Advice

After a successful ballet career in Europe, Sarah Schaefer made a courageous pivot into social work during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by a desire for a more secure, system-relevant, and intellectually engaging profession. Disheartened by the unpredictability, lack of transparency, and hierarchical dynamics in the ballet world, she pursued an online degree in social work and pedagogy while still dancing—eventually transitioning into a role as a kindergarten teacher with a focus on child protection. Her experience as a dancer sharpened her observation skills, resilience, and empathy, all of which now inform her work in social services. Teaching ballet on the side has allowed her to reconnect with the art form in a joyful, pressure-free way, deepening her appreciation for it. Sarah’s story exemplifies the power of transferable skills and the courage it takes to redefine success and identity beyond the stage.

Alice Robb, a former ballet student at the School of American Ballet, discusses her complicated relationship with ballet. After a decade of avoiding the art form, Robb began to confront her past through writing her book, Don't Think, Dear. She explores the demanding nature of dancer identity, the lasting impact of the culture of silence in ballet training, and the industry's ongoing issues with gender inequality. Robb advocates for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to ballet, while encouraging dancers to embrace change and find fulfillment beyond the world of professional dance.

Lauren (Baznik) Spahr, a former ballet dancer, shares her insights on transitioning from a professional dance career to a fulfilling life beyond the studio. She emphasises the transferable skills gained from ballet, such as discipline, work ethic, and resilience, which have proven valuable in her diverse career path, including pastry arts, real estate, and her current role as an office manager.

Daniel Cho, a former professional ballet dancer, discusses his career transition into user experience (UX) design. He highlights the transferable skills gained from dance, such as discipline, adaptability, and creative problem-solving, which has proven valuable in his new career.

Gabrielle Salvatto, a multidisciplinary performing artist, author, and educator, delves into her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the dance world. Salvatto discusses her personal experiences with racism and marginalization in predominantly white ballet institutions, emphasizing the need for equity and access in training and performance opportunities.

Sarah Lozoff, a Los Angeles-based intimacy director with a background in ballet, choreography, and doula work, combines her expertise in movement and consent to create safe, collaborative environments in dance, theatre, film, and TV. She empowers artists to assert boundaries, choreographs intimate scenes with precision, and helps dancers navigate the challenges of hierarchical studio cultures. While awareness of intimacy direction is growing, especially in theatre and film, it remains underutilized in dance. Lozoff encourages aspiring directors to prioritize self-care and resilience while fostering authenticity and collaboration in storytelling.

Lauren Paton-Williams transitioned from professional ballet to co-owning The Mews Bridal after a knee injury. Her five-year dance career with prestigious companies influenced her new role in her mother's bridal business. Lauren expanded the business to London, incorporating French design influences. Her ballet background contributes to her work ethic and adaptability, offering insights for dancers considering career changes and highlighting opportunities beyond ballet.

Sophie Mayoux, a former Paris Opera Ballet dancer, transitioned from ballet to yoga teaching in Dharamshala, India. At 25, she took a sabbatical, traveling extensively. Realizing her waning passion for ballet, she quit and pursued yoga as a new career. Now in Dharamshala, Sophie teaches yoga and plans an online platform. Her future goals include creating a space for travelers and yoga enthusiasts. Sophie advises transitioning dancers to take time for self-discovery, be patient, and embrace risks in pursuing their dreams.

Maria Seletskaja transitioned from ballet to conducting, starting as a dancer with the Estonian National Opera in 2003. Over 15 seasons, she danced with European ballet companies while nurturing her passion for music. Her conducting interest grew at Staatsoper Berlin, leading to music theory and conducting studies. Maria's journey highlights the importance of curiosity, trusting one's instincts, and embracing change while honoring the past, demonstrating the potential for successful career transitions across diverse fields.

This interview with Dr. Stephanie Potreck, a medical doctor and sports nutritionist, explores dance health and nutrition. Potreck, whose dance career ended due to injury, now advocates for qualified nutritional advice in dance. She discusses restrictive eating risks, medical bias against dancers, and links between dance training and body image issues. Potreck notes positive industry shifts in nutrition awareness.

Anna Tenta, a Swiss-Austrian actress and former dancer, transitioned to acting after a successful dance career, studying at the University of Performing Arts Mozarteum and SEAD. Her journey began post-recovery from a skull base tumor surgery and motherhood, retraining in acting in the US and Europe. Anna emphasizes the valuable skills dancers bring to acting and advocates for diverse education to help dancers transition into new careers.

