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Conversations on Dance

Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro

Conversations on Dance is an award winning podcast hosted by former Miami City Ballet dancers Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden. Since 2016, the podcast has provided an inside look at the world of dance through in-depth interviews with the field’s most influential dancers, choreographers, musicians, directors, and educators. With a mission to educate, inspire, and connect, Conversations on Dance goes beyond performance to uncover the stories, insights, and artistry that shape the dance world today.

Each week, listeners are invited into candid conversations that highlight the intelligence, passion, and creative process of those working at the highest levels of the art form. With over 500 episodes and partnerships with institutions like the Vail Dance Festival, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, Performing Arts Houston, San Francisco Ballet, The Kennedy Center, and more, the podcast has become a trusted and celebrated voice in the global dance community.

Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.

Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance

Website: conversationsondancepod.com

Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@conversationsondance

Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance

Facebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance

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Wednesday · 58 min
(512) Choreographer Alysa Pires on her new work for New York City Ballet
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Today on Conversations on Dance, hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome choreographer Alysa Pires, who's new work for New York City Ballet will be premiering October 1 as a part of NYCB's fashion gala. Alysa who shares how she gravitated to dance as a child, discovered contemporary dance in high school, and began choreographing early. She discusses mentorship at Toronto Metropolitan University and explains her creative process: coming into ballet settings highly prepared with music charts and organizational planning while developing steps collaboratively in the studio. Byers describes managing imposter syndrome, the people-focused side of choreographing, and a career turning point when the National Ballet of Canada opened its choreographic workshop to outside artists, leading to bigger opportunities. She previews her second NYCB commission, inspired by motherhood, protection, and sacrifice. Tickets and more information: https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/fall-2026/fall-fashion-gala 00:00 Support on Patreon 00:40 Meet the Hosts 01:29 Early Dance Roots 03:14 Finding Contemporary Path 06:34 Choreography Takes Hold 09:28 Mentors and Ballet Return 11:46 Prepping a New Work 14:25 Music Charts and Logistics 18:57 Discovery in the Studio 20:55 Leading the Room 24:37 Breakthrough Commissions 28:53 City Ballet Nerves 30:10 Family Sacrifice Balance 31:48 Who Gets Choreography 36:06 Second Commission Process 37:49 Casting For Collaboration 43:59 NYCB commission Inspiration 48:19 Fashion And Motherhood 53:51 Title And Bird Imagery 55:49 Premiere Dates And Runs 56:57 Thanks And Credits Interested in signing up? Enjoy one month access to our Patreon for free: CLICK HERE. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 9 · 29 min
(511) James Whiteside announces retirement from American Ballet Theatre and tells us what's next
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome American Ballet Theatre principal dancer James Whiteside, who announces he will retire from the ABT stage on June 30, 2027, dancing Giselle with Isabella Boylston at the Metropolitan Opera House. Whiteside explains the decision felt simple after 25 professional years, post-COVID recovery and a knee injury, and seeing peers retire, while emphasizing he values new colleagues and feels his body is ready. He reflects on industry changes, his growth as a dancer, and his early social media trailblazing that supported queerness in ballet and created income beyond the company, though he’s largely stepping away from being an influencer. He discusses future plans in choreography and writing, including a new Indiana University work inspired by George Platt Lynes and Debussy titled Stone Blossom, upcoming premieres, a restaging of City of Women, and his ABT fall performances including Ballet Imperial, Petal, and Petite Mort, plus final California Nutcracker shows. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 2 · 35 min
(510) Summer recap and a COD restructure with Michael and Rebecca
