Ashley Thorndike is a licensed clinical professional counselor, longtime dance educator, and founder of Dance and College Counseling. With a PhD in Dance Studies, an MEd in Counselor Education, and a BFA in Modern Dance, she brings a rare combination of mental health expertise and firsthand academic experience to college and career planning for dancers.

Ashley and I are both products of college dance programs and have gone on to mentor dancers through this process, so I absolutely loved connecting over this topic! Our conversation is jam-packed with everything from the complex admissions process to building a broad, sustainable career in dance.

Key "Pointes" from this Episode:

 * Ashley's winding path into dance and her academic journey through the University of Utah, the University of Virginia, and Ohio State University where she became the first person to earn a PhD in dance studies.
 * The biggest mistakes dancers make when applying to college dance programs.
 * How families can explore financial options when loans and personal resources do not cover the cost of a dance education.
 * How to identify the right college fit as a dancer and what to look for during your search.
 * The importance of moving beyond a one-lane mindset and exploring the many paths available within the dance world.
 * Why college is a uniquely valuable time to explore interests beyond dance.
 * How a long, meaningful dance career can take many different shapes, even beyond performing on stage.
 * What dance faculty are looking for at auditions, based on Ashley's experience serving on an admissions committee.
 * How to approach your interview as a dance applicant and what questions you should and should not be asking.
 * Advice for parents who feel uncertain about their child pursuing dance as a college and career path.

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley’s College Planning Guide: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/guide

Ashley’s Website: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/

Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danceandcollegecounseling/

Links and Resources:

SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)

SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com [http://www.orzabrand.com/] ($20 off all Orza Pro® 2.0 ballet shoes June 22nd through the 28th with ORZA day deals - no code needed!)

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

109. What Dancers and Parents Need to Know About College Dance Programs with Ashley Thorndike

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by professional dancer (and one of my former students!) Kendall Lademann for a full-circle conversation on the unexpected twists and turns that have shaped her dance career.

We dive into Kendall’s transition from student to professional at Mareck Dance, including what it was like dancing alongside former teachers and how that environment helped her grow as both an artist and an adult.

We also talk about how Kendall moved forward with her dance career after Mareck Dance unexpectedly folded, finding new opportunities at Lexington Ballet.

Kendall is a true testament to the fact that dance careers never travel in a straight line. She shares so much thoughtful advice for aspiring professional dancers about taking risks, handling rejection, and treating people with kindness in the small world of dance.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * How the teachers, choreographers and directors Kendall has worked with have grown her into the artist she is today
 * How the pandemic unexpectedly launched her professional dance career
 * Going from dancing as a student in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” to dancing the title role
 * Navigating the sudden closure of Mareck Dance and finding a new path
 * Moving away from home and starting fresh with Lexington Ballet
 * Unique performance experiences including dancing in a distillery, performing in a music video, and starring as Charlie Chaplin in “A Charlie Chaplin Christmas” with Lexington Ballet
 * Kendall’s passion for adaptive dance through Danceability and why teaching became one of the most meaningful parts of her career

Connect with Kendall

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

Links & Resources:

SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)

SHOP 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

108. How the Pandemic Unexpectedly Launched Kendall Lademann’s Dance Career

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by former professional dancer and Arts in Health professional Kate Webb Berk to explore the powerful connection between dance and health.

Kate shares her journey from dancing professionally with Verb Ballets (now Ohio Contemporary Ballet) to pursuing a master’s degree in Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida, where she focuses on social prescribing and arts-based health interventions.

We dive into the growing field of arts in health, why dance is uniquely impactful for mental and physical wellbeing, and how movement and community can combat the loneliness epidemic.

This conversation is both deeply validating for dancers and eye-opening for anyone interested in the science behind why dance matters.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * What “social prescribing” is and how it’s changing healthcare systems
 * Why dance is considered one of the most effective arts in health interventions
 * How dancers can reconnect with the initial joy that brought them to dance in the first place
 * The powerful physiological and emotional benefits of community and shared movement
 * Why the arts are not luxuries but an intrinsic part of us and truly essential to human health (backed by research!)

