School of Richmond Ballet: Auditions, Training & Careers with Deanna Seay
Deanna Seay, Training Coordinator at the School of Richmond Ballet, joins us to talk about how dancers move through the school, from early training to the pre-professional program, trainee level, and second company. She explains what adjudicators look for in auditions (and common mistakes), how scholarships work at different levels, and why not all of Richmond Ballet’s trainees come from full-time training backgrounds. We also cover when families should consider a company-affiliated school, the culture Richmond Ballet aims to foster, and how students are prepared for both company life and a sustainable professional career. Read Reviews of The School of Richmond Ballet Links: Shop Our Back to Dance Guide 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
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1:15:14
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1:15:14
Dancer Stories: Jaya Dhand’s Journey to Ballet West
This is the first episode in our new Dancer Stories series, where professional dancers share their training paths their move into company life. Jaya Dhand talks about her experience at Indiana University, how she got hired by Ballet West 2, and her recent promotion to the main company. She explains the choices that shaped her training, what the audition process was like, and how she adjusted to professional life. Jaya also shares what she wishes she’d known as a student, the realities of dancer finances, and her advice for those preparing to go pro. Links: Shop Our Back to Dance Guide Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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1:07:11
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1:07:11
Sarah & Seth Orza: Ballet Careers and Creating Orza Ballet Shoes
Former Pacific Northwest Ballet principals Sarah and Seth Orza share their training backgrounds, the hardest parts of becoming professionals, and the advice that shaped their paths. They talk about company moves, the realities of life onstage, and the transition into founding Orza ballet shoes. The conversation covers prototyping, manufacturing, and the role of their ballet network in building the business, as well as how their experiences as dancers continue to guide their work today. If you want to try out Orza brand shoes, find exclusive discounts on our website. Links: Shop Our Back to Dance Guide Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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1:57:56
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1:57:56
#NoThirds: Fran’s Mailbag, Part 2: Lessons for Young Dancers
Fran shares more advice for students in Part 2 of #NoThirds: how respect and awareness shape auditions, why community matters, and what young dancers should know about contracts and career readiness. Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount. Links: Shop Our Back to Dance Guide Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
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1:00:45
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1:00:45
#NoThirds: Fran’s Mailbag, Part 1: Company Casting, Drama & Dogs
Listeners asked, and Fran Veyette answers! In this #NoThirds “Fran’s Mailbag” episode, he breaks down how casting really works, whether principals dance less, what happens when dancers date (and break up), and yes — the truth about dogs in the studio. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Tune back in tomorrow for more of your questions answered. Links: Shop Our Back to Dance Guide Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your dancer’s ballet path and we know navigating the world of ballet training can be challenging. The Ballet Help Desk podcast is here to help! Tune in for expert insights on supporting your student’s ballet education. We cover key topics like summer intensives, ballet competitions, full-time and postgraduate training, health and wellness, boys in ballet and more. Hear valuable advice from leading professionals across the ballet world to help your dancer make the most informed decisions about their unique training path. Learn more at www.ballethelpdesk.com.
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