Conversations on Dance

On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by acclaimed choreographer Akram Khan, weeks before his brand new full length production "Lady Macbeth" premieres at the Royal Danish Ballet. He tells us how the dancers of the company have immersed themselves through months of singular focus, how the work's plot has evolved since its inception, and how much his own dance language has fused with classical ballet vernacular to create the world of this ballet. "Lady Macbeth" runs April 24th through June 4th at the opera house mainstage in Copenhagen.  LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceOn today's episode of "Conversations On Dance" we are joined by Royal Danish Ballet soloist Tobias Praetorius. He takes us on his journey as a young student falling in love with the theater, ultimately rising to the rank of soloist in the company, while coming to embrace and explore the company's rich Bournonville history. Tobi's own choreographic talents and love of Bournonville will converge when he will choreograph the lost second act of Bournonville's "Napoli" in an upcoming Royal Danish Ballet staging. Until then, you can catch him in regular performances with the company.LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceOn Conversations on Dance, we welcome Maria Calegari and Bart Cook to revisit a March Madness-style bracket of George Balanchine ballets created by Indiana University students during COVID, using head-versus-heart choices to spark memories and discussion about dancing and staging the repertory. As we debate matchups, Maria and Bart reflect on musicality, design collaborations, costuming, performance traditions, coaching details, and more. The bracket ultimately yields different winners among the four of us.Follow along with a bracket of your own. Click here to view and download.LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceToday, on "Conversations on Dance", we talk with Ken Browar and Deborah Ory, the minds (and cameras) behind NYC Dance Project. We talk with Ken and Deborah about their book, Martha Graham Dance Company, 100 years, and how their backgrounds in dance and editorial fashion shaped their approach. They explain how early dancer sessions evolved into a slow, highly collaborative process focused on a few images that suggest continuing movement rather than freezing it. For the Graham centennial, they installed a studio setup at the company for three years, photographed 25 works from largely current repertory, combined studio and location shoots, used historical research and images as references. The resulting book, Martha Graham Dance Company, 100 Years" is available for purchase here.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:24 Deborah Dance to Camera02:28 Ken Fashion Roots03:55 First Dancers and Launch05:50 Instagram and Early Growth06:18 Fashion Meets Dance Craft08:48 Shooting Movement Not Freeze10:41 Slow Shoots and Safe Space14:04 Dancer Perfection and Control15:21 Graham Company Shift17:17 Why the Centennial Book18:31 Building the Studio Setup19:30 Building the Book Archive19:46 Choosing 25 Iconic Works21:15 Studio Shoots and Coaching22:05 Editing and Page Sequencing23:07 Outdoor Locations Strategy24:15 Researching Graham Repertory25:52 No Reshoots and Costume Logistics26:26 Group Shots and Precision28:45 Costumes and Fabric Movement31:47 Where to Buy and Signed Copies33:10 Future Projects and FarewellLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceToday on the Conversations on Dance podcast, we talk with former New York City Ballet dancer and Balanchine répétiteur Deborah Wingert about her early training at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, where rigorous daily classes, musical and artistic context, and early teaching responsibilities shaped her discipline and curiosity. Wingert recounts being accepted to the School of American Ballet, performing key workshop roles, and joining NYCB at 16, including formative experiences and personal coaching from George Balanchine before his death in 1983. She describes thriving as a detail-oriented “sponge,” navigating later casting and body-image pressures, and building a wide repertory across Balanchine and Robbins works. After leaving NYCB, she began teaching privately and at multiple New York schools, then expanded into staging Balanchine works around the world.00:00 Meet The Hosts00:11 Debra Wingert Overview01:35 First Ballet Spark04:16 CPYB Magic And Context06:31 Rigor And Early Teaching14:24 SAB Audition And Move16:50 Workshop Breakthrough Roles18:57 Joining NYCB At Sixteen25:10 Balanchine Coaching Moments27:21 Life After Balanchine28:19 Other SAB Teachers33:22 Body Image And Confidence35:09 Backstage Ballet Devotion35:34 Staying in the Company36:39 Outside Projects and Robbins38:07 Leaving NYCB and Starting to Teach40:55 Outreach and Repertory Staging43:10 Learning to Stage New Works45:33 Musicality