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

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Josephine Lee, founder and CEO of The Pointe Shop and the first official pointe shoe fitter of San Francisco Ballet. With over 15 years of experience, Josephine is one of the most influential and trusted pointe shoe fitters in the world.

We dive deep into what actually makes a pointe shoe right (or wrong), why pain is not something dancers should push through, and how pointe shoe fitting is a dynamic, ever-changing process throughout a dancer’s career.

Josephine also breaks down virtual pointe shoe fittings, common misconceptions dancers have about their shoes, the real risks of dancing in dead shoes, and what dancers can do to advocate for themselves, especially when they don’t yet have the language to describe what they’re feeling.

This conversation is equal parts educational, practical, and eye-opening, and it’s a must-listen for dancers at every stage, as well as teachers and parents who want to support long-term dancer health.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Josephine’s path into pointe shoe fitting and building The Pointe Shop
 * Why pointe shoe fitting is not a one-and-done process
 * How virtual pointe shoe fittings work
 * Common pointe shoe misconceptions dancers have
 * The dangers of dancing in shoes that are too dead
 * The truth about “cheater shoes” and synthetic pointe shoes
 * What dancers should track to advocate for themselves long-term

Connect with Josephine:

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

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

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

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

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

85. Your Pointe Shoe Fairy Godmother: Finding the Right Fit with Josephine Lee

Caitlin here with a solo episode recapping 2025 and chatting about my hopes and dreams for 2026!

Biggest takeaways from this episode:

 * Be where your feet are: presence creates deeper impact than constantly chasing what’s next.
 * Consistency beats intensity: small, sustainable routines done regularly matter far more than big, all-or-nothing efforts.
 * There is no finish line: healing, growth, and goals are lifelong, not problems to “solve” once and move on.
 * Understanding your body changes everything: what works for others may not work for you - learn how your body works and advocate for yourself.
 * Impact doesn’t have to be global to be meaningful: work in your local community can be just as powerful than scaling bigger and faster.

Tune in to hear how I came to these realizations in 2025, and what I’m doing with that information as we head into 2026!

Episodes mentioned:

33. 2024 Year in Review and Embracing the Gray Area in 2025 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hdY7SyvKkgpwtGDHmUhuj?si=560578084d164dc8]

67. My Program Launch Failed (So Let's Talk About Rejection) [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fGdOhovZH2TT7CI6hNlKM?si=b406b65862d5445c]

Links and Resources:

Jennifer Milner (Movement practitioner & Pilates trainer specializing in hypermobility): https://www.jennifer-milner.com/

Camille Sanchez (Avatar Healing, massage therapist based in Madison, WI): https://www.avatar-healing.com/

Brick: https://www.getbrick.app/CAITLIN10476 (affiliate link)

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

84. 2025 Year in Review and Being Where Your Feet Are in 2026 

Professional dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur Sharon Kung is redefining what it means to build a sustainable and empowered life in dance. In this episode, Sharon shares her unconventional path through ballet, contemporary dance, higher education, and entrepreneurship, including the experiences that led her to found Ballet Trauma Club.

We dive into honest conversations about dancer pay, burnout, artistic freedom, and the realities of building a long-term career in dance, along with how dancers can begin reshaping the industry from the inside out.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Sharon’s early relationship with dance and her training in Hong Kong through the Royal Academy of Dance
 * Transitioning to the U.S. dance world and discovering contemporary dance at Juilliard
 * Double majoring in dance performance and economics at UC Irvine and what dancers should consider before taking that path
 * Her first professional contract with Thodos Dance Chicago and navigating cultural shifts in the industry
 * Differences between dance work in the U.S., Europe, and Asia
 * The inspiration behind Ballet Trauma Club and the conversations Sharon hopes to spark around sustainability, trauma, and pay equity in ballet
 * Systems Sharon uses to avoid burnout while building a creative business

Connect with Sharon:

Follow Ballet Trauma Club on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballettraumaclub/

Shop Ballet Trauma Club’s Website: https://ballettraumaclub.com/ (Use code BBBTC15 for 15% off your purchase!)

Follow Sharon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.sharonkung/

Sharon’s Personal Website: https://sharonkung.com/

Links and Resources:

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

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.

83. Fueled by Caffeine and Chaos with Ballet Trauma Club Founder Sharon Kung

In this special birthday episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, we’re flipping the script! To celebrate my 38th birthday, my dear friend Carrie Euker steps in as guest host and I gave her free rein to ask me anything she wants.

From career reflections, personal stories, Nutcracker nostalgia and the advice I wish every dancer knew, this episode offers an honest, uplifting look behind the scenes of my dance journey.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Navigating injuries and learning to be honest with your body
 * The teachers who shaped my transition from student to professional
 * My dream Nutcracker role (and my very first one)
 * The dancers I would hire for my “dream company”
 * The key piece of advice I want every dancer to know

Links and Resources:

Get 10% off registration for Étoile Dance Competition [https://www.etoilecomp.com/] with code BRAINY10.

