Best American Ballet Theatre Podcasts (2024)

1
May Is Mental Health Month 6:39

1d ago6:39

6:39

By Dawn Smith-Theodore, MA, MFT, CEDS

1
A Candid Talk with Delaney Wilder, Pro Bowl NFL Cheerleader and Dancer 35:46

21d ago35:46

35:46

I am so excited to have Delaney Wilder on the podcast. Delaney is a 7x NFL Cheerleader and currently the Head Captain of the Cincinnati Ben-Gal Cheerleaders. She has represented the Ben-Gals on 2 oversea military tours, was elected 2022 Pro Bowl Cheerleader by her teammates and has cheered on the world's biggest stage - the Super Bowl. Delaney is a…

1
S6E10: Romeo and Juliet Part 3, A Chat with the Star-Crossed Lovers 22:59

1M ago22:59

22:59

In our final Romeo & Juliet podcast, Jim Sparrow sits down with our own Romeo and Juliet, as Thomas Caleb Roberts and Brittany Focht tell us of their individual journeys in developing their characters for the stage. Along the way, we discuss a dancer’s quest to maintain good physical and mental health and the joys of performing with a live orchestr…

1
Mia Mormino talks about Her Journey to Follow her Dream 47:02

24d ago47:02

47:02

Mia Mormino is more than just a pop star in the making. Look a little closer, past the Los Angeles native's massive pop anthems, tens of millions of streams and views, sold-out live shows, and you'll find what every artist hopes for but few ever achieve: authenticity. What cuts through most in Mia's impossibly catchy and heartfelt music is a singul…

1
S6E9: Romeo & Juliet Part 2: Pillow Dances and a Clash of Swords 21:10

29d ago21:10

21:10

In part two of our discussion of Fort Wayne Ballet’s upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet, Jim Sparrow sits down with two former Romeos to discuss what is often thought of as a “man’s ballet.” Choreographers Robert La Fosse and David Ingram break down strenuous male roles that include multiple pas de deux and sword fighting. Meanwhile, Jim continu…

1
S6E8: Romeo & Juliet Part 1: Romeo, Prokofiev, & Not a Happy Ending 18:00

1M ago18:00

18:00

In this first part of our discussion on the ballet, Romeo & Juliet, Jim sits down with Karen Gibbons-Brown to review Prokofiev's near-perfect score and the history of his adaptation of the Shakespearean tale of woeful romance. The composer dreamed of a happy ending for his version of the luckless lovers' tale, but Fate could not be deterred. Fort W…

1
A Candid talk with registered Dietitian and NFL Cheerleader, Ashley Martinez, owner of Nutrition for Cheerleaders 38:57

1M ago38:57

38:57

Ashley Anna Martinez, MFN, RDN, LD is a Chef, Dietitian, and 3 x Professional Cheerleader for the Cincinnati Bengals. Her food philosophy is simple, "All foods fit". She has helped many dancers and professional cheerleaders reach their highest performance potential by providing her expertise in culinary and nutrition. Ashley has been dancing since …

1
An Inspirational Story From Obesity to Marathon Runner with Roger Wright...... An Inspiring Tale of Resilience and Determination 52:32

2M ago52:32

52:32

Roger Wright was morbidly obese his entire life, eventually reaching 325 lbs by his late 40s. Having failed at 100s of diets, food plans, nutritionists, etc and was one signed form away from having gastric bypass surgery, he came up with a completely unpredictable and "impossible" plan that shocked his wife, his friends and even himself. Roger's fa…

1
Eating Disorder Awareness Week Talk with Jamie Singletary 35:14

2M ago35:14

35:14

Jamie Singleteary, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who loves to inspire and empower individuals on their journey to healthy purposeful living. She is a graduate of Ball State University with a B.A. in Telecommunications and Clark Atlanta University with a M.A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology. Jamie began her professional career in mental hea…

1
A Talk with the former American Ballet Theatre Dancer.... Lisa Lockwood 40:09

3M ago40:09

40:09

Lisa Lockwood danced with American Ballet Theatre for ten years, subsequently with Feld Ballet, and was an original cast member of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. A short list of the choreographers she worked with personally include Anthony Tudor, George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Natalia Makarova, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Glen Tetley, Eliot Feld and Sir Kenneth M…

