and you’re hearing it here first!

Key “pointes” in this episode:

🩰Why chasing perfection might be doing more harm than good

🩰The surprising power of saying, “I don’t know.”

🩰A mindset shift that could change how you handle judgment and comparison

🩰What I learned after taking a leap from one dance path to another

🩰A new perspective on handling rejection in auditions and casting

🩰The one reminder every dancer needs on their toughest days



✨✨✨ APPLY TO THE CORE CORPS: thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/thecorecorps] ✨✨✨



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

63. What I Wish I Understood as a Young Dancer (+ Special Announcement!)

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