Deborah Engerman is a ballet teacher, coach, choreographer and published author of Let’s Talk About Fifth: Teaching Ballet in the 21st Century. For over three decades, her students have gone on to dance with professional companies including American Ballet Theatre, Universal Ballet, Vienna Opera Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Barcelona Ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet as well as on Broadway.

Deborah is a passionate and caring educator and I am thrilled to share her wisdom with you today. My biggest takeaways from this episode included the importance of fundamentals, asking for help, and chasing after what you really want in life. I highly recommend her book and this conversation to every dance teacher who wants to become a more well-rounded and effective educator!

Key Moments:

 * Early dance training [2:11]
 * How Deborah chose to make teaching dance a career [5:20]
 * Her very first teaching job [6:17]
 * How Deborah’s teaching has evolved over the years [7:50]
 * How she continues to learn as a veteran educator [16:10]
 * Deborah’s secret to getting dancers to the professional level [21:30]
 * The process of writing a book about the art of ballet [30:02]
 * What Deborah hopes people will gain from reading her book [37:49]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [41:14]

Connect with Deborah

DEBORAH’S WEBSITE: www.deborahengerman.com [http://www.deborahengerman.com/]

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/DeborahEngermanBallet [http://facebook.com/DeborahEngermanBallet]

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

Links and Resources:

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

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

Get your copy of Let’s Talk About Fifth: Teaching Ballet in the 21st Century [https://amzn.to/409Uu3F] (affiliate link)

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

27. Teaching Ballet in the 21st Century with Deborah Engerman

Courtney Nitting is a professional dancer, currently dancing as  a second soloist with Boston Ballet. She previously danced with Kansas City Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet’s second company after spending a year freelancing in NYC.

Courtney has such a passion and reverence for the art of ballet that just oozes out of her. We dove deep into her training at SAB and all of her career shifts along the way. We get into one of my favorite topics - figuring out what’s right for you in your dance career and finding the courage to make choices that align with your values. Courtney’s story is both inspiring and informative to all dancers - you’ll walk away with so much helpful advice on striking a balance and finding your place in the dance world!

Key Moments:

 * Early dance training [1:30]
 * Courtney’s experience leaving home at 13 to train at SAB [5:08]
 * How Courtney pivoted into freelance after not receiving a contract upon graduation [17:12]
 * Her first contract with Pennsylvania Ballet [26:59]
 * Moving to the midwest to dance with Kansas City Ballet [33:29]
 * The difference between being in an unranked vs ranked company [39:49]
 * What prompted Courtney’s move to Boston Ballet [42:48]
 * Courtney’s passions outside of dance [49:14]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [51:46]

Connect with Courtney:

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/nittingwithoutthek

Links and Resources:

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

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]

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

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

26. Building a Values-Based Dance Career with Courtney Nitting

Monika Saigal is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and former professional dancer. She specializes in dancer wellness and the prevention and treatment of eating disorders/disordered eating. She is also the author of the new book Nourishing Dance: An Essential Guide on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders.

From periods to carbs, Monika and I debunk so many myths in this conversation. Dancers have a three times higher risk of having an eating disorder than non-dancers and even if you have the best of intentions you may unknowingly be causing harm.Tune in to this conversation for actionable advice on what we can do to help prevent the occurence of eating disorders in dancers including paying attention to early signs and symptoms, how to set up a positive dance environment and immediate language shifts you can make. Knowledge is power and with it we can begin to make lasting change in the dance industry!

Key Moments:

 * How Monika began her career as a Registered Dietitian for dancers [1:50]
 * What is diet culture? [6:28]
 * Factors that increase the risk of eating disorders in dancers [7:47]
 * The difference between eating disorders and disordered eating [10:23]
 * When dancers should ask for help if they’re struggling (and where they can seek help) [12:14]
 * What we can do to create a positive dance environment [16:30]
 * What can be done to help prevent the occurence of eating disorders [20:46]
 * Early signs of symptoms of an eating disorder and what steps should be taken if you’re concerned [23:13]
 * The short and long term consequences of underfuelling [27:17]
 * The importance of having a regular menstrual cycle for elite athletes [33:45]
 * How dancers can fuel optimally to support their dancing [36:40]
 * The importance of carbohydrates [38:23]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [44:20]

Connect with Monika:

MONIKA’S WEBSITE: msnutrition.com [http://msnutrition.com/]

NOURISHING DANCE BOOK WEBSITE: nourishingdance.com [http://nourishingdance.com/]

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/MonikaSaigalRD [http://facebook.com/MonikaSaigalRD]

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/nourish.headtopointe [http://instagram.com/nourish.headtopointe%5C]

Links and Resources:

National Alliance for Eating Disorders: allianceforeatingdisorders.com [http://allianceforeatingdisorders.com/]

IADMS: https://iadms.org/find-a-provider/

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

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

Get your copy of Nourishing Dance: An Essential Guide on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders [https://amzn.to/3UrtHMC] (affiliate link)

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

25. Nourishing Dancers: a Conversation on Nutrition, Body Image, and Eating Disorders with Registered Dietitian Monika Saigal

Caitlin here with a solo episode answering all your burning audition questions!