1
Speaking with Dr. Anita Johnston, Author of the book "Eating in the Light of the Moon" 40:37

3M ago40:37

40:37

Anita Johnston, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and author of Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationships with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling, which has been published in seven languages. She is the co-creator of the Light of the Moon Café, an online resource…

1
Colleen O'Callaghan - A Lifelong Dedication to Dance and Wellness 33:15

4M ago33:15

33:15

Colleen O'Callaghan has been a professional ballet dancer since the age of 16 and continues her remarkable journey at the age of 64. Her life's passion has been the art of ballet, where she has honed her skills and embodied the grace and discipline it demands. Today, Colleen's mission extends beyond the stage. Her goal is to share her knowledge and…

1
Tips for the Holidays - Family, Food and Fun 7:31

5M ago7:31

7:31

The holidays are supposed to be a magical time of the year when you have the opportunity to spend time with loved ones and friend.s. It can also be a very difficult time for those who struggle with eating disorders. As a dancer, you may have had a long season of Nutcracker performances and then the anticipation of seeing family. I have outlines som…

1
The Release of my 2nd book "Mother, Men and Me" A Memoir of Anxiety, Anorexia and Affairs 15:20

5M ago15:20

15:20

| In Mother, Men and Me: A Memoir of Anxiety, Anorexia and Affairs, Dawn Smith-Theodore unveils a potent saga of love, deceit, and resilience. Amid her personal battle with anorexia, convoluted romantic entanglements, and shocking family secrets, she finds refuge in dance. This memoir reveals the raw complexity of mother-daughter relationships, she…

1
S6E7: Conversations of Nutcrackers Past 28:44

6M ago28:44

28:44

For this episode, we take a look back at some of the previous conversations we have had about The Nutcracker in the years we have been doing this podcast. Join us as we revisit discussions on the ballet's history and legacy with Karen Gibbons-Brown and an insightful discussion on the Tchaikovsky's music with the help of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic'…

1
S6E6: Beyond the Nutcracker 20:10

6M ago20:10

20:10

In this episode, we've turned the tables on show host Jim Sparrow, as he takes a turn in the interview chair. In his roll as Fort Wayne Ballet's Executive Director, he gives us a glimpse into the structure and the day-to-day mechanics of operating a ballet company. Find out what goes into a production from a fiscal standpoint, with the behind-the-s…

1
How to Heal Dancers from Eating Disorders with Relationships 13:01

6M ago13:01

13:01

It is important for dancers to trust themselves and their body so having confidence and self acceptance is key in the recovery process. Surrounding yourself with community who knows your needs and how to support you. Dance is a passion so use it as a motivation to recover. Nourish your body as it houses your soul and it is your instrument. Using se…

1
Actress and Singer, Kelly Murtagh shares about her new film "Shapeless" and how her recovery from her eating disorder inspired her. 47:27

7M ago47:27

47:27

Kelly Murtagh is a mom, Louisiana-native, and an award-winning actor, writer, producer, singer and children’s book author who works in film, television and theatre. Kelly is also a certified sound healer and breath-work facilitator. She has received multiple awards including the Best Actress Award at Festival South, and the Best Actress Award at th…

1
Opening Night Miniseries Part 3: Three Virgins and a Devilish Season 13:01

7M ago13:01

13:01

Fort Wayne Ballet is getting ready to stage its first big show of the 2023-24 season, entitled Opening Night! In this three part series, Kinetic Conversations looks at each of the three ballets the company will be perform in the show - each with a nod to New York City. In our third installment of this miniseries, Jim Sparrow and Karen Gibbons-Brown…

1
A candid talk with Allie Papazian about her career as a dancer and her transition out of dance 45:36

7M ago45:36

45:36

Allie Papazian is from Los Angeles, CA. She trained at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan and was a member of the inaugural class in the Alonzo King LINES Ballet BFA at Dominican University of California, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2010. While in college she danced professionally with Mark Foehringer Dance Project SF, and performed wi…

1
Opening Night Miniseries Part 2: Fancy Free 20:23

7M ago20:23

20:23

Fort Wayne Ballet is getting ready to stage it's first big show of the 2023-24 season, entitled Opening Night!. In this three part series, Kinetic Conversations looks at each of the three ballets the company will be perform in the show - each with a nod to New York City. In part two of our series, Jim interviews Robert LaFosse, repetiteur for Jerom…

1
Opening Night Miniseries Part 1: Italian Suite 12:55

8M ago12:55

12:55

Fort Wayne Ballet is getting ready to stage it's first big show of the 2023-24 season, entitled Opening Night!. In this three part series, Kinetic Conversations looks at each of the three ballets the company will be perform in the show - each with a nod to New York City. In part one, Jim Sparrow sits down with Arpino Foundation repetiteur Cameron B…

1
Former Ballet Dancer Michael Patterson talks about his career and transition out of a life in a ballet company 33:07

8M ago33:07

33:07

Michael Patterson is the Artistic Director of the Patterson School of Ballet located in Erie, PA and is a former professional danseur with the Pennsylvania Ballet, now known as the Philadelphia Ballet. While at the Pennsylvania Ballet, Mr. Patterson danced many roles in works by George Balanchine, including The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream…

1
We Welcome Jessica Wallis from Ballet in the City 31:54

8M ago31:54

31:54

It is my pleasure to welcome Jessica Wallis, Founder and Executive Director of Ballet in the City. Jessica has produced and presented programming with dancers such as Ashley Bouder, Sonia Rodriguez, and Misty Copeland, at prestigious venues including The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. She is a two-time honors graduate of The Univer…

1
Former ballerina, Sasha Gorrell, PhD talks about her research with dancers and eating disorders 42:09

9M ago42:09

42:09

On this week's installment of the Tu Tu Thin Podcast, I have Sasha Gorrell, PhD joining me! Sasha Gorrell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. Her position is within the Eating Disorders Program where her clinical focus is in the treatment of adolescents wi…

1
Talking with Performer and Choreographer Lamont Brown 36:23

9M ago36:23

36:23

Lamont Brown is a New York-based performer and choreographer. He is originally from Long Island and is a graduate of the Dance Theatre Conservatory at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Lamont’s performance career has taken him all over the globe. Recently seen in the 1st National Tour of “Mean Girls The Broadway Musical” a…

1
S6E2: An Education in Dance Pt 2: Training the Future 19:28

9M ago19:28

19:28

As we look ahead to the start of our fall semester at the Fort Wayne Ballet academy, we want to take a look at dance education in America in general and what it means to us at Fort Wayne Ballet to carry on this legacy in the fine arts. In the second half of our discussion, Jim and Karen discuss the different paths a student might take in the academ…

1
S6E1: An Education in Dance Pt 1: Then and Now 25:41

9M ago25:41

25:41

As we look ahead to the start of our fall semester at the Fort Wayne Ballet academy, we want to take a look at dance education in America in general and what it means to us at Fort Wayne Ballet to carry on this legacy in the fine arts. In this first episode in a two-part discussion, Jim and Karen look at the deep past of dance education and how it …

1
Soccer Coach to Dancer Dad 43:26

10M ago43:26

43:26

I am thrilled to be airing the latest episode of the TuTu Thin Podcast because on this week's edition, Bob Schwarz will be joining me! Bob went from soccer coach to dancer dad. While his 3 other boys were playing tennis, soccer, baseball and other sports, his third son discovered his passion for dance. Bob shares his story of learning a new languag…

1
Welcome Nicole Farnsworth MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, CPT from the Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital 39:05

10M ago39:05

39:05

Nicole Farnsworth is a board-certified sports dietitian with the Female Athlete Program and Division of Sports Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital. She is a clinical dietitian for Laura Moretti Nutrition, a group nutrition practice specializing in performance nutrition and nutrition counseling for eating disorders. Nicole is additionally a NASM-…

