In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Dance Kaleidoscope Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter to explore his multifaceted dance journey from a theater-loving high schooler in Atlanta to an influential choreographer and artistic leader in the dance industry.

Joshua shares pivotal moments in his development, including his time at the University of Arizona, his early choreographic commissions, and his 14-year tenure with Giordano Dance Chicago.

Now at the helm of Dance Kaleidoscope, he opens up about his leadership philosophy, audition process, and long-term vision for the company. Whether you're a dancer, educator, or choreographer, this episode is full of rich insights on persistence, artistry, and creating space for others to thrive.

Key Topics:

✨The transformative role of college dance and the importance of asking for opportunities

✨Navigating his first professional choreographic commission while still a college student

✨Transitioning from student to professional dancer and striking a realistic balance

✨What makes a great dancer in auditions (hint: it’s not perfection)

✨Why collaboration and respect are the cornerstones of his leadership style

✨His vision for Dance Kaleidoscope and what makes it a fulfilling place to work

✨Advice for young dancers on building a sustainable, long-term career

Connect with Joshua:

JOSHUA INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/jbcchoreography [http://instagram.com/jbcchoreography]

DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE IG: instagram.com/dance_kaleidoscope_indy [http://instagram.com/dance_kaleidoscope_indy]

DANCE KALEIDOSCOPE WEBSITE: www.dancekal.org [http://www.dancekal.org/]

Links and Resources:

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

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!)

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

56. A New Chapter for Dance Kaleidoscope with Artistic Director Joshua Blake Carter

In this solo episode, I dive into everything dancers need to know to make the most of their summer intensives. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pre-professional, this episode is packed with insight to help you thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally during one of the most transformative times in your dance training.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

🩰 Why summer intensives are critical for growth in technique, artistry, and professionalism

🩰 The importance of journaling and reflection - before, during, and after

🩰 Tips for adjusting socially and forming lasting connections

🩰 Staying healthy: sleep, recovery, nutrition, and hydration

🩰 Turning your summer intensive into an extended audition and possible job opportunity.

Related Blog Posts:

➡️ 3 Benefits of Attending a Summer Dance Intensive [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/3benefitsofattendingasummerdanceintensive]

➡️ Pack Like a Pro: Essential Items for Your Summer Dance Intensive [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/pack-like-a-pro-essential-items-for-your-summer-dance-intensive]

➡️ Coping with Missing Home During your Summer Intensive [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/coping-with-missing-home-during-your-summer-intensive]

➡️ Everything Dancers Need to Know Before Their First Partnering Class [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/everything-dancers-need-to-know-before-their-first-partnering-class]

Join the Conversation
Head to my Instagram @TheBrainyBallerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] and join my channel “Career Guidance for Dancers” to participate in future episode polls and get exclusive career tips straight to your inbox.

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

55. How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer Intensive

In this episode, I am joined by Anne Bak Marine and Lindsay Chirio-Humenay from Eisenhower Dance Detroit to discuss their transformative event, See & Be Seen. This two-day collegiate dance experience connects high school dancers with college dance programs, helping them navigate the often overwhelming path from high school to higher education in dance.

Anne and Lindsay share how the program has evolved from a small in-studio event to a statewide (and growing!) hub for dance college recruitment, complete with auditions, classes, workshops, and expert-led panels for both students and their families. They also reflect on their personal journeys through college dance programs in Michigan, and how those experiences inform their current work.

What We Cover:
✨ The origins and evolution of See & Be Seen
🎓 How the event bridges high school dancers with college programs
🧠 Health, wellness & mental health support for dancers
📚 Parent "nugget" sessions covering FAFSA, housing, campus life & more
💡 Advice for dancers on how to get the most out of the event
💬 Reflections on what success means in a dance career
🛠 The skills and confidence college dance programs build both on and off the stage

Learn more about the event:

REGISTER FOR SEEN & BE SEEN: www.eisenhowerdance.org/beseen [http://www.eisenhowerdance.org/beseen]

EISENHOWER DANCE DETROIT WEBSITE: www.eisenhowerdance.org [http://www.eisenhowerdance.org/]

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

Links and Resources:

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

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

54. See & Be Seen: Creating Pathways from High School to College Dance

Tanya Trombly, a freelance ballet dancer with over 20 years of professional career experience and founder of Bulletproof Ballerina, sits down with me today to discuss how her stubbornness and tenacity has helped her vision and goals become a reality.

We chat about what it’s like to go through the mental and physical challenges that come with relying so much on what you look like and how Tanya overcame those challenging obstacles in order to get to a much healthier place in both her life and career.

