Khi’Shawn Robinson began dancing at 14 and initially set his sights on a career in classical ballet. After studying ballet at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, he unexpectedly took a professional job with Royal Caribbean, which opened the door to a completely different side of the dance industry.

Today, Khi’Shawn is a performer and dance captain with the national tour of The Wiz. In this episode, he shares his journey to The Wiz (including auditioning multiple times before finally booking the show), proving that sometimes “no” really does mean “not right now.”

We also learn what a dance captain does, what a typical day on tour looks like for Khi’Shawn, and get some insight into the history of The Wiz!

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

 * Starting dance at 14 and discovering a passion for ballet
 * What Khi’Shawn learned from earning his degree in Classical Ballet from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
 * Why he decided to make the leap from classical ballet into musical theater
 * His first professional job with Royal Caribbean’s Hairspray
 * The differences between performing on a cruise ship and touring with a national production
 * Auditioning for The Wiz multiple times before finally joining the cast
 * What The Wiz means as a celebration of African American culture and experience
 * What a typical day on tour looks like for Khi’Shawn
 * What it means to be a dance captain and how being a dance captain has changed the way he approaches his own dancing

Connect with Khi’Shawn:

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

Links & Resources:

See The Wiz at the Overture Center in Madison, WI: https://www.overture.org/tickets-events/2026-27-season/the-wiz

(head to The Brainy Ballerina IG [https://www.instagram.com/thebrainyballerina/] to enter to win two free tickets!)

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

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

123. Behind the Scenes of The Wiz with Dance Captain Khi’Shawn Robinson

In dance, feedback can shape much more than how you perform. It can influence how you see yourself, what you believe you’re capable of, and even the choices you make in the studio and beyond.

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux, co-founders of Danscend, to talk about how feedback can affect a dancer’s confidence, identity, and sense of self-worth.

We discuss why dancers can be particularly vulnerable to internalizing what teachers say, how our own insecurities can change the way we receive feedback, and how to separate “I need to work on this” from “I’m not good enough.”

We also talk about processing conflicting corrections, deciding what feedback is actually useful, and giving yourself permission to let go of what doesn’t serve you.

For teachers, we dig into the other side of the equation: how to give feedback more intentionally, why dancers don’t need every correction we notice, and how observation, trust, and giving dancers more agency can create a healthier learning environment.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

 * Why dancers can be especially vulnerable to internalizing feedback
 * How your own insecurities affect the way you receive feedback
 * Separating feedback from your identity
 * Practical strategies for processing difficult corrections
 * What to do when different teachers give conflicting feedback
 * Learning what feedback to keep and what to let go
 * Building self-worth beyond your abilities as a dancer

Connect with Danscend

WEBSITE: https://danscend.com/

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

DANSCEND APP (IOS): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/danscend/id6759905827

DANSCEND APP (Android): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.danscend.school&hl=en_US

Links & Resources:

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

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

122. Danscend on How to Take Feedback Without Taking it Personally

Choosing a ballet variation can feel overwhelming. With so many options, and so much pressure to choose the “right” one, it can be easy to focus only on what looks impressive or what might earn the highest score.

In this episode, I’m joined by Carrie Euker, founder of Étoile Dance Competition, to talk about how dancers, teachers, and parents can approach variation selection (and the entire competition dance landscape) more thoughtfully.

Key “pointes” in this episode:

 * Why age-appropriateness should be one of the first considerations when choosing a variation
 * How the character and personality of a variation can help guide the decision
 * How teachers can adapt variations to meet a dancer where they are technically
 * How to balance a dancer's strengths, challenges, artistry, and personality
 * Why choosing a variation shouldn't be about finding the one that will simply get the highest score
 * The importance of giving young dancers opportunities to develop as artists and performers, rather than rushing them into mature roles
 * Why competitions can be an opportunity for education and development, not just placement
 * Looking beyond the most prestigious opportunities and considering what is actually the right fit for an individual dancer
 * Why dancers need experience with corps de ballet work, not just solos
 * Why the process of learning and rehearsing is just as important as the final performance

Carrie also shares great perspective on the pressure young dancers face today and the value in letting dancers develop at their own pace.

Ultimately, the goal isn't to find the variation that makes a dancer look the most impressive. It's to find something that allows them to grow, learn, and actually be themselves onstage.