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Interested in signing up? Enjoy one month access to our Patreon for free: CLICK HERE. Conversations on Dance: Patreon Updates, Vail Highlights, and Michael’s First Balanchine Staging Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden discuss a format shift for Conversations on Dance, encouraging listeners to support the podcast via Patreon to help sustain production while keeping three free episodes per month and the full back catalog free. They outline tiers—Emerald ($3, ad-free episodes), Ruby ($8, ad-free plus one monthly bonus episode), and Diamond ($15, same as Ruby)—and offer a free one-month trial link in the show notes. They recap their 10th year at the Vail Dance Festival, highlighting guests including Alexei Ratmansky, Caroline Shaw, Hermán Cornejo, and an episode with four pianists. Michael shares staging his first Balanchine ballet, Allegro Brillante, at Nashville Ballet, and previews upcoming work at Indiana University, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Hamburg Ballet. They also share details on Miami City Ballet’s Young Patron Society (ages 26–45) and its upcoming events. 00:00 Iconic Guests Teaser 01:01 Patreon Format Change 02:00 Tiers and Bonus Episodes 04:06 Why Support Matters 05:34 Social Media and New Listeners 08:05 Vail Festival Highlights 11:21 Interviewing Without Cards 13:31 Staging Balanchine Debut 17:39 Working With Familiar Dancers 25:18 Upcoming Projects Tour 27:12 Jeanette Delgado Appreciation 31:03 Miami City Ballet Young Patrons 34:12 Final Patreon Reminder 35:05 Show Credits and Outro Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 26 · 52 min
(509) Pianists of Vail Dance Festival: Michael Scales, Derek Wang, Tony Yun, Joel Wenhardt
This episode was recorded live from the Vail Dance Festival on August 9th, 2026. Enjoy one month of Conversations on Dance on Patreon for free! Redeem here. In the final episode of our Vail Dance Festival series, Michael Sean Breeden is joined by guest co-host Kate Penner for a rare conversation with the festival's pianists: Michael Scales, Derek Wang, Tony Yun, Joel Wenhardt. Together they pull back the curtain on what most audiences never see: the musicians who make dance possible. They talk about how each of them found music in the first place, what it's actually like to collaborate with choreographers and dancers in the room, the tiny details that can make or break a piece, and some of their favorite moments from years of playing at Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 26 · 45 min
(508) Career Pathways at The Vail Dance Festival: Savannah Green, Kayla Mak, Brooks Landegger, Philip Duclos
Enjoy one month of Conversations on Dance on Patreon for free! Redeem here. This episode was recorded live from the Vail Dance Festival on August 9th, 2026. In this early-morning session from the final day of the festival, Michael Sean Breeden is joined by guest co-host Kate Penner (Rebecca had already headed home for her son's first day of school) for a conversation with four dancers who represent very different paths into the profession: Savannah Green (BalletX), Kayla Mak (ABT), Brooks Landegger (ABT), and Philip Duclos (Royal Danish Ballet). They talk about how differently each of their careers began, the moment each of them was "thrown in the deep end" at Vail, how they mentally and physically prepare for a performance, and what it's like bringing what they learn at the festival back to their home companies. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 11 · 1 hr 14 min
(507) LIVE from the Vail Dance Festival with Nikolaj Hubbe, Carla Korbes, Margaret Tracey, & Melissa Toogood
Watch NOW: PREMIERES from the 2026 Vail Dance Festival here: https://www.youtube.com/live/IWR7IJTIUjM?si=Hew1Dst2yyijlh9k. Enjoy one month of Conversations on Dance on Patreon for free! Redeem here. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording exploring the special and unique process of preparing today’s generation of dancers for the world stages. In this special conversation, four of today’s passionate leading dance educators gather to discuss how they cultivate tomorrow’s stars and what it means to pass artistry from one generation to the next. The panel includes Nikolaj Hubbe, former Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet and former New York City Ballet principal; Margaret Tracey, Artistic Director of Canada’s National Ballet School and former New York City Ballet principal; Carla Korbes, former Pacific Northwest Ballet principal and now ballet chair at Juilliard; and Melissa Toogood, Bessie Award-winning dancer and Dean of Juilliard’s Dance Division. Together, they bring decades of combined artistic and teaching experience to a conversation about craft, education, and a love of dance. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 8 · 1 hr 2 min
(506) LIVE from the Vail Dance Festival with Alexei Ratmansky
