Ballet Help Desk

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 standard-markdown"> Durante Verzola, resident choreographer for Miami City Ballet School, breaks down their Summer Choreographic Workshop, a specialized program that simulates professional dancer life for students as young as 14. Unlike traditional summer intensives, this program focuses on preparing dancers for the quick turnaround and varied repertory demands of company life. Durante explains why they created a separate choreographic track, how company artistic staff are involved, and what types of mentors and choreographers work with participants. The conversation covers the balance between new and existing works, whether students learn to choreograph themselves, and what the final performance looks like. Durante discusses why younger dancers benefit from this experience, how often participants transition into Miami City Ballet's year-round program, and what common growth areas he observes. He also addresses why specialized programs like this are growing in popularity and what sets Miami City Ballet's approach apart from similar workshops. If you're considering programs that go beyond traditional technique training, this episode explains what makes the choreographic workshop format valuable for pre-professional dancers. Learn more on the MCBS  website. Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok: @ballethelpdesk Takeaways The Choreographic Intensive is a two-week program at Miami City Ballet School. The program aims to develop students' artistry and professional skills. Students experience a daily routine similar to that of professional dancers. Artistry is emphasized alongside technical training in ballet. The program includes creating original works specifically for the students. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their choreography. Performance opportunities are crucial for developing confidence and skills. The program fosters a supportive environment for students to grow. Choreography is created in response to the dancers in the moment. The intensive prepares students for the realities of a professional dance career. Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI  

Oliver Till, Artistic Director of Kansas City Ballet School, walks us through ChoreoLab, their unique summer program that pairs aspiring dancers with emerging choreographers. The program runs two tracks: Movers (dancers 17+) and Makers (choreographers 18-24). Instead of traditional technique classes, participants collaborate on original work, learning about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals along the way. The focus is on the creative process, not just the final product, with dancers exploring new movement styles they wouldn't encounter in standard training. Oliver explains the application process, including in-person auditions for dancers and portfolio-based selection for choreographers. He discusses why the program culminates in a ticketed performance to raise the stakes, and how they've incorporated mindfulness sessions to support mental well-being during the intensive creative process. If you're interested in choreography, want to understand how professional work gets made, or are looking for a summer program that goes beyond technique, this episode breaks down what makes ChoreoLab different. Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok:  Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI Takeaways: The Mover track is for aspiring dancers aged 17 and up. The Maker track is for aspiring choreographers aged 18 to 24. The program emphasizes collaboration between dancers and choreographers. Participants learn about lighting, costume design, and tech rehearsals. The focus is on the process of creation rather than just the final product. Dancers are encouraged to explore new movement styles and techniques. The application process includes in-person auditions for movers. Makers are selected based on their choreographic ideas and experience. The culmination performance is a ticketed event to enhance accountability. Mindfulness sessions are introduced to support dancers' mental well-being.  

Erica Fischbach and Sean Omandam from Colorado Ballet Academy break down two of their specialized summer programs: the Choreographic Workshop and the Young Dancer Intensive. The Choreographic Workshop immerses older students in a professional-style setting where they learn to pick up choreography quickly, work with mentors, and develop their artistic voice. Artist talks expose participants to what life is like as a professional ballet dancer. The location? You'll want to hear where this program takes place -- it's an environment that enhances creativity in a way most studios can't match! The Young Dancer Intensive is designed for younger students, balancing quality training with fun activities outside the studio. What sets it apart? It's one of the only programs like it that offers housing where parents and kids can stay together, providing comfort and support for younger dancers taking their first step into intensive training.  Learn more about these ballet summer intensives on their website: https://coloradoballet.org/Academy-Summer-Programs Links: Read Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews  https://reviews.ballethelpdesk.com/ Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok:  Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI Takeaways: The Choreographic Workshop lets students experience what it's like to be a professional ballet dancer. The location of the Choreographic Workshop provides a unique and inspiring environment for creativity. Mentorship is a key component of the programs.  Students learn to pick up choreography quickly, simulating a professional setting. Artist talks provide insights into various career paths in dance. The Young Dancer Intensive is designed for younger students, focusing on fun and quality training. Parents can accompany younger dancers, providing comfort and support. Activities outside of dance enhance the overall experience for students. Both programs emphasize both technical skills and artistic expression. Students leave with a stronger sense of self and confidence.  

Before you listen, please consider taking our podcast survey to help us improve what we do:  https://forms.gle/mwTPzuHu1Nmdf9CeA Katie Sopoci Drake and Zoica Tovar from the Washington School of Ballet break down their Junior and Senior Repertory Week programs in this episode. The two programs serve different levels of dancers, and our guests explain how each one works and what participants can expect. They discuss the school's teaching methods, how they work with different learning styles, and what it takes to move from student training to professional dancing. The conversation covers mentorship structures, choreography opportunities for participants, and performance requirements at each level. Katie and Zoica also share what traits they look for in successful dancers and how artistic director Edwaard Liang's involvement shapes the training experience. If you're researching summer intensives or want to understand how pre-professional ballet training works, this episode provides a practical look at what happens during these programs and why the school structures them the way they do. Learn more about The Washington School of Ballet's Summer Programs here: https://www.washingtonballet.org/nw-summer-intensives/ Takeaways: The Junior Repertory Experience is designed for aspiring dancers aged 12-17. The Senior Repertory Experience mirrors a company training week for dancers aged 15-22. Both programs culminate in a performance for family and friends. Edwaard Liang's involvement enhances the quality of training and choreography. Dancers learn to adapt quickly to different styles and choreographers. The programs focus on building stamina, artistry, and technical skills. Students are encouraged to ask questions about their future careers. Choreography and composition classes are integral to the training. The audition process is open to video submissions. The programs aim to develop well-rounded artists, not just professional dancers. Links: Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews: https://reviews.ballethelpdesk.com/ Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok:  Music from #Uppbeat:https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

Audition season is here again, and we're revisiting one of our most requested conversations. In this episode, Jess Spinner, founder of The Whole Dancer, breaks down how dancers can create an audition approach that actually works for them. She shares strategies for choosing auditions, tailoring a plan to the type of job you're pursuing, and managing the mental, physical, and emotional pressure that comes with this time of year. Learn more about Jess here: https://www.thewholedancer.com/audition-coaching/   Schedule a  free consultation: https://calendly.com/jess-spinner/complimentary-dancer-coaching-blwc-clone?month=2025-11   Links: Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk TikTok: @BalletHelpDesk