We're joined by Melonie Buchanan Murray, the Director of the School of Dance at the University of Utah. Our conversation covered a variety of areas, including the repertoire the dancers typically perform, admissions standards, the emphasis Ms. Murray puts on mental health awareness, how injuries affect grading and how students can get a BFA in Ballet that includes a teaching emphasis. She also let us in on the joint training program that the University of Utah has with Ballet West! Learn more about the dance program at https://www.dance.utah.edu/

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
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We're joined by Susan Stowe, Chair of the Department of Dance at Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA. Ms. Stowe discusses the various tracks students can follow in the dance department, including degrees in ballet, jazz or modern dance and gives us a sneak peek at their latest initiative. Beginning Fall 2024, Point Park University's dance program in partnership with the School of Education will offer a Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education Certification Pre-K through 12 program. She also discusses where the school recruits students as well as what careers the school's graduates pursue. For more information visit: Point Park University School of Dance

Links:

• Ballet Help Desk
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• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

Join us as we explore Butler University's Department of Dance, with Larry Attaway, who serves as Chair and Executive Artistic Director.

Consistently ranked as one of the top five collegiate ballet programs in the U.S., Mr. Attaway fills us in on its diverse study options—including a dedicated teaching track—as well as the exciting performance opportunities that shape aspiring dancers into professionals. We also discussed the audition process, reviewing what prospective students need to do for consideration for the program, as well as the diverse career paths pursued by Butler's graduates, offering a comprehensive look at potential opportunities awaiting aspiring dancers.

Links:

• Butler University School of Dance
• Ballet Help Desk
• Submit Year-Round Reviews
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• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

Tune in to our latest episode featuring Phil Chan, co-founder of Final Bow for Yellowface, as we discuss the issue of Orientalism in ballet. Phil talks us through how his organization is actively combating stereotypes and Orientalist tropes within the art form. We also hear how major ballet companies are joining the movement, signing the Final Bow For Yellowface pledge to promote diversity and inclusion on stage.

• Final Bow For Yellowface
• Gold Standard Arts Foundation
• Ballet Help Desk
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In this episode, we sit down with Tim O'Keefe, Artistic Director of Texas Ballet Theater, for an insightful discussion on the company's repertoire and his approach to artistic direction. We also explore the Texas Ballet Theater Studio Training Company, which offers aspiring dancers a platform to hone their skills. Join us for a candid conversation on the artistry and dedication shaping the Texas Ballet Theater's next generation of dancers.

LINKS:

• Texas Ballet Theater
• Ballet Help Desk
• Submit Year-Round Reviews
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• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

Mavis Staines has been described as a visionary dance educator who has revolutionized the way dance is taught, performed, witnessed and shared across Canada and around the world. Over her 30-year tenure as Artistic Director of Canada’s National Ballet School, she has cemented the School’s reputation as the leading champion of programming excellence, access, and inclusion in dance.

Join us as we chat with her along with NBS faculty member, Keith Morino, about the school's post-graduate training known as the Company Life Program. This wide ranging conversation covered everything from what they've seen change post-Covid to how dancers enter the program, what a typical day looks like and how dancers work with individual mentors to help launch students into careers.

LINKS:

• Canada's National Ballet School
• Ballet Help Desk
• Submit Year-Round Reviews
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• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

Christopher Hird, Director of Education for Sarasota Ballet joins us to discuss post-graduate training programs. Hird brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation, having dedicated his career to shaping the next generation of ballet artists. From fostering technical proficiency to encouraging artistic expression, Hird shares the secrets behind cultivating well-rounded dancers who can comfortably move from the studio to the stage.

LINKS:

• Sarasota Ballet School
• Ballet Help Desk
• Submit Year-Round Reviews
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• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk

Ballet Help Desk sat down with Christopher Ruud, Second Company Manager and Rehearsal Director at Kansas City Ballet. This wide-ranging conversation covered everything from how the post-graduate levels are structured to performance opportunities to how students typically move through the ranks of the school. Chris also touched on the channels through when they recruit students as well as how they help students make that jump to the professional stage.

LINKS:

• Kansas City Ballet School
• Ballet Help Desk
• Submit Year-Round Reviews
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk