Professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Sharon Kung is redefining what it means to build a sustainable and empowered life in dance. In this episode, Sharon shares her unconventional path through ballet, contemporary dance, higher education, and entrepreneurship, including the experiences that led her to found Ballet Trauma Club.

We dive into honest conversations about dancer pay, burnout, artistic freedom, and the realities of building a long-term career in dance, along with how dancers can begin reshaping the industry from the inside out.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Sharon’s early relationship with dance and her training in Hong Kong through the Royal Academy of Dance
 * Transitioning to the U.S. dance world and discovering contemporary dance at Juilliard
 * Double majoring in dance performance and economics at UC Irvine and what dancers should consider before taking that path
 * Her first professional contract with Thodos Dance Chicago and navigating cultural shifts in the industry
 * Differences between dance work in the U.S., Europe, and Asia
 * The inspiration behind Ballet Trauma Club and the conversations Sharon hopes to spark around sustainability, trauma, and pay equity in ballet
 * Systems Sharon uses to avoid burnout while building a creative business

Connect with Sharon:

Follow Ballet Trauma Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballettraumaclub/

Shop Ballet Trauma Club’s Website: https://ballettraumaclub.com/ (Use code BBBTC15 for 15% off your purchase!)

Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.sharonkung/

Sharon’s Personal Website: https://sharonkung.com/

Links and Resources:

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

Complimentary Career Mentoring Consultation: 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.

83. Fueled by Caffeine and Chaos with Ballet Trauma Club Founder Sharon Kung

In this special birthday episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, we’re flipping the script! To celebrate my 38th birthday, my dear friend Carrie Euker steps in as guest host and I gave her free rein to ask me anything she wants.

From career reflections, personal stories, Nutcracker nostalgia and the advice I wish every dancer knew, this episode offers an honest, uplifting look behind the scenes of my dance journey.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Navigating injuries and learning to be honest with your body
 * The teachers who shaped my transition from student to professional
 * My dream Nutcracker role (and my very first one)
 * The dancers I would hire for my “dream company”
 * The key piece of advice I want every dancer to know

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

82. The Birthday Episode: Caitlin Tells All

Alexandra Light, choreographer, creative researcher, and former principal dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, joins me for a conversation that weaves together artistry, identity, and the evolution of a dancer’s life. Her work has been shaped by residencies at places like Jacob’s Pillow and often explores ecology, feminist history, and the body as a site of memory and transformation.

At just 18, Alexandra moved into Houston Ballet’s second company. She reflects on the intensity of that transition, the endurance it required, and the lifelong friendships formed during that pivotal year. She shares the lessons that helped her survive a full schedule of morning class followed by demanding rehearsals and how those habits shaped her professional resilience.

For dancers who feel stronger as performers than technicians, Alexandra opens up about standing out in open calls despite feeling the same way early in her career. She walks through her progression from apprentice to principal dancer at Texas Ballet Theater, reminding us that careers are built on a blend of hard work, timing, luck, and the needs of a company.

Alexandra also talks about recognizing the moment it was time to retire, a decision influenced by both intuition and logistics. Less than a year into retirement, she explains how shifting toward choreography was the biggest factor and why watching live ballet now fills her with excitement rather than longing.

When asked to describe her choreography, Alexandra uses three striking words: expansive, dramatic, and curious. She shares how she builds work (from music-driven ideas to research-heavy processes) like her recent piece exploring the overlooked women who influenced Frank Lloyd Wright’s success.

We also discuss her commitment to making ballet more sustainable and accessible. Alexandra recounts a formative moment that drove her to create work for audiences who have never had access to ballet. She also opens up about sustaining her own creativity and the role nature plays in her artistic practice.

This episode is rich with insight, honesty, and inspiration for dancers, dance lovers, and anyone navigating a creative path.

Connect with Alexandra:

Visit Alexandra’s Website: https://www.alexandralight.art/

Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farbie/

Links and Resources:

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

Schedule your Complimentary Career Consultation: 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.

81. Building an Expansive, Dramatic & Curious Choreographic Career with Alexandra Light

In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Robert Schultz - LA-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder of Artists in Training - to explore how dancers can build a thriving career in today’s ever-changing industry.

Together, we dig into how class culture has shifted in the age of social media, why dancers crave instant gratification, and the impact that “getting it on film” has had on training. Robert also breaks down how Artists Training was created to bring connection, consistency, and deeper purpose back to the convention model - helping dancers not just improve their technique, but understand who they are as humans and artists.

This episode is full of honesty, humor, and powerful reminders about staying grounded, trusting your path, and never giving yourself an expiration date.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Robert’s early dance beginnings and how his first teacher recognized his natural talent
 * The differences between the NYC and LA dance scene
 * Why proper warmup, longevity, and technique still matter (and why he refuses to shorten class!)
 * Professionalism on set: respect, communication, and the behaviors that get dancers rehired
 * The creation of Artists Training and how it blends convention energy with mentorship and mindset work
 * Studio culture: competition vs. community and the power of genuine support
 * Why dancers shouldn’t give themselves an “expiration date” when pursuing a professional career

Connect with Robert:

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

AIT INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/artistsintraining [http://instagram.com/artistsintraining]

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

Links and Resources:

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

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

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

80. Artists in Training Founder Robert Schultz on Preparing Dancers for Real-World Success

Nutcracker season is here - and it’s a doozy!

In this encore release of one of my most popular solo episodes, I’m sharing my practical tips and heartfelt advice for dancers to not just survive but thrive during this iconic ballet season. Whether you're a student navigating school and rehearsals, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you approach the season with joy, balance, and intention

And if you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please be sure to hit the 5-star review button and help me reach my goal of receiving 100 5-star reviews in 2025!