and Version Options51:18 Keeping Patterns and Details Alive55:56 Dream Ballets and Future Stagings01:04:06 Closing Thanks and SignoffLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stanton Welch and Julie Kent join the Conversations on Dance podcast this week and reflect on nearly three years leading Houston Ballet, praising the dancers’ versatility, focus, and the engaged Houston community, and describing the value of sharing leadership. They discuss how the company’s identity is shaped by having a prolific choreographer as artistic director in Stanton and what they look for in dancers. Looking ahead, they highlight a variety of works still to come this season including Welch’s new 12-minute piece to Mason Bates featuring electronics and live percussion, and they outline how Welch’s Giselle differs musically and dramatically, with expanded characters and staging, while Kent coaches intention and relationships.For more information on performances still to come this season, visit houstonballet.org.Houston Ballet 25/27 Season announced here: https://www.houstonballet.org/seasontickets/2026-2027-season-announced/Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Welcome Back Catch Up02:14 Partnership Leading Together03:01 Studio Time And Support04:21 Choreographic Hub Culture07:54 Auditions Finding Versatility13:35 Season Variety Story Ballets18:44 Programming And Identity21:39 New Work Alice Topp25:43 Staging Hazards and Effects25:57 Avatar as Ballet Pitch26:22 More Dancers on Stage27:17 New Work Mason Bates29:08 Reimagining Giselle31:32 Coaching Story Over Steps34:39 Technique vs Artistry Debate38:12 Season Highlights Dances39:50 Rehearsal Timing and Stamina41:21 Next Season Tease and FarewellLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance" we are joined by dance writer Marina Harss. Marina tells us about her recent excursions to Vienna and Copenhagen, where she traveled to document some of the most exciting new dynamics in European dance companies, including a renewed focus on Copenhagen's genius choreographer Bournonville, new directors in the Royal Danish Ballet and the Vienna State Ballet, and buzzy new Ratmansky productions in both companies. Marina wrote on these experiences in the New York Times and the New York Review Of Books. Both articles are available online today. Alexei Ratmansky’s Leap of Faith - By Marina Harss for The New York ReviewFor Royal Danish Ballet, It’s Back to Bournonville - By Marina Harss for the New York TimesAt City Ballet, Alexei Ratmansky’s Morality Tale Is Wrapped in Farce - By Marina Harss for the New York TimesGet Marina's book on Ratmansky: The Boy from Kyiv: Alexei Ratmansky's Life in BalletSneak Peek of Ratmansky's newest work for Miami City Ballet, mentioned in this episode.Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance" we are joined by choreographer Robert Battle. Robert tells us about how he started a company to push his own choreographic work, what it was like to become the third director in the history of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and how he's just begun to explore his recent post as resident choreographer of Paul Taylor Dance Company. To see Robert's latest work for Paul Taylor on tour visit paultaylordance.org/performances.Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WATCH the program on YouTube here.On February 7, 2026, Miami City Ballet presented a first look of world-renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s new commission celebrating MCB founder Toby Lerner Ansin’s 85th birthday, before its February premiere in Florida. This work blends history, tradition, and forward-thinking creativity, with a score by Johann Strauss. Ratmansky and Miami City Ballet’s new artistic director Gonzalo Garcia will participate in the discussion, and MCB dancers perform excerpts.Miami City Ballet's 'Into The Magic City' program runs February 20th - March 1 in Miami and West Palm Beach. The program includes the World Premiere of 'Roses from the South, Three Waltzes for Toby' as discussed here, as well as George Balanchine's 'Serenade' and 'Tarantella'. Tickets available here.Works & Process at the Guggenheim is a non-profit organization dedicated to championing the creative process from studio to stage, with programs just like this one. Find more information and ways to support on their website: https://www.worksandprocess.org/.Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance" we are joined by two leaders of the School Of American Ballet, Jenifer Ringer, Director Of Intermediate/Advanced Divisions and Artistic Programming, and Aesha Ash, Head Of Artistic Health and Wellness. They tell us about their own experiences as students at the school before heading onto illustrious careers at the New York City Ballet, what goes into planning the curriculum and various programs the school offers, and most excitingly, how the recently opened wellness center is impacting the day to training and student experience at SAB. For more information on all things SAB, visit sab.org. Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on "Conversations On Dance", our episode centers on the new documentary film "About Face: Disrupting Ballet", which follows two asian dancers, Phil Chan and Georgina Pazcougin, in their effort to eliminate racial stereotypes pervasive in ballet performances across the world. Director/Producer Jennifer Lin and Producer Cory Stieg join us to talk about their personal experiences with racial caricatures in dance, how their initial introduction to Phil and Gina led to the idea for the film, and the work they do and the film itself will be a catalyst for change in the dance world. "About Face" will be the spotlight feature of the closing night of the Dance On Camera Festival, this February 8th at Symphony Space in New York City. Follow updates on the film on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aboutface_film/Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceSPONSOR:Get audition ready with The Royal Ballet School’s new bundle of online audition classes. Whether you are auditioning for entry into The Royal Ballet School or seeking insights into general audition preparation to conquer those nerves, this brand-new series of online classes is the perfect tool for you. From artistic expression and musicality to improving your strength and flexibility, these classes will help you feel confident for whenever and wherever you audition. To get started go to ondemand.royalballetschool.org.uk LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance" we are joined by American Ballet Theatre ballerina Zimmi Coker. Zimmi recounts how, as a former dance herself, her mother gently guided her through her initial training, how she fell in love with ABT and began to receive plum roles in major full length works, and, most harrowingly, how she overcame a devastating injury that had her pulling out of performances and in searing pain for more than a year and a half. Zimmi will be performing featured roles in ABT's upcoming seasons at the Koch Theater and the MET in New York City; follow her on instagram at @zimmi9 for further updates on her casting. Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceOn today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by Kari Brunson Wright, Josh Spell and Rachel Coats, founders of the ILUMN Collective and former professional dancers turned therapists and coaches. We talk the various mental health challenges they faced as dancers, how they came together to create a program to offer people of all stripes in the dance world a way to overcome those hurdles and the specifics of some of the methods they are now offering at ILUMN. The sessions offered at ILUMN are customized towards all kinds of people in the dancer world: not only students and professional dancers, but former dancers, teachers, directors and rehearsal directors. To set up your first ILUMN session, visit www.theilumncollective.com or download the app for short, powerful audio sessions you can access at any time. Download the app: https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/ilumn/id6751722723LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it's just Michael and Rebecca for our annual look back over the year. Enjoy! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year everyone! We will be back with a new episode on January 7th, 2026.Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceMiami City Ballet Nutcracker running through 12/28: https://www.miamicityballet.org/tickets-and-events/202526-season/nutcracker/#e214Miami City Ballet world premiere by Alexei Ratmansky: https://www.miamicityballet.org/tickets-and-events/202526-season/winter/LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we dive into the new documentary "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield", a film that explores the chaotic, thrilling experience of a huge team of dancers, artists and volunteers coming together to ensure that the "Nutcracker" holiday tradition could continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are joined by the choreographer Troy Schumacher and ballerina Ashley Laracey, the Sugar Plum Fairy in this production, both veteran NYCB soloists who had not had a year without Nutcracker in their lives for more than two decades. They take us through the numerous complications to consider while mounting the production, from legal constraints, health concerns and the logistics of building a massive production in just five weeks, and how this experience ultimately came to be a documentary that perfectly encapsulates a moment unlike any of us shall ever experience again in our lives. "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield" will be available to stream on demand from December 21st through January 5th through the website nutcrackerfilm.com.  Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Conversations On Dance, we are joined by author Elizabeth Kendall. Elizabeth has written numerous books on dance, her most recent, "Balanchine Finds His America: A Tale Of Love Lost And Ballet Reborn" is on shelves now. Elizabeth takes us through her journey to writing on dance, why Balanchine has become such an important figure to her as a writer, and the varied processes through which she researches, writes and edits her work. To purchase "Balanchine Finds His America", perhaps as a holiday gift or some excellent solo travel reading material, grab your copy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49QmfDa.Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceSPONSOR:Did you know you can train with The Royal Ballet School anywhere, anytime with their online library of pre-recorded classes? And this Cyber Monday, they’re offering two classes for the price of one! Explore a collection of over 50 unique classes, including ballet, contemporary, character, pilates and adult classes with this limited-time offer. Learn from the School’s expert artistic faculty and guest teachers from the comfort of your home and receive lifetime access to your purchased classes.Go to ondemand.royalballetschool.org.uk, add two or more classes to your cart and enter code CODOFFER to receive a £12 discount, equivalent to the price of one class.* But be quick, offer ends this Sunday 7 December 2025. *Excludes all bundles and new Junior Associate insight classes.LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Conversations on Dance, we welcome back a listener favorite and our friend, Alastair Macaulay, former Chief Dance Critic for the New York Times. This past week, on Friday November 14th, Alastair hosted an event at the New York Public Library where he examined films of revered Balanchine ballerina, Suzanne Farrell. Alastair tells us about how research for this event, talks about the films he showed, and other tidbits on Suzanne’s career and dancing. At the end, Alastair talks about his City Center Studio 5 event which is available to watch now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAkP-QnDpL0 Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceSPONSOR: The Royal Ballet School are bringing their diverse programme of non-selective and selective Intensive Courses for students aged 8-19 to London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and for the first time, Los Angeles next summer! Explore your love for dance in a supportive environment, as the School’s expert Artistic staff and guest coaches guide you in a variety of styles to hone your technique, artistry and musicality.   Classes include classical ballet, repertoire, contemporary, choreography, character, body conditioning, pas de deux, stagecraft and pointe work. Don’t miss your chance to train with one of the world’s leading centres for classical ballet training. Applications are now open. Head to royalballetschool.org.uk to secure your spot today.  LINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on Conversations on Dance, we hear about a new documentary film about ballet and war in Ukraine, "The Sky Was On Fire." We are joined by the film's Producer Julie Meyer and EP/DP Michael Murray. Julie and Michael tell us about how this story came to them, how they built trust with the subject's of the film, why they feel these stories are important to tell, and how they hope the film will make an impact. At the end, Michael talks about an organization that is raising money for Ukraine called, Razom for Ukraine. You can find more information and make a donation at https://www.razomforukraine.org/Watch the trailer here. Adrenaline Films: https://adrenalinefilms.com/Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded live on October 19, 2025 at The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami before the opening of Miami City Ballet's 40th anniversary season. Guests in this episode are Tony Award winning choreographer and former Miami City Ballet Principal Dancer, Patricia Delgado, and Miami City Ballet Artistic Director, Gonzalo Garcia.Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode was recorded live on October 18, 2025 at The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami before the opening of Miami City Ballet's 40th anniversary season. Guests in this episode are is Tony Award winning choreographer, Justin Peck, and Miami City Ballet Artistic Director, Gonzalo Garcia. The pre-performance talk coordinated with the all Peck program that the company opened their season with, which included "Year of The Rabbit," "Chutes and Ladders," and "Heatscape." WATCH this episode on YouTube! Click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je6FADBH-eQListen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceLINKS:Website: conversationsondancepod.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.