Published by Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro
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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 hundreds of episodes and partnerships with institutions like the Vail Dance Festival, San Francisco Ballet, The Kennedy Center, Guggenheim’s Works & Process, 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. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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/ Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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. LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/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/ LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/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. LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/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/ LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/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 . LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by Amy Watson, Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet. Amy relays her experience as an American born dancer adjusting to the Bournonville style in her first years with the company, before she landed major opportunities leading to her promotion to principal. Amy also opens up about her many plans for the company since securing the role of Artistic Director, including the immense care she is putting into the Bournonville legacy, building new repertoire of the company and providing the dancers with myriad opportunities to explore all avenues of styles and choreography. If you are in the Copenhagen area, you can catch Akram Khan's "Lady Macbeth" until May 19th, and the final program of the season "Giant Steps" featuring the works of George Balanchine and Christopher Wheeldon from May 21st until June 6th. LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by Lucas Labrador and Louis DeFelice, co-founders of Barre Trash, the dancewear line everyone from professionals to students to parents is sporting. They tell us how they first met, what inspired them to become business partners, and how they keep Barre Trash humming along through the competition and many distractions of the dance world today. Shop Barre Trash here: https://barretrash.com/. LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance Welcome to a special episode of Conversations on Dance recorded live at Works & Process at the Guggenheim. In the conversation, we sit down with Philadelphia Ballet resident choreographer Juliano Nunes to discuss his brand new 'Romeo and Juliet' that is having it's world premiere at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia on April 30th. Throughout the event, we take moments to pause and watch the artists of Philadelphia Ballet dance and be coached by Juliano. You can watch the event in it's entirety on YouTube here . Romeo and Juliet runs for 11 performances at the Academy of Music this season, from April 30 through May 10. For tickets and more information, visit philadelphiaballet.org. Watch the full event on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpE3tF7eOpk LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today's episode of "Conversations On Dance", we are joined by Eduardo Vilaro, Artistic Director & CEO of Ballet Hispánico New York. Eduardo makes his fourth appearance on the show, running through a broad range of topics, from how the political climate is directly impacting his arts organization to viral celebrity comments on the arts. He dives into the programming for the company's upcoming City Center season, titled "Mujeres: Women in Motion" featuring varied, dynamic choreographic works from four latina women. Ballet Hispánico New York's City Center season runs from April 23rd through the 26th, and tickets can be purchased at nycitycenter.org . Come see us this weekend in NYC! On Sunday April 19th, join us as we host Works & Process at the Guggenheim in NYC, featuring the talents of the Philadelphia Ballet and choreographer Juliano Nunes. We will be talking to Juliano about the process of creating a brand new full length "Romeo & Juliet" for the company, set to premiere in Philadelphia on April 30th. Tickets for Works & Process are nearly sold out, but you can catch the last few available on worksandprocess.org . LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance On 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.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance On 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.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance Today, 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 Intro 01:24 Deborah Dance to Camera 02:28 Ken Fashion Roots 03:55 First Dancers and Launch 05:50 Instagram and Early Growth 06:18 Fashion Meets Dance Craft 08:48 Shooting Movement Not Freeze 10:41 Slow Shoots and Safe Space 14:04 Dancer Perfection and Control 15:21 Graham Company Shift 17:17 Why the Centennial Book 18:31 Building the Studio Setup 19:30 Building the Book Archive 19:46 Choosing 25 Iconic Works 21:15 Studio Shoots and Coaching 22:05 Editing and Page Sequencing 23:07 Outdoor Locations Strategy 24:15 Researching Graham Repertory 25:52 No Reshoots and Costume Logistics 26:26 Group Shots and Precision 28:45 Costumes and Fabric Movement 31:47 Where to Buy and Signed Copies 33:10 Future Projects and Farewell LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance Today 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 Hosts 00:11 Debra Wingert Overview 01:35 First Ballet Spark 04:16 CPYB Magic And Context 06:31 Rigor And Early Teaching 14:24 SAB Audition And Move 16:50 Workshop Breakthrough Roles 18:57 Joining NYCB At Sixteen 25:10 Balanchine Coaching Moments 27:21 Life After Balanchine 28:19 Other SAB Teachers 33:22 Body Image And Confidence 35:09 Backstage Ballet Devotion 35:34 Staying in the Company 36:39 Outside Projects and Robbins 38:07 Leaving NYCB and Starting to Teach 40:55 Outreach and Repertory Staging 43:10 Learning to Stage New Works 45:33 Musicality and Version Options 51:18 Keeping Patterns and Details Alive 55:56 Dream Ballets and Future Stagings 01:04:06 Closing Thanks and Signoff LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship 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/conversationsondance TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Welcome Back Catch Up 02:14 Partnership Leading Together 03:01 Studio Time And Support 04:21 Choreographic Hub Culture 07:54 Auditions Finding Versatility 13:35 Season Variety Story Ballets 18:44 Programming And Identity 21:39 New Work Alice Topp 25:43 Staging Hazards and Effects 25:57 Avatar as Ballet Pitch 26:22 More Dancers on Stage 27:17 New Work Mason Bates 29:08 Reimagining Giselle 31:32 Coaching Story Over Steps 34:39 Technique vs Artistry Debate 38:12 Season Highlights Dances 39:50 Rehearsal Timing and Stamina 41:21 Next Season Tease and Farewell LINKS: Website: conversationsondancepod.com Instagram: @conversationsondance COD Merch Join our email list Sponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
