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!)

In this episode, I’m joined by former principal ballerina and author Gavin Larsen to discuss the full arc of a ballet career - from the innocence of a child’s first class to the quiet, often emotional decision to step away from the stage.

With striking honesty and warmth, Gavin retraces her early, formative years as a student in New York, through the rigorous training at the School of American Ballet, into her professional years with major companies like Pacific Northwest Ballet, Alberta Ballet, and Oregon Ballet Theatre. Along the way, she touches on issues that resonate deeply with dancers at all levels: identity, injury, finding artistic fulfillment, and reinvention.

This episode not only provides a front-row seat to Gavin’s career but also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of her acclaimed memoir Being a Ballerina, the Brainy Ballerina Book Club’s current pick!

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

 * Gavin’s training at the School of American Ballet beginning at the age of 11
 * The start of her professional career in the corps of Pacific Northwest Ballet
 * How Gavin chose to move to Alberta Ballet - a smaller company that offered huge artistic opportunities and growth
 * The chance meeting that led Gavin to Oregon Ballet Theatre, the company she would finish her dance career with
 * How she knew it was time to retire from the stage after 18 years as a professional ballerina
 * The journey of writing her memoir, Being a Ballerina, starting with vivid, honest “snapshots” of her dance life.

Connect with Gavin:

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

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/GavinLarsenAuthor/ [https://www.facebook.com/GavinLarsenAuthor/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/gavinalarsen/ [https://www.instagram.com/gavinalarsen/]

Links and Resources:

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

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

62. The Truth About Being a Ballerina with Gavin Larsen

In this enlightening episode, we’re joined by Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD — a former ballet dancer turned physician and founder of Hypermobility MD and Bendy Bodies. Dr. Bluestein is a leading expert in hypermobility disorders, especially among dancers, and she’s passionate about educating and empowering those living with conditions like hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).

We dive into:

 * What inspired Dr. Bluestein to specialize in hypermobility in dancers
 * The difference between flexibility and hypermobility
 * How to tell if you might have hypermobility or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD)
 * The distinctions between HSD and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
 * Common signs and symptoms dancers should watch for
 * What steps to take if you suspect you're hypermobile
 * Dr. Bluestein’s M.E.N.S.P.M.S. framework for managing hypermobility
 * Why early care is key to a sustainable dance career
 * Myths about hypermobility that need busting
 * How dance teachers can support hypermobile dancers
 * How to find medical professionals who understand dancers' needs

Whether you're a dancer, teacher, or parent, this episode is packed with practical insights, expert advice, and actionable steps for navigating hypermobility in the dance world.

Connect with Dr. Linda Bluestein:

SUBSTACK: https://hypermobilitymd.substack.com/

WEBSITE: https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/hypermobilitymd/

PODCAST: https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/

Links and Resources:

IADMS: https://iadms.org/find-a-provider/

Doctors for Dancers: https://doctorsfordancers.com/

Aloha Nutrition Bars: 20% off using code: BRAINYBALLERINA [https://aloha.com/]

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.

61. Understanding Hypermobility in Dancers with Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD

In this candid conversation, I’m joined by Autumn Klein, a principal dancer and accomplished artist whose career includes performing with Texas Ballet Theater, Oklahoma City Ballet, Ballet Frontier, and Ballet North Texas. Autumn, who is also the co-founder of New Narratives Dance, shares her unconventional journey through the dance world - from overcoming gaps in her classical training, stepping away from dance to attend college, and rising to the rank of principal after returning to her professional ballet career.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

🩰The culture shock of transitioning from competition dance to full-time ballet training at Houston Ballet

🩰Her experiences dancing with renowned companies and eventually becoming a principal dancer at Oklahoma City Ballet

🩰The challenges of burnout, stepping away from dance to attend college and join AmeriCorps and how she found her way back to the stage

🩰Building a massive social media presence (3M+ followers on TikTok) and pioneering her popular pointe painting

🩰The creation of New Narratives Dance, a contemporary ballet company focused on bold storytelling

Autumn also shares valuable advice on balancing a multifaceted career, finding the right company fit, and building an authentic social media community.

Connect with Autumn:

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@autumnsklein

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@autumnsklein

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

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]

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

60. Building New Narratives: Autumn Klein’s Unconventional Path Back to Ballet

In this week’s solo episode, I’m tackling a topic that comes up often for dancers: comparison.