Arianna Ciccarelli Shimits, co-founder of Persistence Psych, leverages her background in psychology and ballet to showcase the benefits of SPP in enhancing well-being and performance for a wide range of performers. Through a case study of a performer named Ben, discover how techniques like imagery, goal setting, and emotional acceptance can aid recovery and boost confidence.

Nora Brown is a dancer who transitioned to curating after earning a master's from Zurich University of the Arts. Her dance career includes performances with top companies and collaborations with renowned choreographers. She found curating a natural progression from her art history degree. Nora emphasizes dedication, teamwork, and exploring interests to ease career transitions. She founded "What's Dance" to make dance accessible and connect generations in the dance community. Nora continues to balance dance and curating, advocating for the arts and the need for funding.

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.

Anna-Sanziana Beschia, a former ballet dancer, transitioned to studying international relations at Diplomatische Akademie Wien. Her ballet background, marked by discipline, helped her secure a spot. She values transferable skills like presentation, teamwork, and language proficiency. Anna advises dancers to pursue higher education to broaden horizons and enhance critical thinking. She also calls for better communication and career guidance in the ballet world.

Martin Milner, a former ballet dancer, transitioned to veterinary medicine after a successful dance career. He values having multiple career paths, driven by a desire to avoid non-dancing roles. After exploring acting and stunt work, he found it unsustainable. Milner emphasizes the discipline and coordination from dance in his new career and advises dancers to recognize their diverse skills and choose their career paths wisely.

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.

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.

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.

Kristina Lind, a principal dancer with the Bayerisches Staatsballett, shares her journey from the San Francisco Ballet to the Dutch National Ballet, and finally to Munich. She discusses the challenges she faced, including her height and body type, and the struggle to find her "fit" in the ballet world. Lind emphasizes the importance of self-validation and internal growth, and how her shift in mindset led to her success. She also discusses the differences between dancing in the U.S. and Europe, highlighting the greater stability and respect for ballet in Europe. Lind hopes to continue growing as an artist, inspire others, and share her knowledge with the next generation.

Claire Lonchampt, a professional ballet dancer, shares her journey from training in Paris to dancing with companies in Zurich, Finland, and the Netherlands, before finally finding fulfillment at Malandain Ballet Biarritz in France. Despite facing challenges such as grueling audition schedules, cultural adjustments, and self-doubt, Claire's experiences have taught her the importance of following her heart and prioritizing her mental health. Her story emphasizes the importance of patience, self-awareness, and courage in pursuing a fulfilling career and life.

Jake Burden, a former professional dancer, transitioned from a successful career in ballet due to politics and a persistent knee injury. Despite the challenges, he found fulfillment in teaching and furthered his education to enhance his teaching skills. He founded Ballet Brothers, a platform dedicated to empowering male dancers and fostering a supportive community. Jake encourages dancers considering a career transition to be brave, acknowledging that while it can be daunting, it can also lead to new, fulfilling paths.

Weronika Frodyma’s path to becoming a soloist for the Berlin State Ballet involved self-development, overcoming physical and emotional challenges, and prioritizing personal growth over ranks. A severe injury served as a catalyst for change, resulting in a more resilient return to the stage and a shift from self-destructive to constructive criticism. This growth inadvertently led to a promotion to a soloist position.

Iori Araya earned a scholarship to the Australian Ballet School, danced for the Singapore Dance Theatre, and, overcoming visa and height obstacles, joined the New Jersey Ballet and Ballet Memphis. She attributes her success to perseverance, risk-taking, and timing.

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 Daisy Long moved to film, crediting her dance skills and discipline. She highlights patience, self-kindness, and bravery in career changes, allowing time to process endings and discover new interests. Daisy asserts dancers' body language understanding, work ethic, and adaptability transfer well to other fields. Now working on Étoile, she notes ballet's increasing mainstream popularity.

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.

Former ballet dancer Jessica Kenway transitioned to public relations (PR) and teaching after retiring in 2020. Her ballet skills helped her succeed in PR. She also teaches ballet and plans to create a mentorship platform for dancers. Motherhood has inspired her new pursuits.

Sean Bates, a devoted ballet dancer, began his journey at the age of three. Although he faced hurdles such as homesickness at The Royal Ballet School and a severe back injury, his fervor for ballet never faded. Even during his stint at a call center due to his injury, his dreams of ballet remained intact. He continues his ballet journey and looks forward to what the future holds.