Connect with Kate

WEBSITE: https://artsinmotionwellness.com/

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

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

 * Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives [https://amzn.to/4dfCgCE] by Dr. Daisy Fancourt (affiliate link)
 * University of Florida Arts in Medicine Program [https://arts.ufl.edu/programs-schools/center-for-arts-in-medicine/]
 * Jameel Arts & Health Lab [https://www.jameelartshealthlab.org/]
 * Ohio Social Prescribing Collaborative [https://ohiosocialprescribingcollaborative.com/]

SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)

SHOP 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

107. Dance as Medicine with Arts in Health Professional Kate Webb Berk

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

106. ENCORE: How to Get the Most Out of Your Summer Intensive

Physiotherapist and dance medicine specialist Erika Mayall, founder of Allegro Performance + Wellness in Vancouver, BC, joins us to share expert guidance on managing and preventing injuries during a dancer's busiest seasons.

Erika breaks down why high-stakes periods like auditions, competitions, and intensives carry such elevated injury risk, and what dancers can do to protect themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. She walks us through how to build a smarter annual training calendar, how fatigue directly increases injury risk, and practical strategies for recovery even when a full night's sleep isn't realistic.

Key "Pointes" from this Episode:

 * Why auditions, competitions, and intensives are the highest-risk times of year for dancers.
 * The physical and emotional/mental aspect of dance injuries.
 * Warning signs that a dancer may be heading toward injury.
 * How to tell the difference between normal muscle soreness and an injury.
 * What a well-structured dance season should look like and when to prioritize strength and flexibility vs. rest and recovery.
 * The science behind fatigue and injury risk.
 * Practical tips for recovery when getting more sleep isn't possible.

Connect with Erika:

Follow Erika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dancephysioerika/

Allegro Performance’s Website: https://www.allegroperformance.com/

Listen to The Dance Physio Podcast: https://www.allegroperformance.com/podcast

Links and Resources:

BRANDLLET: https://www.brandllet.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.

105. How Dancers Can Prevent Injuries During Busy Seasons ft. Physiotherapist Erika Mayall

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Hayley Meier: dancer, choreographer, and educator currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Dance at the University of Las Vegas, Nevada

Hayley shares her journey from competition studio training to intensive ballet education, and how she ultimately carved out a career that blends performance, choreography, and teaching. We talk about her time dancing with Rochester City Ballet and River North Dance Chicago, including the persistence it took to land her dream job and why not getting hired right away doesn’t mean “no” forever.

We also dive into the emotional reality of unexpected career transitions, including the closure of River North, and how that pivotal moment led Hayley toward graduate school at her alma mater, the University of Arizona, and a new creative path in choreography and higher education.

This conversation is full of honest insight on navigating uncertainty, building confidence through small daily habits, and why learning to love the process is essential for long-term success in dance.

Key “Pointes” in this Conversation:

 * Choosing college over a direct company path to pursue both ballet and jazz and how attending the University of Arizona opened up career opportunities
 * Landing her dream job at River North Dance Chicago and the impact of River North’s unexpected closure on her dance career
 * Navigating the freelance dance scene and redefining her identity beyond performing
 * How graduate school opened the door to choreography and teaching
 * What she loves about teaching at the collegiate level and developing artistry in dancers

Connect with Hayley

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

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

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

104. Hayley Meier on the Power of Perseverance in a Dance Career

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by my mom, Brenda Younker, for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to raise a professional dancer.

After hearing from so many parents who feel overwhelmed trying to navigate the ballet world, I decided to bring my mom on the pod to share her firsthand experience. We dive into everything, including the whirlwind of pre-professional training, summer intensives, injuries, college decisions, and ultimately building a professional dance career.

From backstage memories and pointe shoe fittings to navigating casting disappointments and learning how to communicate through difficult decisions, this episode is filled with insight, humor, and heartfelt advice for dancers and parents alike.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

 * My late start in ballet at the age of 10 and how quickly my training accelerated
 * The emotional and logistical reality of navigating summer intensives and pre-professional opportunities
 * How parents learn the “language” of the ballet world alongside their dancers
 * The pressure of making career-defining decisions at a very young age
 * Choosing between college and a direct professional path
 * The importance of dancers developing identities outside of ballet
 * Advice for parents on supporting their dancer without overstepping
 * Why dancers need trusted adults and mentors outside of their parents

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

103. The Reality of Raising a Professional Dancer with My Mom, Brenda Younker

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

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