Links and Resources:

The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/theultimateauditionguide]

Find a specialist on Doctors for Dancers [https://doctorsfordancers.com/]

Rachel Fine's To The Pointe Nutrition article [https://dancenutrition.com/nutrition-meal-planning-for-nutcracker/] for a balanced Nutcracker meal plan

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

Gift Guides:

2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Dancers [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/2025-holiday-gift-guide-for-dancers]

2025 Nutcracker Gift Guide for Dancers [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/2025nutcracker-gift-guide-for-dancers]

Related Episodes:

Episode 16: Realistic Time Management Strategies for Dancers [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ChIW5lPt500epbH9BGUyL?si=OKTPNHwEQRCOA0n0mZD54A]

Book Recommendation:

The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairy Tale Memoir [https://amzn.to/415GCHW] by Janine Kovac (affiliate link)

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

79. ENCORE: Nutcracker Survival Guide for Dancers

A teenage ballerina with a sketch in a notebook had no idea it would one day spark a global franchise. In this episode, Genevieve Custer Weeks, former professional dancer and founder of Tutu School, shares the journey that took her from training at Ballet Chicago at just fifteen to leading 140 (and counting!) boutique ballet schools across the US, Canada, and the UK.

Genevieve reflects on the courage it took to move away from home so young, the gratitude she discovered for her family, and the setback of surgery that sidelined her just as she was preparing to audition professionally. After healing, she earned her first contract with Oakland Ballet and ultimately built a freelancing career that unexpectedly became the foundation for her future in entrepreneurship.

Teaching three-year-old baby ballerinas planted the earliest seeds of what would become Tutu School. Genevieve walks us through the early days of opening her first studio, what she wishes she had known, and how the idea of franchising evolved from an intimidating possibility into a defining part of her business model.

As a mom of three, Genevieve opens up about involving her kids in her business, navigating the give-and-take of entrepreneurial motherhood, and embracing flexibility even when it means rearranging everything to show up for the moments that matter.

Genevieve closes with the biggest lessons she’s learned in business, offering practical encouragement for anyone growing a brand, considering expansion, or dreaming up their next chapter.

Connect with Genevieve:

Follow Genevieve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutugenevieve/

Follow Tutu School on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutuschool/

Tutu Schools Website: https://tutuschool.com/

Links and Resources:

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

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]

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.

78. From Professional Ballerina to CEO: How Genevieve Custer Weeks Built Tutu School

In this inspiring episode I’m joined by Elizabeth Troxler - a ballet teacher, choreographer, performer with over 30 years of experience training dancers from beginners to professionals.

Elizabeth shares her journey from her first dance class at age five to a professional career spanning ballet and musical theater. She discusses how she transitioned from performer to choreographer and educator, the importance of versatility for dancers today, and how to cultivate confidence and self-awareness in the studio.

Elizabeth also introduces Ballet Boost, her innovative app designed to make ballet training more accessible - complete with classes, allegro vocabulary, and video demonstrations to support dancers and teachers around the world.

This conversation is full of wisdom, humor, and heart, offering dancers and teachers alike tangible tools to grow both artistically and personally.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Elizabeth’s early ballet training and career as a professional dancer
 * Her transition from concert dance to musical theater and the biggest differences she found between the ballet and musical theater worlds
 * How she transitioned into teaching and choreography (starting as an 11-year old choreographing for a local musical and teaching private lessons on her front porch)
 * The opportunities that open up when you are a versatile dancer
 * Elizabeth’s “non-negotiables” of dance training beyond technique
 * How she is using technology to make ballet training more accessible

Connect with Elizabeth:

WEBSITES:

https://www.elizabethtroxler.com/

https://balletboost.passion.io/

https://chronicledance.com [https://chronicledance.com/]

https://www.allongefilms.com/

INSTAGRAM:

instagram.com/liztroxler [http://insagram.com/liztroxler]

instagram.com/balletboostapp [http://instagram.com/balletboostapp]

instagram.com/chronicledance [http://instagram.com/chronicledance]

instagram.com/allongefilms [http://instagram.com/allongefilms]

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

77. Innovating Ballet Education: Elizabeth Troxler on Creating the Ballet Boost App

In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Katrena Cohea, the creator behind Your Body Image BFF, to explore how dance educators can reframe conversations around body image, teaching methods, and dancer wellness.

Katrena shares her journey from bunhead to flamenco dancer to teacher and studio owner, and how her experiences led her to create resources that help teachers integrate body neutrality and self-respect into dance training. Together, we discuss how early messages about body image begin forming in childhood, how pop culture reinforces harmful norms, and why the common “love your body” message can sometimes feel inaccessible to dancers.

We also unpack the importance of evolving beyond the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset in dance culture and finding a balance between discipline, accountability, and compassion in the studio. This episode is full of honest insights, practical teaching tools, and hope for a more supportive dance world.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Katrena’s dance journey from ballet to flamenco and teaching
 * How early body image messages shape young dancers
 * Why “love your body” can feel vague - and what to say instead
 * The creation of Love Your Body (or Don’t), Katrena’s five-day toolkit with Nicole Sabella
 * Simple classroom practices that combine wellness and technique
 * Rethinking traditional dance teaching methods and finding balance between rigor and empathy
 * Encouraging curiosity, respect, and realistic self-awareness in dancers

Connect with Katrena:

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

LOVE YOUR BODY (OR DON’T): https://www.thenourisheddancer.com/love-your-body-or-dont

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

76. Love Your Body (or Don't) with Katrena Cohea

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

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