Former dancer Kias Burget, now a restaurateur, used his discipline and time management skills from dance to succeed in his culinary career, even opening a restaurant during the pandemic. He encourages dance institutions to prepare dancers for career transitions and advises those considering a change to prepare thoroughly and learn about their new field.

Former ballet dancer Lucie Barthélémy became a food blogger and pastry chef, starting in 2005 during her dance career in Munich. Her passion for cooking, personal struggle with an eating disorder, and ballet background influenced her blogging journey. Her transition opened collaborations with restaurants and cafes, focusing on unique flavors and textures in her recipes. She encourages dancers transitioning careers to embrace change and leverage their ballet background.

Former principal dancer of the Australian Ballet, Lana Jones, transitioned to midwifery, inspired by her son's birth and a shift in her priorities. Despite initial fears about academia, she pursued nursing, finding that her resilience and discipline from ballet were advantageous.

Transitioning to the Junior Company was smooth but disappointing, leading to auditions for other companies. Initial offers fell through due to budget issues, returning the individual to the Junior Company. After a few unsuccessful auditions, the individual finally landed a contract with the Czech National Ballet, where they are currently in their second season.

Former Vienna State Opera Ballet dancer, Suzan Sittig, transitioned to a flight attendant due to an injury and a thirst for adventure. Her ballet skills aided her in adapting to this role. Despite challenges, she enjoys her new career and views it as a stepping stone. She advises dancers contemplating a career switch to be patient and follow their intuition.

Former ballet dancer Jessica Andrew, now a Residential Valuer at National Australia Bank, recounts her career transition. After failing to secure an EU company contract, she returned from Munich to Australia and found her interest in property, leading to her current job. She advises dancers planning a career change to brace for a challenging journey, but asserts it's worthwhile in the end.

Dr. Hannah Coleman, a former dancer, now serves as a CICM trainee at John Hunter Hospital ICU and PICU. She sees parallels between ballet and medicine, citing discipline and the acceptance of constructive criticism as key traits. She assures dancers considering a career switch that their work ethic and discipline are valuable assets.

Stretching is crucial in dance and sports, with the type and timing being significant factors. Static stretching can elevate the risk of injury prior to explosive sports, whereas dynamic stretches prime the muscles. Learn more about the insights of Lukas Hinds-Johnson, the resident physiotherapist of the Berlin State Ballet and owner of PhysioX Berlin.

Pain is a complex brain response to perceived threats, influenced by emotions, hormones, and the nervous system. Lukas Hinds-Johnson, the resident physiotherapist at the Berlin State Ballet and owner of PhysioX Berlin, recounts an incident about a dancer experiencing sharp back pain during a rehearsal. This was due to stress, insufficient rest, and physical exhaustion. Continue reading to learn more about this situation.

Tendinopathy, which includes conditions like tendinitis and tendinosis, often affects dancers, particularly in the Achilles tendon. Learn more about the advice of Lukas Hinds-Johnson, the resident physiotherapist of Berlin State Ballet and owner of PhysioX Berlin, on understanding tendinopathy and tips for recovery.

New Zealand-born choreographer and filmmaker, Corey Baker, moved from ballet training to owning his own dance company. After rejection from New Zealand School of Dance, he trained in Sydney, leading to opportunities in Europe. His choreography career flourished in the U.K., where he balanced dancing, teaching, and choreographing before focusing solely on choreography. Corey's work tackles activism and innovation, addressing climate change and pushing ballet and art boundaries.

Professional ballet dancer, Mia Heathcote, outlines her journey from a ballet family to the Queensland Ballet. Despite pressures, she pursued ballet due to her passion for it. She faced anxiety, self-doubt, and injuries, but prioritized health and personal growth. She highlights trusting instincts, embracing discomfort, and continuous learning in her career.

Professional dancer Boris Richir transitioned to arts administration, focusing on inclusive dance education. Inspired by his work with the Boston Ballet's Adaptive Dance department, he founded United Dance in 2017. The organization, which offers tailored dance courses for individuals with Down syndrome, has expanded to seven locations across Europe and the United States.

Former Staatsballett Berlin dancer, Caroline Bird, transitioned to digital communications at Beiersdorf, a leading skincare corporation. Despite challenges like company leadership change and securing her first non-ballet job, her resilience, passion, and discipline proved valuable in her new career.

Professional ballet dancer Abby Bushnell discusses transitioning from ballet to a clinical child psychology program at DePaul University. Despite time differences between Europe and the US, she balanced her career and studies. She encourages dancers to overcome the fear of career transition, emphasizing the value of effort even if initial attempts aren't successful.