Connect with Étoile Dance Competition

WEBSITE: https://www.etoilecomp.com/brainy

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

Links & Resources:

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

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

121. Beyond the Trophy: Carrie Euker of Étoile Dance Competition on How to Choose a Variation

In this week’s episode of The  Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by New York City Ballet Soloist Sara Adams.

In this episode, Sara shares her journey from taking her first ballet class on Cape Cod to training at the School of American Ballet and ultimately joining New York City Ballet. We talk about the transition from student to professional, finding confidence, dealing with comparison, and what she's learned from nearly two decades in the company.

We also talk about pursuing a college degree while dancing professionally, finding interests outside of ballet, and why Sara believes dancers should have more fun and trust their own timeline.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

 * What it was really like to move to New York at 13 to attend the School of American Ballet
 * The unexpected role that became a turning point in Sara's path toward becoming a soloist at NYCB
 * How Sara managed college while dancing full-time
 * The fulfillment she finds serving as a mentor for the next generation of dancers entering New York City Ballet
 * What 18 years in one company has taught her about comparison, confidence, and becoming comfortable with who you are
 * Why Sara still feels like she “needs” to dance after nearly two decades as a professional

Connect with Sara

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

Links & Resources:

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

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

120. New York City Ballet Soloist Sara Adams on Trusting Your Timeline

Audition season can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to.

In this solo episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m walking you through my recommended timeline for preparing for professional dance auditions, starting in September and continuing through the end of audition season.

Instead of waiting until January to start thinking about auditions, you’ll learn how to use the fall months to get your materials, finances, company research, and audition strategy in place, so you can head into the new year feeling prepared and confident.

Audition Resources:

FREE DOWNLOAD // Audition Roadmap: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/3oZ0IJD/auditionroadmap

1-1 Career Mentoring: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring

The Intentional Career Handbook:

https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/intentional-career-handbook

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

The Dance Company Database: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-company-database

Dance Audition Materials Audit:

https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/dance-audition-materials-audit

Links & Resources:

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

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

119. Your Audition Season Starts NOW: The Timeline Every Dancer Needs

In this week’s episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I sat down with Garrett Anderson, Artistic Director of Ballet Idaho, to talk about his journey from professional dancer to arts leader and what it really takes to build a lasting career in dance.

Garrett spent 20 years performing with companies including San Francisco Ballet, The Royal Ballet of Flanders, Trey McIntyre Project, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago before stepping into his current role. We talk about how he got his start in ballet, the mentors who shaped him along the way, and the pivotal moments that took him across the country and overseas in pursuit of new artistic challenges.

This conversation is packed with insight for anyone curious about the discipline and curiosity it takes to sustain a career in the arts.

Key "Pointes" from this Episode:

 * How Garrett got into ballet and the role his mom played in his early training
 * The transition from student to professional dancer, including meeting his wife along the way
 * Moving between companies with distinct styles, and how curiosity fueled those transitions
 * What allowed Garrett to sustain a 20-year professional dance career
 * His unplanned transition from performer to Artistic Director
 * How his perspective on the dance industry has shifted since becoming a director
 * Rethinking risk-taking in ballet and what contemporary dance techniques could bring to the art form

Connect with Garrett:

Visit Ballet Idaho’s Website: https://balletidaho.org/

Follow Ballet Idaho on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balletidaho [https://www.instagram.com/balletidaho/?hl=en]

Follow Ballet Idaho on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balletidaho

Links and Resources:

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

Register for the “See & Be Seen” College Recruitment Event: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen

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

118. Ballet Idaho Artistic Director Garrett Anderson on Staying Curious in a Dance Career

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, former professional ballerina Caroline Simpkins shares her inspiring journey from professional ballerina to earning a PhD in biomechanics and creating Ballet Science, a platform dedicated to making dance research accessible to dancers, teachers, and educators.

After dancing professionally for 12 years, Caroline found herself facing burnout, uncertainty about her future, and a life-changing thyroid cancer diagnosis at just 29 years old. That experience became the catalyst for reimagining her career, leading her from ballet to scientific research and ultimately to a mission of improving dancers' health through evidence-based education.

In this episode, Caroline shares what it was really like to step away from performing, explore careers in healthcare and academia, and advocate for ballet research in spaces where dance wasn't always understood.

