In this episode of At the Barre, we go behind the scenes with Madison Ballet company member and emerging choreographer James Wainwright.

James shares how he transitioned from years of playing football into professional dance after starting ballet and musical theatre as a teenager. He reflects on growing up around his mother’s dance studio in Chicago, the sense of belonging he found in the studio environment, and the journey that eventually brought him to Madison Ballet.

We also get a sneak peek into the inspiration behind James’ Innovation II piece, Heure de Fermeture (“Closing Time”), which was sparked by a transformative family trip to Scotland and a memorable evening spent immersing himself in the Edinburgh community.

About James Wainwright

Born in Chicago, Illinois, James Wainwright grew up around his mother’s dance studio. James started his professional training at the School of Ballet 5:8 under the tutelage of former Ballet 5:8 Ballet Mistress Lauren Ader-Cumpston, Trainee and Studio Company Director Brette Benedict, and Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager. In 2016, Wainwright trained at The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory Summer Intensive, learning from Tim Melady, Eleanor D’Antuono, and Kirk Peterson. After graduating high school, James joined Ballet 5:8’s Trainee Program in 2018, then became a Company Artist 2020. James joined the company in 2023..

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

See Heure de Fermeture by James in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

JAMES HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 12 | Innovation II: James Wainwright

In this episode of At the Barre, we go behind the scenes with Madison Ballet company member and emerging choreographer Ben Rose.

Ben shares his unique path from competitive ballroom dance into ballet, and how that background continues to influence his creative voice. He discusses the structure of his new piece Tea for Two for Eight, built as a series of contrasting sections inspired by ballroom competitions, and his goal of highlighting both versatility and individuality within the dancers.

About Ben Rose

Benjamin Rose began his training in Houston at Vitacca Ballet school and The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. After 3 Summers at Houston Ballet School, he joined the full-time day program and began studying under the direction of Andrew Murphy. After graduating he began his professional career as a Trainee with Ballet West in Salt Lake City Utah and was able to perform roles such as The Lead male in George Balanchine's Walpurgisnacht and as “The Bear” in Willem Cristianstens the Nutcracker. While he lived in Utah, he was fortunate enough to also work as a guest artist and performed not only with the University of Utah but also around the country with companies such as NorthStar Ballet in Alaska, Nevada Ballet Theater in Las Vegas, AVA Ballet in Reno, and Queen City Ballet in Helena, Montana.  From there he moved to Denver where he joined the studio company at Colorado Ballet and performed with Feel the Movement, a contemporary dance project based out of Denver led by Director Edgar Page. He then moved to Iowa and began dancing at Ballet Des Moines directed by Serkan Usta. After living in Iowa, Ben moved to San Antonio to dance for Ballet San Antonio under the direction of Sofiane Sylve. He was promoted to soloist his first season with company and danced in roles such as Basillio in Don Quixote, The Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker, and Bottom in Midsummer Night's Dream. On top of his career as a ballet dancer Ben is also a professional ballroom dancer competing in International Latin.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisben10/

See Tea for Two for Eight by Ben in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

BEN HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 11 | Innovation II: Ben Rose

In this episode of the Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I am joined by Stanton Welch, Artistic Director of Houston Ballet and internationally renowned choreographer.

Stanton shares the unconventional path that led him to ballet, from growing up backstage with his parents, principal dancers with the Australian Ballet, to falling in love with dance at 16 and training at San Francisco Ballet School before joining The Australian Ballet.

We talk about his transition from dancer to choreographer to artistic director, how his creative process has evolved over the years, and what inspires him when creating new works. Stanton also gives an inside look at how he programs seasons for Houston Ballet, what he looks for in dancers during auditions, and the type of culture he strives to create within the company.

A major focus of this conversation is Youth America Grand Prix and Houston Ballet hosting the YAGP Finals for the first time. Stanton shares valuable advice for dancers navigating competitions, auditions, setbacks, and social media in today’s dance world. He discusses why competitions are about far more than winning, how directors actually evaluate dancers, and the importance of resilience and long-term career thinking.

