In this episode of the Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by dance body image mentor Katrena Cohea to unpack a recent pop-culture moment that sparked major debate in the ballet and opera communities.

After a prominent actor publicly dismissed ballet and opera as art forms that “no one cares about anymore,” dancers and arts organizations responded with outrage, humor, and viral marketing.

We unpack why the comment struck such a nerve for dancers who have devoted our lives to the art form. But beyond the initial reaction, we dive deeper into the bigger questions the moment raises: Is ballet evolving fast enough? What barriers are keeping audiences away? And how can dancers, teachers, and companies ensure ballet continues to thrive for generations to come?

Key Points in this Episode:

 * How ballet’s reputation as “stuffy” or elitist affects public perception
 * The reality of underfunding in the arts and its impact on progress
 * The importance of evolving traditions while preserving what makes ballet special
 * How toxic training environments can drive dancers (and future audiences!) away
 * The role of marketing, storytelling, and social media in attracting new audiences
 * How small actions by teachers, dancers, and ballet lovers can create meaningful change in the ballet world

Connect with Katrena:

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

Related Episodes:

76. Love Your Body (or Don't) with Katrena Cohea [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aLZFZmGvLyyi8TxhsNuUK?si=1-UaQEDERUOU8U542rswyg]

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

BONUS: Is Ballet a Dying Art Form?

In this episode, I’m joined by sports psychologist Dr. Chelsea Pierotti and personal trainer and coach Wendy Reinert to explore powerful mental performance lessons from the Winter Olympics. From autonomy and burnout to confidence, resilience, and handling mistakes, we break down what elite athletes can teach dancers about performing under pressure.

Key Points in this Episode

 * The importance of autonomy and motivation in long-term performance
 * Why dancers need a support system or “village”
 * How to develop healthy confidence without arrogance
 * The role of failure and resilience in elite performance
 * Practical self-talk strategies dancers can use in training and performance

Connect with Dr. Chelsea:

HER WEBSITE: chelseapierotti.com [https://chelseapierotti.com/]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/dr.chelsea.pierotti [https://instagram.com/dr.chelsea.pierotti]

PODCAST: chelseapierotti.com/podcast/ [http://chelseapierotti.com/podcast/]

Connect with Wendy:

HER WEBSITE: Wendyreinert.com [http://wendyreinert.com/]

ON BEING A DANCER: Beingadancer.com [http://beingadancer.com/]

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/onbeingadancer

Related Episodes:

07. Becoming a Mentally Tough Dancer with Dr. Chelsea Pierotti [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2QcvnTIuEN7hOUAXHncYLN?si=esr2WC-rRYKCawV9mZ-wSQ]

23. A Holistic Approach to Strength Training with Wendy Reinert [https://open.spotify.com/episode/71e3a5XFHbTwkYPkBIMJVu?si=BtMWLphWQS6SMes8VsNa3Q]

Links and Resources:

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

93. What Dancers Can Learn from the 2026 Winter Olympics

As dancers, we tend to be creative people. During our training, our focus is on technique and artistry as opposed to the business aspect of our career. As we advance into the professional world and are offered our first contract, it can be a rude awakening. Most dancers don’t know what they should be looking for, or even how contract negotiations will develop.

In this episode, I’m joined by ballet dancer-turned-attorney Cielomar Puccio, founder of Brandllet Law to get the scoop on what dancers need to know. Together, we break down the essential parts of a dance contract in clear, practical terms so dancers can confidently understand what they’re agreeing to before they sign.

From salaries and rehearsal schedules to exclusivity clauses and shoe stipends, this episode covers the details that can make a big difference in a dancer’s daily life and long-term career.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * The most important things dancers should look for in a contract
 * The difference between employees and independent contractors
 * Important clauses to look out for including exclusivity, intellectual property, moral, termination, and automatic renewal
 * What dancers can realistically negotiate and how to do so professionally and confidently
 * Red flags to watch out for in both the actual contract and the negotiation

Disclaimer:

A contract is a legal document subject to the laws, rules, and regulations of each particular jurisdiction in which they are executed. In the United States, each state has specific laws, rules, and regulations that apply to them. If you have questions about your issues in relation to a contract consult with an attorney barred in the state in which the contract is executed before you proceed with the agreement. The content and information provided in this podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and not to provide legal advice or opinion.