Questions like:

“Can you talk about any travel hack to save money when you travel to auditions?”

“Is it always those who stand out that get hired?”

“What is it like being cut during an audition?”

And so much more! Tune in to get my pro insight into the behind-the-scenes of audition season.

Links and Resources:

The Audition Hub: thebrainyballerina.com/auditionhub [http://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]

DanceHive: https://www.dancehive.net/

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

24. Your Burning Audition Questions Answered!

Wendy Reinert is a retired professional dancer, aerialist, strength coach, life coach, world traveler, amateur rock climber and toddler mom. Wendy is the founder of Being a Dancer, a platform dedicated to helping dancers navigate the emotional challenges of the dance industry.  Her mission is to make the dance world easier and healthier AND to give dancers the tools they need to advocate for and take care of themselves mentally and physically.

Wendy is a wealth of knowledge - our conversation ranged from finding your unique career path based on your values to the importance of strength training for dancers. Her approach is so holistic and always comes back to the human inside the dancer. As you can probably tell, Wendy totally speaks my language and I loved having her on the podcast!

Key Moments:

 * Early dance training [2:10]
 * What led her to attending college for dance at NYU Tisch [5:28]
 * Wendy’s advice to help you figure out what’s right for you as a dancer [9:21]
 * Wendy’s transition from student to professional [17:56]
 * How Wendy sustained a professional freelance dance career for 20 years [22:19]
 * The injuries that jump-started her work as a personal trainer [24:59]
 * What dancers need to know about strength training and where they can get started [28:26]
 * How dancers can incorporate strength training into their routine [36:10]
 * The biggest challenges dancers are currently facing [38:49]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [45:35]

Connect with Wendy:

WENDY’S WEBSITE: Wendyreinert.com [http://wendyreinert.com/]

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

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/onbeingadancer

Links and Resources:

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

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]

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

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

23. A Holistic Approach to Strength Training with Wendy Reinert

Kirsten Kemp is a former full-time professional ballet dancer turned High-Performance Mindset Coach for dancers, International Speaker, and Founder of The Confident Dancer specializing in helping dancers break through the mental blocks that have been holding them back and build a confident mindset that allows them to feel and perform their best consistently.

Kirsten and I dive into all things confidence in this episode. What confidence truly is (and misconceptions you might have) as well as how your rigid expectations might be fueling your self-doubt. Kirsten gives us lots of tangible strategies for building authentic confidence, especially for dancers struggling in the audition space. This is one my my most requested topics - get ready for a drastic shift in your mindset!

Key Moments:

 * Early dance training [2:04]
 * Her transition to a professional dance career (and why she chose to go to college for dance instead of going straight into a company) [5:49]
 * Why Kirsten chose to leave her professional dance career [9:13]
 * Kirsten’s struggle with confidence as a young dancer [10:50]
 * When you should leave a dance environment that isn’t serving you [19:17]
 * What is authentic confidence? [22:19]
 * Misconceptions about confidence [24:07]
 * How rigid expectations fuel self-doubt [36:14]
 * Strategies for dancers struggling with confidence in auditions [40:14]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [49:26]

Connect with Kirsten:

KIRSTEN’S WEBSITE: https://kirstenkemp.com [https://kirstenkemp.com/]

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/kirsten_theconfidentdancer

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConfidentDancer/videos

THE CONFIDENT DANCER PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-confident-dancer

THE CONFIDENT DANCER PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-confident-dancer-podcast/id1719883279

Links and Resources:

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

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]

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

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

22. Unlocking Authentic Confidence with Mindset Coach Kirsten Kemp

Linnea Swarting is a professional ballerina currently dancing on tour with the Grand Kyiv Ballet. She previously danced with Los Angeles Ballet, Ballet Project OC, Nashville Ballet, and as a principal with Georgia Dance Theatre. She is also a contributing writer for Pointe Magazine and author of the Ballet Writer Blog.