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording with this summer’s Artist-in-Residence, Alexei Ratmansky. Ratmansky is widely regarded as one of the most important ballet choreographers of his generation, creating celebrated works for companies around the world and currently serves as Artist-in-Residence at New York City Ballet. This summer he brings that singular creative force to Vail, where he will create new work as part of the 2026 festival. Hear Ratmansky reflect on his creative process, his vision for new work, and what it means to bring his artistry to the mountains of Colorado during Artistic Director Damian Woetzel’s landmark 20th year at the helm. Stay tuned for more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026. Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 7 · 59 min
(505) LIVE from the Vail Dance Festival with Ryan Tomash, Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording with one of ballet’s most exciting rising stars: Ryan Tomash, newly promoted Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet. Born in Toronto and trained at Canada’s National Ballet School, Tomash spent eight formative years with the Royal Danish Ballet before joining NYCB for the 2025-26 season. Tomash made his American debut right here at the Vail Dance Festival in 2025. Hear him reflect on that journey, from Copenhagen to New York, and back to Vail, and what’s ahead. Stay tuned for more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026. Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 6 · 54 min
(504) LIVE from The Vail Dance Festival with Composer & Musician Caroline Shaw
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a special live podcast recording celebrating a remarkable milestone: the 10th year of Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer and performer Caroline Shaw as the festival’s Leonard Bernstein Composer-in-Residence. Shaw, the youngest-ever winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Music, has been a defining creative voice at Vail for a decade: composing and collaborating across genres, disciplines, and artists in ways that have transformed what’s possible on a summer stage. In this conversation, she reflects on ten years of pushing music and dance into new territory, what keeps drawing her back to the mountains of Colorado, and what is next for her. Stay tuned for more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026. Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 5 · 1 hr 1 min
(503) LIVE from the Vail Dance Festival with Lauren Lovette, Robbie Fairchild, and Unity Phelan
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording with Three of Vail’s most beloved returning artists: Lauren Lovette, Unity Phelan and Robbie Fairchild. Fairchild, a former NYCB Principal Dancer, became a Tony-nominated Broadway star originating the role of Jerry Mulligan in An American in Paris before going on to film, acting, and an ever-evolving performance life. Lovette, also a former NYCB principal, continues to grace the stage and is currently serving as Resident Choreographer of the Paul Taylor Dance Company and earning commissions from ABT, Vail, and beyond. Unity Phelan continues her extraordinary career as a principal dancer with New York City Ballet and international guest artist! Stay tuned for more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026. Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 4 · 58 min
(502) LIVE from The Vail Dance Festival with Michelle Dorrance and Trinity Irish Dance Company
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording with tap visionary and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Michelle Dorrance and artists from Trinity Irish Dance Company, the Chicago-based ensemble that has spent 35 years pioneering a genre-defying fusion of Irish step dance, tap, and contemporary movement. Dorrance and Trinity share a deep creative history, with Dorrance having choreographed multiple works for the company that push the boundaries of what percussive dance can be. Hear how this extraordinary collaboration was born, what it’s like to work across two distinct movement traditions, and what Dorrance is creating this summer at Vail. Stay tuned for more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026. Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 3 · 58 min
(501) LIVE from The Vail Dance Festival with Herman Cornejo, American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Today we are live from Vail with one of the Vail Dance Festival’s most beloved returning artists, ABT Principal Dancer Herman Cornejo. Called “the most technically accomplished male ballet dancer in the United States” by The New Yorker, Cornejo has spent more than 15 summers on the Vail stage, becoming a touchstone of the festival experience for audiences and artists alike. The Argentine-born virtuoso joined American Ballet Theatre in 1999 and has since accumulated an extraordinary list of accolades. He is also the founder of the American Dancers Off-Road (ADOR) initiative and Director of Repertoire at ABT. In this conversation, he looks back at his history with the festival and forward to what’s next. Stay tuned for eight more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026. Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 2 · 57 min
(500) LIVE from The Vail Dance Festival: Martha Graham Dance Company Centennial Celebration