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

82. The Birthday Episode: Caitlin Tells All

Alexandra Light, choreographer, creative researcher, and former principal dancer with Texas Ballet Theater, joins me for a conversation that weaves together artistry, identity, and the evolution of a dancer’s life. Her work has been shaped by residencies at places like Jacob’s Pillow and often explores ecology, feminist history, and the body as a site of memory and transformation.

At just 18, Alexandra moved into Houston Ballet’s second company. She reflects on the intensity of that transition, the endurance it required, and the lifelong friendships formed during that pivotal year. She shares the lessons that helped her survive a full schedule of morning class followed by demanding rehearsals and how those habits shaped her professional resilience.

For dancers who feel stronger as performers than technicians, Alexandra opens up about standing out in open calls despite feeling the same way early in her career. She walks through her progression from apprentice to principal dancer at Texas Ballet Theater, reminding us that careers are built on a blend of hard work, timing, luck, and the needs of a company.

Alexandra also talks about recognizing the moment it was time to retire, a decision influenced by both intuition and logistics. Less than a year into retirement, she explains how shifting toward choreography was the biggest factor and why watching live ballet now fills her with excitement rather than longing.

When asked to describe her choreography, Alexandra uses three striking words: expansive, dramatic, and curious. She shares how she builds work (from music-driven ideas to research-heavy processes) like her recent piece exploring the overlooked women who influenced Frank Lloyd Wright’s success.

We also discuss her commitment to making ballet more sustainable and accessible. Alexandra recounts a formative moment that drove her to create work for audiences who have never had access to ballet. She also opens up about sustaining her own creativity and the role nature plays in her artistic practice.

This episode is rich with insight, honesty, and inspiration for dancers, dance lovers, and anyone navigating a creative path.

Connect with Alexandra:

Visit Alexandra’s Website: https://www.alexandralight.art/

Follow Alexandra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farbie/

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/theultimateauditionguide]

Schedule your Complimentary Career 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.

81. Building an Expansive, Dramatic & Curious Choreographic Career with Alexandra Light

In this inspiring conversation, I’m joined by Robert Schultz - LA-based dancer, choreographer, educator, and founder of Artists in Training - to explore how dancers can build a thriving career in today’s ever-changing industry.

Together, we dig into how class culture has shifted in the age of social media, why dancers crave instant gratification, and the impact that “getting it on film” has had on training. Robert also breaks down how Artists Training was created to bring connection, consistency, and deeper purpose back to the convention model - helping dancers not just improve their technique, but understand who they are as humans and artists.

This episode is full of honesty, humor, and powerful reminders about staying grounded, trusting your path, and never giving yourself an expiration date.

Key Points in this Episode:

 * Robert’s early dance beginnings and how his first teacher recognized his natural talent
 * The differences between the NYC and LA dance scene
 * Why proper warmup, longevity, and technique still matter (and why he refuses to shorten class!)
 * Professionalism on set: respect, communication, and the behaviors that get dancers rehired
 * The creation of Artists Training and how it blends convention energy with mentorship and mindset work
 * Studio culture: competition vs. community and the power of genuine support
 * Why dancers shouldn’t give themselves an “expiration date” when pursuing a professional career

Connect with Robert:

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

AIT INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/artistsintraining [http://instagram.com/artistsintraining]

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

Links and Resources:

Visit the Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/

Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/intentional-career-handbook]

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

80. Artists in Training Founder Robert Schultz on Preparing Dancers for Real-World Success

Nutcracker season is here - and it’s a doozy!

In this encore release of one of my most popular solo episodes, I’m sharing my practical tips and heartfelt advice for dancers to not just survive but thrive during this iconic ballet season. Whether you're a student navigating school and rehearsals, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you approach the season with joy, balance, and intention

And if you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please be sure to hit the 5-star review button and help me reach my goal of receiving 100 5-star reviews in 2025!

Links and Resources:

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

Find a specialist on Doctors for Dancers [https://doctorsfordancers.com/]

Rachel Fine's To The Pointe Nutrition article [https://dancenutrition.com/nutrition-meal-planning-for-nutcracker/] for a balanced Nutcracker meal plan

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

Gift Guides:

2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Dancers [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/2025-holiday-gift-guide-for-dancers]

2025 Nutcracker Gift Guide for Dancers [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/2025nutcracker-gift-guide-for-dancers]

Related Episodes:

Episode 16: Realistic Time Management Strategies for Dancers [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ChIW5lPt500epbH9BGUyL?si=OKTPNHwEQRCOA0n0mZD54A]

Book Recommendation:

The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairy Tale Memoir [https://amzn.to/415GCHW] by Janine Kovac (affiliate link)

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

79. ENCORE: Nutcracker Survival Guide for Dancers

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.

Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.

Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.

Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.

Caitlin Sloan

Shows