I dive deep into why comparison is a natural human instinct - rooted in evolutionary survival - and how it’s especially amplified in the world of ballet, where mirrors, corrections, and casting are constant. Rather than trying to eliminate comparison, this episode is full of empowering tools to reframe it into a source of motivation, self-awareness, and growth.

Key “pointes” in this episode:

🩰Why comparison is more than just a bad habit, and why it's especially common among dancers

🩰A simple mindset shift that can make comparison less painful and more productive

🩰My advice on handling social media in a way that supports your growth

🩰Using your unique strengths to stand out in a competitive environment

🩰Practical tools (and journal prompts) to turn comparison into clarity and confidence

Blog Post: thebrainyballerina.com/blog/from-insecurity-to-inspiration-navigating-the-comparison-game-in-dance [http://thebrainyballerina.com/blog/from-insecurity-to-inspiration-navigating-the-comparison-game-in-dance]

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

59. From Insecurity to Inspiration: Navigating the Comparison Game in Dance

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode I sit down with Royal Danish Ballet Principal Ballerina Holly Dorger - a childhood friend whose dance journey has taken her from suburban Michigan to the royal stage of Copenhagen.

Holly’s path has been anything but predictable. From training at the School of American Ballet with dreams of joining New York City Ballet, to unexpectedly being offered a contract abroad, Holly opens up about how she began her professional career at 18 with the Royal Danish Ballet.

She shares candid reflections on everything from finding personal healing through dancing roles such as Giselle to what it’s like to be knighted by the Queen of Denmark. We talk about the challenges of building a life in a foreign country, what it's like to grow artistically over nearly two decades as a professional, and how she brings authenticity and emotional depth to every performance - especially the ones rooted in human experience and vulnerability.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a career abroad, channel personal pain into performance, or face the question of "what’s next?" after reaching the top, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

🩰Holly's early days training in Michigan (where we first met!)

🩰Moving to NYC at 14 to train at the School of American Ballet

🩰The path that led her to Copenhagen and the Royal Danish Ballet

🩰Her favorite roles (hello, Giselle, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and anything Balanchine)

🩰Processing personal heartbreak through performance

🩰The perks of dancing in a European ballet company

🩰What it was like to be knighted by the Queen of Denmark

🩰Facing the reality of forced retirement and dreaming of what's next

Connect with Holly:

WEBSITE: Www.HollyDorger.com [http://www.hollydorger.com/]

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

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]

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

58. Plot Twists: Holly Dorger’s Rise to Principal Ballerina of the Royal Danish Ballet

Join me today as I sit down with Nancy Paradis, a seasoned choreographer, artistic director, and educator with a rich career spanning classical ballet and the commercial dance world. She also leads LA Dance Moves, an innovative company blending dance, music, art and media to create inspiring works.

In this inspiring episode, Nancy takes us through her remarkable journey in the dance world - a path that began with just one ballet class a week and led to a professional career spanning over five decades.

She opens up about how her dance beginnings were anything but typical, and how she made the bold leap from limited training to dancing professionally. Nancy shares what it was like to leave home at a young age to pursue her passion, and her experience as one of the original members of the Richmond Ballet.

We dive into the moment she first stepped into a jazz class and how that experience opened her eyes to a new style, far removed from the rigid structure of classical ballet. Nancy also recalls her very first professional gig - a short 10-day contract that paid enough for her to buy her first car!

Balancing motherhood and a demanding dance career is a challenge many dancers face. Nancy talks candidly about when she felt secure enough in her career to take a step back and focus on her family, and how she managed to return and evolve as a performer, choreographer, and teacher.

She discusses the key differences between company life and commercial work, and shares valuable insights into what it takes to sustain a long-term career in the ever-changing world of dance.

With over 50 years of experience, Nancy offers heartfelt advice for aspiring dancers, reveals the kind of energy she strives to foster in her classes, and the lasting impact she hopes to have on her students. Plus, for anyone curious about what makes a dancer stand out to a director - Nancy lets us in on her secret. She even shares rarely discussed business tips that every dancer should hear.

Connect with Nancy:

YOUTUBE: Nancy Paradis (LA Dance Moves) [https://www.youtube.com/@NancyParadis]

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

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

Links and Resources:

Aloha Nutrition Bars: 20% off using code: BRAINYBALLERINA [https://aloha.com/]

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.

57. Longevity in Dance: Nancy Paradis Shares the Key to a Sustainable Dance Career

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

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

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