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording featuring Lloyd Knight and Laurel Dalley Smith from the Martha Graham Dance Company, one of the most iconic and enduring forces in American modern dance. As the company marks its centennial, hear directly from these incredible artists bringing Graham's visionary legacy to the Vail stage and shaping what it means today. This marks our 500th episode and our 10th year at the Vail Dance Festival. Stay tuned for nine more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026. Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 8 · 43 min
(499) Michael and Rebecca catch up, plus we preview our incredible Vail Dance Festival line up!
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Tickets are on sale now for our live events at the 2026 Vail Dance Festival. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here: https://vaildance.org/conversations-on-dance/ Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 18 · 55 min
(498) Jack Ferver on Curating “Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance” at NYPL
Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Today on the Conversations on Dance podcast we are joined by Jack Fever to discuss their curation of "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance" on display now at the New York Public Library. Jack joins us again after about 10 years to share recent work and their move to full-time position as a member of the faculty at Bard College. Jack traces their lifelong relationship to Graham technique, beginning at 13 in rural Wisconsin and continuing through training in New York. Jack details developing this centennial exhibition using only Jerome Robbins Dance Division materials, focusing on psychology, trauma, and embodiment, and highlights their unique discoveries along the way. Don't miss "Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance" on display now at The New York Public Library through November 7th, 2026. More information: https://www.nypl.org/events/exhibitions/martha-graham-mother-psychological-dance Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 11 · 37 min
(497) American Ballet Theatre's Summer Season with Susan Jaffe
Today on the Conversations on Dance podcast we are joined by Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre. Susan reflects on ABT’s Spring Season, the challenges of the Met season shifting later into summer, and the company exceeding attendance goals while continuing strong ticket sales. She talk about how Executive Director Barry Hughson's arrival has strengthened fundraising and operations, freeing her to focus on artistic work. She previews the upcoming Met lineup—two weeks of Swan Lake, Cranko’s Onegin, and 10 performances of Don Quixote with seven Kitri/Basilio casts. Jaffe details her Don Quixote refresh: keeping the 1978 production, tightening storytelling and pacing, making music cuts, adjusting mime and choreography, and more. See ABT at the Met June 17 - July 18th. Tickets available at ABT.org: https://www.abt.org/performances/summer-season/ Listen to our other episodes with Susan here: https://www.conversationsondancepod.com/search?q=susan+jaffe Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance ____________________________________ Introduction: Conversations on Dance with Susan Jaffe Join hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden on the latest episode of the "Conversations on Dance" podcast as they engage with Susan Jaffe, the esteemed artistic director of American Ballet Theatre (ABT). They dive into the intricacies of ABT’s performances, the innovations under Jaffe's leadership, and the exciting future of ballet. Reflections on the Spring Season Susan Jaffe begins by reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of ABT’s spring season. Originally set for mid-April at the Metropolitan Opera House, a shift pushed performances into summer, prompting concerns about audience engagement. Despite these challenges, ABT exceeded attendance expectations, experiencing what Susan coined as “Timothée Chalamet moments” – standing ovations each night. With the support of Executive Director Barry Hughson, the company navigated these changes with finesse, focusing on enriching its artistic offerings while maintaining strong ticket sales. Previewing the Met Season: New Approaches and Old Favorites As the discussion shifts to upcoming performances at the Metropolitan Opera House, Susan announces a packed lineup featuring two weeks of "Swan Lake", George Cranko’s emotionally rich "Onegin", and a refreshed "Don Quixote" (Don Q). The conversation reveals how adjustments to the season were strategically planned to cater to both New York residents and the influx of summer tourists. Don Quixote Gets a Refresh The process behind updating "Don Quixote" was intricate, with Susan focusing on tightening storytelling, enhancing choreography, and making selective cuts to maintain audience engagement. Her collaboration with renowned figures such as Susan Jones and