Whether you're beginning to think about life after performing or simply looking for reassurance that your next chapter can be just as meaningful as your first, this conversation offers practical advice and plenty of hope.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode

 * Caroline's journey from professional ballet dancer to PhD
 * Why she chose to leave performing after a 12 year career
 * How a thyroid cancer diagnosis reshaped her career path
 * The challenges of pursuing ballet-related research in academia
 * How to communicate the value of dance to people outside the dance world
 * The transferable skills dancers bring to any profession
 * Why adaptability matters more than having the "perfect" career plan
 * Advice for dancers preparing for life after performing
 * How Ballet Science is bridging the gap between research and the dance community

Connect with Caroline

WEBSITE: https://ballet.science/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@ballet.science

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ballet.science [https://www.instagram.com/ballet.science]

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/ballet.science

BALLET SCIENCE PODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ballet-science/id1815952731

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

117. From Professional Ballerina to PhD with Caroline Simpkins of Ballet Science

What does it take to go from a competition dance studio to the stage of New York City Ballet?

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I’m joined by Vanessa Mlyniec, who recently completed her first season in the corps de ballet at New York City Ballet. Vanessa shares the path that led her from Rhode Island to the School of American Ballet, what drew her to Balanchine technique, and the whirlwind moment she unexpectedly learned she would be joining NYCB for The Nutcracker.

We also dive into the realities of life inside one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies - from learning choreography at lightning speed and staying healthy through demanding performance schedules to finding artistry, overcoming perfectionism, and embracing the joy of performing.

Key “Pointes” in this Episode:

 * Vanessa's journey from competition dance to classical ballet
 * Falling in love with Balanchine technique and the School of American Ballet
 * Moving to New York as a teenager to train full-time
 * The surprise moment she was offered an apprenticeship with New York City Ballet
 * Adjusting from student life to the fast pace of a professional company
 * What a typical day looks like during the NYCB season
 * Favorite memories from her first professional season
 * Life outside the studio, including baking, knitting, and exploring New York City

Connect with Vanessa

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

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

116. Inside Vanessa Mlyniec's First Season with New York City Ballet

It’s no secret that many dancers in the industry are underpaid and overworked. And while we’re pushing for change, the reality is that many of us will take on side gigs to support ourselves financially, especially when we’re first starting out.

I found it necessary to have a side gig during my entire professional ballet career in order to support myself. Of course, some of these gigs were better than others and eventually I fell into my dream job!

Have you ever wondered what kind of side gigs might work for a professional dancer? Tune in to this encore of one of my most popular episodes as I dish about the ways I supplemented my income throughout my professional dance career.

Links and Resources:

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

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

115. ENCORE: Side Gigs I've Had as a Professional Dancer

What does it take to sustain a professional dance career for 15 years while always finding new ways to grow as an artist?

In this episode I’m joined by Madison Ballet company artist Shannon Quirk to discuss her journey from a young ballet student in Southern California to a longtime professional dancer and co-founder of the newly launched North Star Dance Theatre.

Shannon reflects on her decision to pursue a BFA at UC Irvine, the realities of transitioning from college into the professional world, and the lessons she's learned through rejection, leadership changes, and career longevity. She shares how her perspective on artistry has evolved over the years (and why enjoying the process may be the most important career advice she can offer).

We also dive into the creation of North Star Dance Theatre, a new summer dance company dedicated to providing performance opportunities for dancers and choreographers while fostering artistic collaboration and new work.

Whether you're an aspiring professional dancer, a seasoned artist, or someone interested in arts leadership, this episode is full of wisdom about building a sustainable and fulfilling career in dance.

Key "Pointes" from this Episode:

 * Why Shannon chose to go to college for dance and why the decision came easily to her
 * What it felt like to realize dance had become her paying career
 * Navigating three different artistic directors over 15 years with the same company
 * Taking on a mentorship, "motherly" role for younger dancers
 * Her favorite roles, including one she was thrown into unexpectedly
 * Starting her own company, North Star Dance Theatre, and balancing it with her professional career

Connect with Shannon:

Visit North Star Dance Theatre’s Website: https://www.northstardancetheatre.com/

Follow North Star Dance Theatre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstardancetheatre/

Visit Madison Ballet’s Website: https://www.madisonballet.org/

Follow Madison Ballet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonballet/

Links and Resources:

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

Register for the “See & Be Seen” College Recruitment Event: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen

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

114. Following your North Star in a Dance Career with Shannon Quirk

Caitlin Sloan (@thebrainyballerina) · Zencastr

Caitlin Sloan (@thebrainyballerina)

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.