1
Johanna O'Flaherty discusses Trauma & its relationship to Addictions & Eating Disorders 38:25

10M ago38:25

38:25

I feel honored to welcome Dr. Johanna O'Flaherty, PhD to the TuTu Thin Podcast. She is an expert in crisis management from a psychological perspective, and a renowned expert in the field of trauma, addiction and recovery. She was the Vice President of Treatment Services at the Betty Ford Center from 2006 to 2013, and then served as the CEO of the L…

1
Pilates Training for dancers with Ballet Coach Jennifer Milner 36:24

11M ago36:24

36:24

Jennifer Milner is a ballet coach and certified Pilates trainer specializing in athletes, dancers and post-injury recoveries. As a classical ballet dancer, Jennifer danced with several companies across the United States before moving to New York to do musical theatre, most notably playing Meg Giry in The Phantom of the Opera. After a knee injury en…

1
Michelle Chaviano Interview 38:07

11M ago38:07

38:07

Let's give a big warm welcome to my latest podcast guest, Michelle Chaviano! Michelle began her dancing career in Miami at the Art of Classical Ballet and has since danced with the English National Ballet, Teatru De Ballet in Romania and more. She has now joined Charlottesville ballet for their 2023-2024 season. In addition to her performing career…

1
Carolyn Costin M.A., M.ED., MFT Interview 42:28

12M ago42:28

42:28

I am honored to welcome to the podcast, Carolyn Costin, my mentor. Carolyn is a world renowned, sought-after eating disorder clinician, author, and international speaker. Recovered herself, Carolyn recognized her calling after successfully treating her first eating disorder client in 1979. Carolyn was first to publicly say that people with eating d…

1
Life of Stierle Miniseries: Episode 3, "The Gift of a Legacy" 22:02

12M ago22:02

22:02

In our three-part miniseries, Kinetic Conversations looks at the life, career, and legacy of Eddie Stierle. In our third and final installment, we meet again with Eddie’s sister, Rose, to talk about the lasting impact, the international recognition, and the touching tribute from the dance world that all stand as part of the deserving legacy of Eddi…

1
Erin Yen Interview 40:20

1y ago40:20

40:20

We welcome to the podcast, Erin Yen, who is a mixed-race professional dancer and choreographer currently residing in San Mateo, CA. Erin holds a BFA with distinction in Dance from the Ohio State University. She is fluent in Laban Movement Analysis, and she was the first to Labanotate work from acclaimed choreographer Doug Varone. Erin has additiona…

1
Life of Stierle Miniseries: Episode 2, "Like No Other" 21:24

1y ago21:24

21:24

Join us for Part 2 of our podcast miniseries on Stierle! In our three-part miniseries, Kinetic Conversations looks at the life, career, and legacy of Eddie Stierle. In this heartfelt second episode, we talk to Kim Sagami, the repetiteur working with Fort Wayne Ballet to restage Eddie’s works. Kim shares with us what it meant to her to not only danc…

1
Life of Stierle Miniseries: Episode 1, "Who Was Eddie?" 29:14

1y ago29:14

29:14

Fort Wayne Ballet is set to make history in May, as we perform three ballets by Edward Stierle together for the first time. A gifted young dancer and choreographer for the Joffrey Ballet, Eddie passed away in 1991 just after the premier of his last ballet. He was 23 years old. In our three-part miniseries, Kinetic Conversations looks at the life, c…

1
Robyn L. Goldberg, RDN. CEDRD-S 31:34

1y ago31:34

31:34

We welcome Robyn Goldberg, RDN to the TuTu Thin podcast. Robyn began her career at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles as the in-patient dietitian in the Department of Cardiology. Over the last twenty-five years she has developed her own private practice in Los Angeles, CA, where she specializes in medical conditions, disordered eating, eati…

1
S5E5: SPECIAL EPISODE, "I Have Been Dancing" 39:54

1y ago39:54

39:54

“I have been dancing since I was three..." In this special episode of Kinetic Conversations, we hear from trainers, educators, and the dancers themselves what it means to them to be a dancer. Join with us as we celebrate these wonderful people who are the heart and soul of our company. We take a look back at some past sound bites from Raymond Luken…