Connect with Brandllet Law:

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

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

Links and Resources:

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

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

Blog Post: Is Your Contract Knowledge En Pointe? [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/dancers-is-your-contract-knowledge-en-pointe]

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

92. What Dancers Need to Know Before Signing a Contract with Attorney Cielomar Puccio

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.

Connect with us:

WEBSITE: madisonballetspecialprojects.com [https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/]

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

EMAIL: hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits:

PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson

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

At the Barre with Madison Ballet Special Projects

This week on The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Janessa Urwin: former professional ballerina, Resident Costume Designer for American Repertory Ballet, and founder of Florimund’s, a luxury ballet costume rental company.

Janessa shares her unique journey from dancer to designer, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the world of ballet costuming. We talk about everything from constructing tutus that survive decades of performances to helping dancers feel confident and transformed the moment they step on stage. We also chat about career pivots, creative entrepreneurship, and the many meaningful ways to build a life in ballet beyond performing.

Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, studio owner, or just love the magic of ballet productions, this episode will give you a peek behind the seams at the passion and work that goes into crafting gorgeous costumes.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * How Janessa began learning the art of costume design while still dancing professionally
 * What the costume design process really looks like and the unique challenges of designing for dancers
 * How ballet costumes are built to last and get passed down through generations
 * Practical tips for dancers during costume fittings (what to speak up about!)
 * Why beautiful, well-fitting costumes elevate performance and confidence
 * Founding Florimund’s to simplify the costume rental process and make high-quality tutus accessible for everyone!

Connect with Florimund’s:

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

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

Links and Resources:

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

91. Behind the Seams: The Art of Ballet Costuming with Florimund’s Founder Janessa Urwin

Felix Molinero Del Paso of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo joins The Brainy Ballerina Podcast ahead of the company’s February 26th performance at the Overture Center in Madison, WI.

Raised in Spain and later trained at the collegiate level in Germany, Felix shares the bold email he sent that led to a life-changing opportunity with the world-renowned all-male ballet company.

Known for parodying the conventions of classical ballet while maintaining exceptional technical standards, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo requires its dancers to master both male and female roles, on and off pointe.

Felix pulls back the curtain on the training demands, the artistry behind comedic ballet, the realities of touring life, and the creative personas he embodies onstage, proving that ballet can be both technically brilliant and wildly entertaining.

Key "Pointes" from this Episode:

• How Felix’s ballet training in Spain and Germany prepared him for a professional career
• The email that led to his audition and eventual contract with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
• What makes The Trocks unique in the ballet world
• Training for both male and female roles, including dancing on pointe
• The skill required to balance high-level technique with comedic timing
• The realities and challenges of being part of a touring company
• The development of his onstage personas “Holly Dey-Abroad” and “Bruno Backpfeinfengesicht”
• How comedic ballet attracts new and nontraditional audiences to the art form

Follow Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesballetstrockadero/

Visit Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s Website: https://trockadero.org/

Links and Resources:

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.

90. Comedy Meets Classical Ballet with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s Felix Molinero Del Paso

Self-care gets marketed as bubble baths and spa days. But for dancers, real self-care is often much less glamorous and much more powerful.

In this solo episode, I break down what sustainable self-care actually looks like for dancers who want long, healthy, fulfilling careers. From sleep and hydration to decision fatigue, physical therapy, and getting off social media, this conversation focuses on the small, proactive habits that protect your body, brain, and soul.

Because true self-care isn’t reactive; it’s the daily basics that make everything else easier.

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly playing catch-up with your health, this episode is your reminder to go back to the foundations.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Self Care for Dancers Blog Post: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/self-care-for-dancers-that-actually-works

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

The Lazy Genius: https://amzn.to/45Kuxty (affiliate link)

Brick: https://getbrick.app [https://getbrick.app/]

Related episodes:

BONUS: The Impact of the Ballet World's Obsession with Weight with Dr. Stephanie Potreck [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5XG2hitKA9GTmlviUxs1bH?si=8_KB_7csQP6QLT7SQzIurg]

23. A Holistic Approach to Strength Training with Wendy Reinert [https://open.spotify.com/episode/71e3a5XFHbTwkYPkBIMJVu?si=4Xq0EqyzQ0qHkPsKdxBdhA]

25. Nourishing Dancers: a Conversation on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders with Registered Dietitian Monika Saigal [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Y6xGmA8ebPSCt1V0lNh8s?si=EslZMEu1SIGw-I1u8ADixw]