Much of the work that Tanya focuses on revolves around helping other dancers build confidence around the bodies that they were born with. Tanya shares that she feels as though she wasted so much time trying to change her body and now she wants to educate other ballet dancers on how to nourish their bodies rather than deplete them.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode :

 * Early Dance Days: How growing up at a more casual studio was a better fit than a ballet conservatory
 * Dance in College: Why Tanya chose Mercyhurst University
 * Transition to the Professional World: Why Tanya didn’t think she’d make it as a ballerina and what helped her land her first professional contract
 * Freelancing: What it takes to sustain a 20+ year career as a freelancer in NYC
 * Health and Fitness: Why Tanya has built a business around these concepts
 * Self-destruction vs. Nurturing: How Tanya is helping other dancers heal
 * Business Growth: How dance has helped Tanya grow her business
 * What the Future Holds: Tanya shares her big dreams she is currently pursuing

Connect with Tanya:

INSTAGRAM: @bulletproof_ballerina [https://www.instagram.com/bulletproof_ballerina/]

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

Links and Resources:

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!)

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

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

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

53. Ballet without Brutality: Tanya Trombly’s Bulletproof Approach to a Dance Career

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Michelle Thompson - former dancer with Ballet Austin, seasoned educator, and freelance choreographer based in New York City.

Michelle shares her remarkable journey from a spontaneous childhood dance debut at a neighborhood party to training at San Francisco Ballet School, a fulfilling 14-year career at Ballet Austin, and her transition into teaching and choreography.

Michelle offers candid insight into the realities of a professional dance career - from balancing motherhood while performing, to navigating rejection, and the often unseen work of carving out a path as a freelance choreographer.

This conversation is full of wisdom about longevity, resilience, community, and the importance of saying “yes” to yourself.

Key Topics:

✨ The lessons performing in company productions as a student taught her about professionalism
✨ How hard work, consistency, and openness shaped her long career at Ballet Austin
✨ What it’s really like being a dancing mom and how community made it possible
✨ The importance of persistence through rejection and why “no” isn’t the end of the story
✨ Michelle’s teaching philosophy beyond technique: consistency, communication, and a positive attitude

If you're a dancer navigating the unpredictable world of auditions, contracts, or freelance creative work, this conversation will give you both practical guidance and soulful encouragement.

Connect with Michelle:

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

DINNER PARTY PROJECT: https://www.instagram.com/dinner_party_project_nyc/

EMAIL: michelle.ulerich@gmail.com

Links and Resources:

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

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!)

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

52. Say Yes to Yourself: Michelle Thompson on Creating Your Own Opportunities in a Dance Career

In this warm and candid episode, I chat with Toby Lewellen about his path from reluctantly signing up for ballet class as a child to spending 11 years as a leading artist at Ballet Arkansas.

Though he originally saw it as a stepping stone, Toby stayed for over a decade, drawn in by the community, repertoire, and opportunity to dance featured roles. He shares behind-the-scenes stories about partnering with his wife onstage, why being an ugly stepsister in Cinderella was a career highlight, and what led to his graceful transition out of performing after an injury.

Now in a new chapter at Boca Ballet Theatre, Toby discusses his role as Director of Development, the challenges and rewards of teaching, and the unique structure of Boca’s summer intensive—where dancers gain rare, extended access to top company directors.

Key Topics:

✨Toby’s training at Peoria Ballet, Grand Valley State University, and Butler University

✨Joining a company with just three dancers (!), and being part of its growth over the course of his professional career

✨The realities and rewards of dancing in a small company

✨The importance of mental health and community in a dancer’s career

✨The unique programming Toby is a part of at Boca Ballet including their summer intensive and college dance fair

Connect with Toby:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/tobias3651 [http://instagram.com/tobias3651]

BOCA BALLET WEBSITE: bocaballet.org [http://bocaballet.org/]

BOCA BALLET INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/bocaballet [http://instagram.com/bocaballet]

EMAIL TOBY: tlewellen@bocaballet.org

Links and Resources:

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

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!)

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

51. Balancing Art and Admin: Toby Lewellen’s Transition from Dancer to Director of Development at Boca Ballet Theatre

In this solo episode, I’m diving into one of the most requested topics from my community: how high school dancers can find meaningful opportunities to grow in their dance training and career path.