1
Kim Maselli Interview 32:03

1y ago32:03

32:03

We welcome KIM MASELLI to the Tu Tu Thin Podcast. She is the President & Artistic Director for the Pacific Festival Ballet received her early dance training from her mother, Joyce Hurley. At age 16, she was accepted to the Washington School of Ballet where she gained her first professional stage experience. She was awarded a full scholarship to the…

1
Audrey Landers, American Actress, Singer, and Sarasota Resident, Joins the Club 36:59

1y ago36:59

36:59

Many know her as Afton Cooper, JR Ewing’s mistress on the hit 1980's television show Dallas, others may know her from her role as Val Clarke in the film version of A Chorus Line, others will recognize her from her many appearances on shows such as Happy Days, the Dukes of Hazaard, Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Battlestar Galactica and many others.…

1
Kendall Alway, PT, DPT Interview 26:57

1y ago26:57

26:57

I am excited to welcome Kendall Alway PT, DPT to the TuTu Thin Podcast. She is a former professional dancer with over 20 years of ballet training and 21 years of experience as a dance physical therapist. In 2013 she founded SF Performing Arts PT in San Francisco, CA and in 2021, launched Pointe Safe, a continuing education program for ballet teache…

1
Jacqueline Porter Interview 40:32

1y ago40:32

40:32

Our guest this week, Jacqueline Porter founded and directs The Dallas Conservatory, with 16 studios on three campuses and a faculty of three dozen top pros teaching Dance, Theater, Music, Voice, TV/Film and Fitness to 1,700 children and adults of every level from beginner to professional. A classically trained former professional dancer/singer on B…

1
Joan Ellison, Songstress and Judy Garland Restorationist, Joins the Club 26:54

1y ago26:54

26:54

In 2016, she embarked on a mission to restore Judy Garland's original orchestrations, culminating in a song-for-song recreation of Garland's 1961 Carnegie Hall concert. At Michael Feinstein's invitation, she serves as Editor of the Judy Garland Carnegie Hall Concert Restoration Project for the Judy Garland Heirs Trust. Recently, she was given the p…

1
Ballet 101 Miniseries: A Fairytale in Dance, Episode 3: Story Through Movement 11:53

1y ago11:53

11:53

In the final part of this miniseries, we Look at Fort Wayne Ballet’s upcoming production of Swan Lake and take a look at the plot and characters in Tchaikovsky’s famed tragic tale. Do you know who defied convention to dance in shorter skirts, paving the way to the tutu? When did ballets transition from tragedies to happy-ever-afters? When did we st…

1
JoAnn Falletta, Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic, Joins the Club 32:04

1y ago32:04

32:04

You saw her guest conduct the Sarasota Orchestra last February and now she returns to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Monday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m., courtesy of the Sarasota Concert Association, to conduct her very own orchestra, the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic. For their Florida tour, conductor JoAnn Falletta, the Buffalo Philh…

1
Ballet 101 Miniseries: A Fairytale in Dance, Episode 2: Heroes & Villains 13:05

1y ago13:05

13:05

Every good story needs a villain. Some are evil, some are misunderstood, and some are merely careless in their intentions, but they drive the plot. What makes up a ballet villain, and how are they overcome? Let’s take a look. This three-episode miniseries discusses the components of romantic and classical era story ballets, examining their history …

1
Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani Interview 45:18

1y ago45:18

45:18

In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I am so excited to welcome to the podcast, Dr. Jennifer L. Gaudiani. Jennifer L. Gaudiani, MD, CEDS-S, FAED, is the Founder and Medical Director of the Gaudiani Clinic. Board Certified in Internal Medicine, she completed her undergraduate degree at Harvard, medical school at Boston University School of Me…

1
Ballet 101 Miniseries: A Fairytale in Dance, Episode 1: Story Ballets 11:42

1y ago11:42

11:42

This three-episode miniseries discusses the components of romantic and classical era story ballets, examining their history and the evolution their choreography, their structure, and audiences’ expectations, with a special look at our upcoming production of Swan Lake. The series will drop on consecutive Fridays in March. Series is hosted by Jim Spa…

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American Ballet Theatre Podcasts

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