68. Fueling the Mind-Body Connection with Registered Sports Dietitian Lisa Rivera [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0h2EzZQgxVm1lIY1m4fqvo?si=iXsftgUeSDySKOhGPT18nQ]

84. 2025 Year in Review and Being Where Your Feet Are in 2026 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dq9sbvtBzfk1WYFsuqZDD?si=7m_9jtRHS-e431I4jiU_QQ]

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

89. Self-Care for Dancers That Actually Works

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by choreographer, educator, and former professional dancer Autumn Eckman for a thoughtful conversation about building a long, sustainable career in dance.

From leaving home at a young age to embracing leadership, choreography, and academia, Autumn shares how curiosity and collaboration have shaped her path, and why a dance career doesn’t have to follow just one track to be successful.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Why Autumn shifted from Houston Ballet Academy toward contemporary and jazz-focused work
 * How Autumn transitioned into choreography, teaching, and artistic leadership while still performing
 * The impact collaborating with composers has had on her choreographic career
 * How preparation and openness coexist in the studio
 * What led Autumn to pursue her MFA later in her career, and how academia offers a new lens on dance, research, and creativity
 * Listening to inner cues and values when deciding to change direction

Connect with Autumn:

WEBSITE: https://www.autumneckman.com/

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

Links and Resources:

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

88. Autumn Eckman on Equally Loving Performance, Choreography, and Education

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina podcast, I’m joined by Margaret Mullin, Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson and former Pacific Northwest Ballet soloist, for an honest conversation about career longevity, leadership, and what it truly takes to sustain a life in ballet, both on and off the stage.

Margaret shares her journey from an aspiring dancer growing up in Tucson, to a 14-season professional career at PNB, and ultimately to stepping into artistic directorship during one of the most uncertain moments in our industry. Along the way, she opens up about the realities dancers don’t always expect: the sudden drop-off in feedback after joining a major company, the emotional weight of being passed over, and the resilience required to keep showing up.

This episode is a must-listen for dancers navigating career transitions, educators thinking about the bigger picture of arts training, and anyone curious about how thoughtful, human-centered leadership can shape the future of ballet.

Key Points in This Episode:

 * Training at home vs. leaving early, and the long-term benefits of having access to quality dance training in your community
 * The reality of transitioning from student to professional, including the sudden drop in feedback
 * Why dancers must learn to advocate for themselves and seek out mentorship
 * The emotional impact of casting, being passed over, and finding value beyond roles
 * Why process matters more than performance in long-term artistic growth
 * Skills beyond technique that support career longevity: discipline, resilience, and follow-through
 * Preparing for leadership and life after performance before retirement arrives
 * Why artistic directors need education in management, leadership, and nonprofit work
 * Rethinking what healthy, human-centered leadership in ballet can be

Connect with Margaret:

WEBSITE: ballettucson.org [http://ballettucson.org/]

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

BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ballettucson [http://instagram.com/ballettucson]

SCHOOL OF BALLET TUCSON INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/schoolofballettucson [http://instagram.com/schoolofballettucson]

Links and Resources:

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

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

87. Leading Ballet Tucson Into a New Era with Artistic Director Margaret Mullin

Auditioning for professional ballet companies is very different than auditioning for summer intensives, and that reality can catch even the most prepared dancers off guard.

In this solo episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on the audition process and sharing the lessons I learned the hard way while navigating company auditions across the country. All the things I wish someone had told me before stepping into the room.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Why professional company auditions operate differently from summer intensive auditions
 * When the audition actually begins
 * The unexpected mindset shifts dancers need when auditioning for contracts
 * What directors may be looking for behind the scenes (and why you often won’t know it)
 * How to mentally survive the uncertainty, rejection, and waiting that come with audition season

This episode is a must-listen for:

 * Aspiring professional ballet dancers
 * Pre-professional dancers transitioning into company auditions
 * Dancers feeling discouraged, confused, or stuck during audition season
 * Anyone who wants a more realistic, grounded understanding of how the ballet industry works

🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation and walk into your next audition feeling more informed and empowered.

Links and Resources:

The Brainy Ballerina Audition Hub: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/auditionhub

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

Dance Audition Materials Audit: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-audition-materials-audit

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

86. What No One Tells You About Professional Ballet Company Auditions

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