What if becoming a stronger dancer had less to do with pushing harder and more to do with creating space to breathe?

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by former professional dancer and founder of Inner Studio, Rylie Beck, to talk about burnout, dancer identity, nervous system regulation, and the mental habits that so many dancers struggle with behind the scenes.

Rylie shares her journey from student to professional, and how repeated experiences with burnout ultimately led her to create Inner Studio - an online platform offering guided meditations, visualizations, and wellness resources designed specifically for dancers.

This episode is so healing and necessary to start unpacking the pressures dancers face to constantly achieve and the culture of self-criticism that is so prevalent in our industry. You’ll walk away not only feeling completely seen but with practical tools to start building a healthier relationship with dance.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * The realities of burnout in the professional dance world
 * The culture of negative self-talk and perfectionism in dance
 * Why rest feels so difficult for many dancers
 * Simple nervous system regulation techniques dancers can use every day
 * The benefits of meditation, visualization, and journaling
 * How mental rehearsal can improve performance without physical strain
 * The inspiration behind Inner Studio and how it supports dancers
 * Why dance educators should introduce wellness tools earlier in training
 * The importance of trusting your own inner wisdom throughout your career

Connect with Rylie

WEBSITE: https://inner-studio-affiliate-program.peachs.co/a/caitlin-sloan-1 (affiliate link)

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/innerstudio.app/ [https://www.instagram.com/innerstudio.app/]

Links & Resources:

REGISTER FOR SEE AND BE SEEN: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen

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

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

113. Breaking the Burnout Cycle in Dance with Rylie Beck of Inner Studio

What happens when a ballet company invests in its dancers' futures both on and off the stage?

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Jill Marlow Krutzkamp, former professional dancer and current Artistic Director of the Louisville Ballet Studio Company.

Jill shares the story behind an exciting partnership between Louisville Ballet and Bellarmine University that allows dancers to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Administration while continuing their professional training.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * Jill's professional journey from dancer to arts leader
 * The partnership between Louisville Ballet and Bellarmine University
 * Why higher education matters for aspiring professional dancers
 * Arts administration as a career pathway
 * Preparing dancers for life beyond performance
 * Building sustainable careers in the dance industry
 * The value of dual-career development for young artists

Connect with Jill

LOUISVILLE BALLET WEBSITE: louisvilleballet.org [http://louisvilleballet.org/]

LOUISVILLE BALLET STUDIO COMPANY: louisvilleballet.org/studio-company/ [http://louisvilleballet.org/studio-company/]

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

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

112. Inside Louisville Ballet's Innovative College Partnership with Jill Marlow Krutzkamp

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by professional dancer Ashley Talluto to talk about the realities of building a career in New York City.

Ashley dives into how she transitioned from ballet into musical theater and how auditions, casting, and unions work in the musical theater world.

She also shares what it’s like to tour with major productions like West Side Story, Flashdance, and An American in Paris and gives us invaluable insight into the life of a swing and dance captain.

This episode is full of wisdom from a veteran dancer. If you’ve ever considered what it might be like to build a dancer career outside of the ballet company ecosystem, this is a must-listen!

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * Why Ashley chose college and how the Boston Conservatory prepared her for professional dance life
 * The realities of moving to New York City as a dancer (survival jobs, balancing auditions, and building a sustainable career)
 * The differences between ballet and Broadway audition processes
 * The pros and cons of joining Actors’ Equity
 * Why performance quality matters just as much as technique in musical theater
 * What life is actually like on national and international tours
 * The intense responsibility of being a swing in a Broadway production
 * What a dance captain does and why the role is so important

Connect with Ashley

WEBSITE: Ashleytalluto.com [http://ashleytalluto.com/]

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

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

111. From Ballet to Broadway Tours with Ashley Talluto

In this solo episode of the Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m sharing practical advice for professional dancers and aspiring teachers looking to connect with studio owners and build a sustainable teaching career in the dance industry.

Drawing from my own experiences as an experienced dance educator and former school director, I’m breaking down the realities of finding teaching work, from preparing your materials and making initial contact with a studio to understanding what studio owners actually value most in a teacher.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * Why professional dance experience does not automatically make someone a strong teacher
 * The importance of researching a studio before applying
 * Why flexibility can help newer teachers gain more opportunities
 * How your teaching priorities may evolve throughout different seasons of life
 * What to include in a professional teaching portfolio
 * How to identify and market your “unique selling points” as a dance educator
 * Why teaching should be approached as a true profession, not just a side hustle

Links & Resources:

BLOG POST: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/booking-dance-teaching-gigs-tips-for-connecting-with-studio-owners

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

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

110. Land More Dance Teaching Opportunities (What Studio Directors Want You to Know) 

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

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