This episode is full of insight for aspiring professional dancers, teachers, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes realities of building a sustainable career in ballet.

Key Points From This Episode:

 * Why Stanton Welch didn’t start ballet until age 16
 * How he began choreographing while still dancing professionally and what keeps him inspired all these years later
 * How Houston Ballet approaches company culture
 * What makes a dancer stand out in auditions and competitions

Connect with Stanton & Houston Ballet

WEBSITE: https://www.houstonballet.org [https://www.houstonballet.org/]

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

Links and Resources:

Brandllet: www.brandllet.com [http://www.brandllet.com/]

ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off)

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

102. The Evolution of a Ballet Career with Houston Ballet Artistic Director Stanton Welch

In this episode of At the Barre, we go behind the scenes with Madison Ballet apprentice and emerging choreographer Gianna DeMassio

In her first season with the company, Gianna shares her journey from a competition dance background to discovering her passion for ballet and how she unexpectedly fell in love with choreography during her training.

We also dive into her choreographic process for Innovation II, where she premieres a new work titled Memento Vivere inspired by a meaningful moment while dancing in Italy. The work is centered around the passage of time and the emotional experience of living in the present.

Gianna offers insight into what it’s like to create work on her peers, how she balances her own movement voice with the established language of a company, and why she’s drawn to grounded, human-centered movement that resonates both with dancers and audiences alike.

About Gianna DeMassio

Originally from upstate New York, Gianna began her ballet training at the New Paltz School of Ballet under the direction of former New York City Ballet dancers Lisa and Peter Naumann. At fifteen, she joined Pittsburgh Ballet Theater’s Full-Time program, while also attending summer programs at the Chautauqua Institute and American Ballet Theater in NYC. After graduating from high school, Gianna joined Charlotte Ballet as a trainee, where she studied with the renowned Patricia McBride and began choreographing under the mentorship of Mark Diamond. In 2020, Gianna joined the Richmond Ballet as a trainee and was promoted to their Studio Company shortly after. While dancing with Richmond Ballet, she worked with choreographers such as Jennifer Archibald and Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and performed with the company in many mainstage productions, including her favorite, George Balanchine’s Serenade. From 2023 to 2025, Gianna danced as an apprentice with Ballet Rhode Island under the direction of Kathleen Breen Combes and Yury Yanowsky. While there, she enjoyed performing in diverse repertoire, as well as choreographing her own new works for the company. Gianna is looking forward to her first season with Madison Ballet!

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/gigi.825/

See Memento Vivere by Gianna in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

GIANNA HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 10 | Innovation II: Gianna DeMassio

In this episode of At the Barre, we are joined by Charlotte Junge, Company Dancer with Madison Ballet and emerging choreographer featured in this season’s Innovation II.

This conversation explores Charlotte’s early dance training, her move to Boston Ballet School at just 14, and the unexpected path that led her to Madison Ballet. She also discusses how her background in multiple dance styles continues to influence her movement vocabulary today.

We get a peek inside Charlotte’s choreographic process and how her piece As Above, So Below has come to life. Inspired by her relationship with her mother, Charlotte shares the beauty of exploring a deeply personal theme in a safe space with her Madison Ballet colleagues.

About Charlotte Junge

Originally from Houston, TX, Charlotte Junge began her training locally, and continued her focus on classical training at the Houston Ballet Academy and The Dallas Conservatory. While at Houston Ballet, she performed in premieres of The Nutcracker: Romeo and Juliet, and Giselle by Stanton Welch AM. At The Dallas Conservatory, she performed as Clara in The Nutcracker, and won numerous awards at YAGP. In 2018, Charlotte was accepted into Boston Ballet School's Professional Division. While a student there, she had the opportunity to study with esteemed faculty including Margaret Tracey, Miranda Weese, Kathleen Mitchell, Andrea Long, and Denise Lewis. In 2022, Charlotte graduated high school, finishing her 4th year with Boston Ballet School. In 2022, she created her first professional choreographic work on the company for the Innovation program. This will be Charlotte's 4th season with Madison Ballet.

