Insights from  Ballet professionals

Blanka Paldi, Pauline, and Camille founded A la Second, a sustainable online second-hand dancewear store inspired by Swedish trends. The idea came during COVID, using Blanka's web design skills. Their model, paying sellers after sales, reduced financial risk. Task division based on strengths ensured smooth operations. The platform supports sustainable consumption and unique dancewear. Blanka stresses redefining "new" and encourages pursuing ideas despite fears.

Florian Teatiu, based in Gothenburg, excels as a personal trainer, EXOS Performance Coach, model, dancer, and sportsman. Originally from Tahiti, Florian's ballet journey earned him a scholarship at the New Zealand School of Dance and led to a decade-long dance career in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. He later transitioned to sports and personal training, offering unique fitness experiences. He advises dancers to be curious, seek guidance, and use their unique skills during career transitions.

Lore Pryszo, a former dancer, moved from a successful dance career to studying international governance and diplomacy. She emphasizes the transferable skills from dance like discipline, creativity, and teamwork. Pryszo encourages dancers to explore new interests and highlights the need for financial and institutional support for career transitions. She also stresses the value of cultural diplomacy and better support for retiring dancers. Her advice is to experiment, trust their skills, and see the opportunities beyond dance.

Paulio Sovari is a Romanian born, currently states based photographer, dancer and teacher whose past engagements include graduating from the Juilliard School, dancing with Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and photographing and dancing for Staatsballett Berlin and Oper Graz. He currently frames and is developing his photographic archives from his tenure in Europe, whilst guest teaching ballet classes for the Dayton Ballet School, Wright State University, Stivers School for the Arts, and Bella Dance.

Juliet Burnett, a dancer and director, shares her experiences learning traditional Javanese dance, her thoughts on the need for change in the ballet industry, and her work with community outreach programs in Indonesia. She emphasizes the need for ballet to modernize and become more accessible, both in terms of training opportunities and audience demographics. She also discusses her outreach program "Ballet Goes To," which brings arts practitioners to communities for cultural exchange, and her plans to expand this program through her new organization, A_PART.

Giselle Poncet shifted from a successful ballet career to aged and disability support work in Australia, driven by personal circumstances and the pursuit of a stable, fulfilling career. Her dance background instilled discipline, patience, and adaptability, which benefit her new role. She stresses finding passion in a second career, staying physically active, and preparing mentally for change. Giselle continues to teach dance, balancing her new career with family life.

Former professional dancer, Jaslyn Reader, shifted to feminist development policy after earning a Master's in international relations, juggling dance, studies, and internships. She underlines the significance of adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and observation in her role. Jaslyn discusses dance industry exploitation and the demand for policy protections for cultural professionals, advising dancers transitioning careers to welcome new challenges and understand the value of work-life balance over passion jobs.

Former dancer Marten Baum shares his career transition to becoming an actor and stuntman. His dance discipline and love for action led him to stunts. Baum underscores mental strength, reliability, teamwork, and versatility as key in the film industry. He suggests exploring new fields, networking, and readiness for challenges when considering a career shift.

Former ballet dancer Georgia Payten transitioned to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after injuries. Inspired by acupuncture's effectiveness on her shin splints, she pursued a Bachelor's in TCM from the University of Technology, Sydney. Now a registered practitioner, she specializes in Women's Health and Cosmetic Acupuncture and co-hosts a Chinese medicine podcast. She advises dancers contemplating a career change to explore all options, not defined by their dance identity.

Former dancer Rosa Ana Chanza transitioned to costume design at 39. Inspired by her mother's clothing boutique, she uses her dancing experience to create designs that suit the movements and needs of dancers. Self-taught in drawing and digital design, she emphasizes that her designs should enhance, not overshadow, the choreography. She advises dancers moving to new careers to use their focus, discipline, and teamwork skills.