I’m addressing your biggest challenges in finding opportunities including time, finances, and location. Tune in for practical (and inspiring!) advice for dancers who want to take the next step in their career.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

🩰How to set short-term and long-term goals to guide your search for opportunities

🩰Where to look to find opportunities within your local community

🩰How to prioritize opportunities for dancers who already feel like there’s not enough time

🩰How to seek financial assistance, scholarships, or create your own income stream

🩰Why owning your career path and articulating what you want is essential

Related Episodes

Episode 16: Realistic Time Management Strategies for Dancers [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ChIW5lPt500epbH9BGUyL?si=89e0c4cd72a1445a]

Episode 46: The 5 B’s of Building Your Professional Dance Network [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5u7nMys0xT4JuouL3NDmqQ?si=ofoQ6a16SfCc0UI5wplJDQ]

Links & Resources

Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/intentional-career-handbook] – A guided workbook to help dancers think intentionally about their career goals

Join the Conversation

Head to my Instagram @TheBrainyBallerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] and join my channel “Career Guidance for Dancers” to participate in future episode polls and get exclusive career tips straight to your inbox.

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

50. Finding Opportunities for High School Dancers

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Ayça Anıl, professional ballerina and founder of Bodhi Core, to explore the intersection of artistry, movement, and holistic wellness. From dancing principal roles at Istanbul State Opera and Ballet to becoming the first Turkish ballerina to dance professionally in the UK, Ayça’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

We talk about her prestigious training at the John Cranko School and Central School of Ballet, the experience of working with the iconic Alessandra Ferri, and what it means to embody strength and grace both on and off stage.

Ayça also shares how her passion for yoga, mindfulness, and Pilates led to the creation of Bodhi Core—a wellness platform designed to empower individuals through intentional movement. Tune in to hear how she blends classical technique with modern movement practices to help students move with confidence, presence, and purpose.

Highlights From This Episode:

✨Ayça’s ballet journey from Istanbul to the UK and back

✨Vulnerable stories from Ayça’s life that led her to focus on her physical and mental health

✨ The role of mindfulness and movement in injury prevention and longevity

✨ Her Why behind founding Bodhi Core and her holistic teaching philosophy

✨How yoga, Pilates, and meditation support dancers and non-dancers alike

Connect with Ayça

Check out Bodhi Core www.bodhicore.com [http://www.bodhicore.com/]

Check out Ayça on Instagram @aycaanil [https://www.instagram.com/aycaanill/]

Links & Resources

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

Visit the Ballet Help Desk website today!: 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.

49. The Power of Self-Compassion in a Dance Career with Bodhi Core Founder Ayça Anıl

In this episode I’m joined by Mizuki Sako, a professional dancer whose career spans ballet, contemporary, commercial work, and film performing with LA-based companies including the REALM company, LA Dance Moves, Psychopomp Dance Theater and Disneyland.

Mizuki shares her experiences navigating the professional freelance dance world and finding artistic fulfillment across different styles and mediums. If you’re a dancer wondering how to build a career beyond traditional ballet company contracts, this episode is for you!

Key points:

✨How Mizuki transitioned from ballet training to a multi-genre dance career

✨The challenges and rewards of freelancing as a professional dancer

✨How to balance commercial work, concert dance, and artistic exploration

✨Why versatility is an asset in today’s dance industry

✨The importance of maintaining good relationships in a small community

✨How Mizuki approaches different types of auditions as a freelance dancer

From ballet to film, Mizuki’s career proves that dance can take you in many directions. Staying flexible and saying "yes" to new experiences can truly lead you to places you never imagined!

Connect with Mizuki:

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

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

48. Navigating the Freelance LA Dance Scene with Mizuki Sako

In this episode, I sit down with Ane Arrieta, a company dancer with the legendary Martha Graham Dance Company. Ane takes us through her unique path, from training at the Academy of Newport Contemporary Ballet in Rhode Island to discovering modern dance in college, and ultimately joining one of the most prestigious dance companies in the world.

Ane shares behind-the-scenes insights into life as a Graham dancer, from intense rehearsals and international tours to performing historic roles and preparing for the company’s upcoming 100th anniversary season. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to dance for the Martha Graham Dance Company, this episode is for you!

Key Topics:

✨ How Ane’s childhood Nutcracker performances sparked her passion for dance

✨ What drew her to modern dance and why she fell in love with Graham technique

✨ The resilience required to navigate the dance world as a graduating college senior during COVID-19

✨ How Ane transitioned from Graham 2 to the Martha Graham Dance Company

✨ The physical and mental demands of Graham technique and how she stays injury-free

✨ What a typical week looks like for a Graham dancer—rehearsals, touring, and self-care

✨ The thrill of performing Martha Graham’s iconic works and what’s next in her career

Connect with Ane:

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

WEBSITE: https://marthagraham.org/

Links and Resources:

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

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!)

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

47. Becoming a Martha Graham Dancer: Ane Arrieta’s Path to the Company

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