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

See As Above, So Below by Charlotte at Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii [https://www.madisonballet.org/innovation-ii]

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

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

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

CHARLOTTE HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography

Episode 9 | Innovation II: Charlotte Junge

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Courtney Anderson - former dancer with San Francisco Ballet, The Royal Ballet of Flanders, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, and now the founder of The Workshop.

The Workshop is a series of 5 week-long summer intensives created for professional dancers seeking deeper artistic growth, expanded versatility, and meaningful creative process. Dancers will work with internationally recognized choreographers and répétiteurs including:

 * Jim Vincent, Répétiteur for Nacho Duato
 * Glenn Edgerton, Répétiteur for Jiri Kylian
 * Courtney Richardson, Répétiteur for David Dawson
 * Cindy Welik- Salgado, Répétiteur for Crystal Pite
 * Jill Johnson, Répétiteur for William Forsythe
 * Omar Roman De Jesus, Director of Boca Tuya
 * Sidra Bell, Director of Sidra Bell Dance New York
 * Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Choreographer
 * Babatunji, Choreographer
 * Houston Thomas, Choreographer

This intensive is perfect for professional dancers looking to explore movement more deeply, refine their partnering and improvisation skills, and strengthen their artistic voice, particularly when approaching contemporary work or new creations.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * Key differences between dancing in the U.S. vs. Europe
 * Why artistry (not just technique) is what actually gets you hired
 * How The Workshop is filling a major gap in the dance industry
 * Why investing in your training as a professional can change the trajectory of your career

Learn more about The Workshop:

WEBSITE: www.theworkshop.dance [http://www.theworkshop.dance/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/theworkshop.dance [http://instagram.com/theworkshop.dance]

Links and Resources:

ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] (use code BRAINYBALLERINA for 10% off)

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

101. Inside The Workshop: The Training Opportunity Professional Dancers Have Been Waiting For with Courtney Anderson

In this episode of At the Barre, we are joined by Sarah Martin, Company Dancer with Madison Ballet and emerging choreographer featured in this season’s Innovation II.

Sarah shares her journey from early training at BalletMet to trainee programs across the country, and how the relationships she built along the way ultimately led her to Madison Ballet.

We dive into Sarah’s lifelong love of choreography: from creating dances as a child to developing her third original work for Madison Ballet. She shares insight into choreographing within the company, including how collaboration, trust, and familiarity influence the studio dynamic.

We also get a sneak peek at the making of her new piece, Circles in Blue, a nostalgic work set to the music of Joni Mitchell that draws on her personal memories and a deep connection to the music.

About Sarah Martin

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Sarah Martin trained at BalletMet Columbus and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre before continuing her studies as a trainee with Charlotte Ballet and Richmond Ballet. She had the opportunity to perform multiple Balanchine works as a trainee with Richmond Ballet, including Who Cares? and Divertimento No. 15.

Since joining Madison Ballet in 2019, Sarah has appeared in classical works such as Paquita, Birthday Variations, The Nutcracker, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  She has been able to work with choreographers such as Ja Malik, Richard Walters, Stephanie Martinez, Marika Brussel, Alia Kache, and Yury Yanowsky. In addition to performing, she teaches dance and yoga and continues to explore choreography. She enjoys being involved in the Madison dance community.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/smint4thewin/

See Circles in Blue by Sarah at Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii [https://www.madisonballet.org/innovation-ii]

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

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

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

Episode 8 | Innovation II: Sarah Martin

I can’t believe we made it to the 100th episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast!!!

Only a small percentage of podcasts make it this far, and I’m so grateful to you for making this show part of your week. I wouldn’t be here without you.

In honor of 100 episodes, I’m reflecting on one theme that has shaped my entire dance career: doing things that scare me.

Key “pointes” in this episode:

 * My MASSIVE fear of public speaking growing up, and how teaching dance was the first step in helping me gain confidence
 * What it felt like to move across the country alone for my very first company contract, and the doors that it opened for me
 * How showing my face and using my voice completely changed the trajectory of The Brainy Ballerian
 * My experience with choreography and how saying “yes” before feeling ready opened new doors
 * Why having a safe space to try things (without pressure to be perfect) makes all the difference

My biggest takeaway: the only way to know if you can do something is to try.