forthcoming music director David LaMarche highlights a commitment to retaining the piece’s essence while injecting fresh energy. Conclusion: An Invitation to Experience the Magic The episode closes with an invitation from Susan Jaffe for audiences to experience the magic of ABT’s upcoming performances. With refreshed classics and bold new directions, each ballet is crafted to captivate and inspire. Whether a longtime fan or a newcomer, ABT’s vibrant season promises unforgettable experiences for all. Join the Conversation Listen to the full episode for a detailed exploration of ABT’s artistic journey. Subscribe to "Conversations on Dance" for more illuminating discussions on ballet's vibrant tapestry. Visit conversationsondancepod.com for more information and to explore sponsorship opportunities. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 4 · 1 hr 18 min
(496) Paul Boos, Repetiteur and former Balanchine dancer
Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Today on the Conversations on Dance podcast we are joined by Paul Boos, Repetiteur and former Balanchine dancer. Paul recounts growing up in South Dakota, being enrolled in ballet with his sisters, then eventually continuing his training at American Ballet Theatre, where he received a full scholarship to study and live in New York. He describes early exposure to ABT stars, joining New York City Ballet, informative encounters with Balanchine and Robbins during his time in the company. After leaving New York City Ballet, He began staging Balanchine works and later became director of the Balanchine Foundation Video Archives, which documents role originators coaching and being interviewed. Book: In Balanchine's Steps: https://amzn.to/4vxm9Ig Apply to view Balanchine Foundation videos: https://balanchine.org/video-archives/interpreters-archive-archive-of-lost-choreography/ Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28 · 57 min
(495) Padraic Moyles, Executive Producer and Director of 'Riverdance 30 - The New Generation'
Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance On today's episode of Conversations On Dance we are joined by Padraic Moyles, Executive Producer and Director of 'Riverdance 30 - The New Generation'. Padraic tells us about his own journey as a performer in the early days of the Riverdance phenomenon, how the show has evolved in its 30 year history, and the incredible method they use to both spread the physical burden and keep the dancers from burning out during their grueling tours. Riverdance will be at Performing Arts Houston from June 19th through the 21st. Tickets are available on performingartshouston.org. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 21 · 44 min
(494) Ariel Rose, Choreographer and former Soloist with Miami City Ballet
Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Today on the Conversations on Dance podcast we are joined by Ariel Rose, choreographer and former soloist with Miami City Ballet. Ariel traces his path from Ballet Academy East to Boston Ballet and Richmond Ballet, ultimately landing at Miami City Ballet. He talks with us about how early exposure to live music, performing opportunities, and diverse choreographic processes shaped him. Rose talks about his choreographic journey including his work with Miami City Ballet and the New World Symphony, his approach to music selection, and details his new project Ballet Rose: Made in Miami. Don't miss Ballet Rose: Made in Miami, one night only on June 13 at the Florence Gould Theatre in New York City. Tickets and more details are available here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lalliancenewyork/2032602. Learn more on Ariel's website: https://www.balletrose.com/ Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14 · 53 min
(493) Alexandra Damiani, Executive and Artistic Director of Ballets Jazz Montréal
Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Today on the Conversations on Dance podcast we are joined by Alexandra Damiani, Artistic Director of Ballets Jazz Montréal. Alexandra traces her path from early training in France, then heading to New York, where she found healing, new technique, and artistic freedom. She recounts her wide-performing career, and the shift to rehearsal direction and leadership. She discusses moving from New York to Montreal during COVID, balancing motherhood with leadership, strengthening Ballet Jazz Montreal's roots locally while touring, and previews BJM’s tour to Houston with Performing Arts Houston. If you are in the Houston area, see Ballets Jazz Montréal in "Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen" June 12 and 13th. Tickets start at $29. More information at performingartshouston.org. Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement. Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance Website: conversationsondancepod.com Join our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5b Instagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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