Linnea’s honesty is incredibly refreshing. She doesn’t shy away from talking about the tough parts of her career, including struggles with body image and the disappointment of not getting the contract. We also chat about how she got started writing for the iconic Pointe Magazine as well as our shared passion for making ballet more accessible to all dancers. I connected to Linnea on so many levels and truly resonated with her story - I know you will too!

Key Moments:

 * Early dance training [2:13]
 * Her transition to a professional dance career [9:01]
 * Linnea’s struggles with body image [14:20]
 * Navigating her dance career during a global pandemic [27:33]
 * Linnea’s perspective shift as she approaches 30 [34:06]
 * How Linnea got started writing for Pointe Magazine [40:10]
 * Linnea’s passion for making ballet more accessible to all dancers [45:03]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [1:02:16]

Connect with Linnea:

LINNEA’S WEBSITE: www.linneaswarting.com [http://www.linneaswarting.com/]

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

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

Links and Resources:

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

Set up ticketing [http://www.drttix.com/create-event] for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

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

21. Writing your Own Dance Story with Linnea Swarting

You’ve been working for days, months, even years for the coveted role in your upcoming production. You’ve put in the extra time and effort, practicing every spare minute. You feel confident that this is your year.

After waiting what seems like eons for casting to come out, you finally get the notification you’ve been waiting for. You anxiously open the email, scan the cast list…and a huge wave of disappointment washes over you as you see someone else’s name next to your dream role.

So what now?

Tune in to this week’s solo episode to learn my tried and trued strategies for dealing with casting disappointment and turn a frustrating experience into a positive!

Links and Resources:

BLOG POST: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/howtodealwithcastingdisappointment

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

20. A Dancer’s Guide to Dealing with Casting Disappointment

Karen Mareck Grundy is the Artistic/Executive Director of Mareck Center for Dance. She performed extensively, including 11 years in Las Vegas, and her innovative style blends classical ballet and modern dance with influences from Las Vegas productions.

In this episode, Karen pulls the curtain back, sharing stories from her days dancing in Las Vegas to her current role as Artistic Director. As Mareck Dance enters its 19th season, we learn what has led to the longevity of the company up until now as well as what Karen’s vision is for the future. This interview had me on the edge of my seat - truly a must-listen!

Key Moments:

 * Early dance training [1:55]
 * Karen’s professional dance career in Las Vegas [3:58]
 * Moving to Missouri to teach dance [9:17]
 * The beginning of Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance) [14:56]
 * What has led to the longevity of Mareck Dance [19:23]
 * What Karen looks for in dancers when holding auditions [23:08]
 * What she is most proud of as an Artistic Director [27:33]
 * Karen’s long-term vision for Mareck Dance [29:24]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [31:13]

Connect with Karen and Mareck Center for Dance:

MARECK DANCE WEBSITE: mareckcenterfordance.org [http://mareckcenterfordance.org/]

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

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/mareckdance [http://facebook.com/mareckdance]

Links and Resources:

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

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

19. From Las Vegas to Artistic Director with Karen Mareck Grundy

Kara Tatelbaum is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, coach and writer based in New York City. She earned her BFA in Dance from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and MFA in Choreography from The Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase. Kara is the founder of professional company independentdancemaker and author of Putting My Heels Down - a memoir of having a dream and a day job.

Kara’s memoir is to this day one of the most honest and hilarious books I have ever read and I am thrilled to share her story on the pod. Kara shares how she opened up performing opportunities for herself through her choreography and how she balances her dream and her day job. One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation was the power of having choices and the importance of not pigeonholing yourself as a dancer. Kara is one of those people who always finds a way to make her dream a reality - get ready for a huge dose of inspiration!

Key Moments:

 * Early dance training [2:23]
 * The decision to attend college for dance [6:06]
 * Exploring her choreographic voice [9:10]
 * Starting her own professional company at 22 years old [10:58]
 * Balancing your dream and your day job [13:42]
 * How asking for help will further your dance career [18:02]
 * How Kara got started writing a memoir and her experience through the process [22:10]
 * What Kara’s life looks like now as an author, instructor, choreographer, performer and coach [28:59]
 * Why Kara’s story resonates so much with dancers [36:04]
 * Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [40:19]

Connect with Kara:

HER WEBSITE: karatatelbaum.com [http://karatatelbaum.com/]

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

Links and Resources:

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

Get your copy of Putting My Heels Down: A Memoir of Having a Dream and a Day Job [https://amzn.to/3XaBnTZ] (affiliate link)

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]

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

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

18. A Dream and a Day Job with Kara Tatelbaum

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.