Here’s to the next 100 episodes!

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

100. How the Decisions that Scared me Most Shaped my Dance Career

In this episode of At the Barre, we are joined by Eric Stith, Company Dancer with Madison Ballet and emerging choreographer featured in this season’s Innovation II.

Eric shares his unconventional path into ballet and how he found his way back to the art form after almost stepping away completely due to burnout.

We dive into Eric’s evolution as a choreographer, including the moment he discovered his artistic voice and what it means to create work that reflects both his movement influences and his identity as a queer Black artist. He opens up about the creative process behind his new piece, Genesis 1:3, a deeply personal work honoring his grandfather’s life.

Eric also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like choreographing on your fellow company members, how he builds trust with fellow dancers, and the balance between structure and spontaneity in the creative process.

About Eric Stith III

Born in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Eric started training at the age of 7 at The Old Donations Center for the Gifted and Talented and then transferred to The Governor’s School for the Arts. While training, he was a part of the film Dancing on the Shoulders of Giants filmed by WHRO. At age 19, Eric started his professional career in the Second Company of Charlotte Ballet under the direction of Christopher Stuart.

After joining Madison Ballet in 2023, Stith has performed in many illustrious works choreographed by Artistic Director Ja'Malik including Duo Amore, Hallelujah Junction and Rhapsody in Blue. He also has performed in works by prestigious choreographers Richard Walters, Yury Yanowsky, Stephanie Martinez,Tamisha A. Guy, and Alia Kache.

Eric has worked to find his choreographic voice starting with Charlotte Ballet’s Choreographic Lab in 2022. In 2023, Eric created a work for Eisenhower Dance Detroit’s New Dance Fest. In Madison, he choreographed for Madison Ballet’s Innovation Program, Isthmus Dance Collective's Bike Path and the Paw de Chat Fundraising event.

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

See Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii [https://www.madisonballet.org/innovation-ii]

Attend a Madison Ballet Special Projects Ballet Storytime

🩰📚https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/events

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

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

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928

Episode 7 | Innovation II: Eric Stith III

This week on The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Tiffany Rea-Fisher: Artistic Director of EMERGE125, award-winning choreographer, and a true force in the dance world.

Tiffany shares her journey from growing up as a competition kid on the West Coast, to discovering modern dance at SUNY Purchase, and now celebrating her 10th season leading EMERGE125, a contemporary modern dance company in New York City.

Tiffany’s perspective on leadership, from servant leadership to a more collaborative, transformative model, is something every dancer (and human!) can learn from. I am incredibly inspired by the way she builds a company culture rooted in both rigor and joy, where dancers feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their full selves into the room.

Key "Pointes" from this Episode:

 * What Tiffany looks for when hiring dancers
 * Her concept of “disruption through inclusion” and why diversity is a creative superpower
 * The role artists play in shaping culture and reminding us to be brave
 * How motherhood has influenced her leadership style and boundaries
 * Building a financially sustainable arts organization through challenging times
 * Why community is the key to longevity in the dance industry

Connect with Tiffany:

EMERGE125 WEBSITE: https://emerge125.org/

EMERGE125 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/emerge125/

TIFFANY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/treafisher/

Links and Resources:

ORZA: Use code ‘BRAINYBALLERINA’ for 10% off: https://orzabrand.com/

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]

Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring

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.

99. A Decade as Artistic Director of EMERGE125 with Tiffany Rea-Fisher

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.

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast

Caitlin Sloan's Show

At the Barre with Madison Ballet Special Projects is your behind-the-scenes look at the ideas, stories, and creative processes shaping Madison Ballet’s work.

Hosted by Chris Fahrenthold, each episode brings our community a little closer to the dancers, choreographers, and collaborators who are making ballet in Madison right now.

Whether you’re a seasoned balletomane, current or former dancer, or simply curious about how dance gets made, we warmly invite you into the room where it happens.

Caitlin Sloan

Shows