Former professional ballet dancer, Gavin McCaig, transitioned into arts leadership, fueled by his passion for writing, choreography, and finance. His determination and perseverance led him to the role of Director of Business Operations at the London Vocational Ballet School.

In part 2, Nae Nishimura shares her deepened understanding of artistic expression, growing beyond just technique. The experience of auditioning for over 35 companies has shaped her resilience, enabling her to tackle new challenges with grace and confidence. Her story serves as a testament to her dedication and passion for dance.

Despite her height and body type challenges, Mari Kawanishi pursued ballet, apprenticed with Dresden Semperoper Ballett, and joined Staatsballett Berlin. She highlights the importance of self-confidence amidst the ballet industry's competition.

André Myburgh, Jelmoli's Head of Buying, discusses his transition from fashion design to buying, stressing the importance of quality understanding, fitting, sizing, and fabric. He underscores the role of persistence, networking, and passion for fashion in career growth.

Following a tough journey and year-long visa process, Hannah Carter finally joined the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Despite missing the first season due to visa issues and proving their suitability, she stayed determined.

Nae Nishimura, a dancer with the Norwegian National Ballet, recounts her journey of resilience and self-growth through many auditions. Despite initial setbacks, she auditioned for 18 companies and was cast as Gamzatti in La Bayadère. She learned that auditions are about artistic expression, not just technique.

Sarah Reynolds, a former dancer with the Netherlands Dans Theater, transitioned to work with the Dancers Council and Kunstenbond, a union for artists. Her union work and efforts for freelance dancers focus on fair pay, sustainable careers, and dancers' voices in the cultural sector.

Misha Tchoupakov, a renowned ballet dancer, reflects on his career transition and highlights his extensive experience dancing with prestigious ballet companies such as the Bolshoi Ballet and teaching at various institutions worldwide.

Patricia Keleher, a former ballet dancer, shares her experience of transitioning from ballet to project management. She discusses the challenges she encountered, the limited support for career planning in the ballet industry, and the opportunities that arose through networking and exploring new interests.

Ellen Warren, a former ballet dancer, became a costume designer and developed a custom-fit sizing and construction method for leotards. She launched her own leotard brand, Louise Apparel, and plans to expand into one-piece swimwear in 2021.

Mariam Saprichyan, co-owner and esthetician of Kariné Kazarian, is a renowned industry expert in the cosmetics industry, offering invaluable knowledge for skincare and beauty enthusiasts, with her top skincare boutique in New York City and a client roster of elites.

Former ballet dancer Rika Brixie shares her experience with scoliosis and its impact on her ballet aspirations, emphasizing the importance of a well-designed conditioning program like Pilates for Scoliosis.

Pascalle Paerel and Hannah de Klein founded The Fashion Composers to address the lack of dancer representation in commercial and fashion contexts and enhance the quality of movement-focused advertisements.

Emma White, a former dancer from New Zealand, discovered the benefits of Pilates for preventing and aiding injury while conditioning the body. Now, Pilates is still a part of her life, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge and helping clients incorporate movement into their daily lives. We asked Emma to reflect on her career transition.

Loughlan Prior is an award-winning choreographer and creative director. We had the opportunity to explore his career as the Artistic Director of Lo | Co Arts and Choreographer in Residence at the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Paul Sóvário shares his 15-year audition experience, highlighting the stages and opportunities it brought to their dance career.

Charlotte Edmonds, a talented choreographer, received her first commission at sixteen and has created many works. She has studied at top ballet schools and worked with famous companies. Her recent projects include exploring dance and dyslexia, making a short film about depression, and directing and choreographing a new dance film.

Alice White discusses the prevalence of impostor syndrome among dancers, particularly among women, people of minority genders or sexual expressions, and people of color. White shares her personal experiences with impostor syndrome in the dance world and provides tips for managing it.

Nikki Johnson's story highlights the importance of prioritizing overall health and routine check-ups. After experiencing a urinary tract infection, she was diagnosed with stage 1 bladder cancer. Learn more about monitoring your health to catch potential issues early.

An exclusive interview with CODA Founder, Rebecca Haw, about the trajectory of CODA and their exciting future plans to innovate in the dance space.

Pascal Johnson is an Amsterdam-based producer and movement director with a decade of experience dancing for international ballet companies. In 2020, he began producing and choreographing his own work, collaborating with architecture, artists, and galleries.

Francesca Straniero is an Italian nutritionist based in London. She offers guidance on understanding nutrition, supporting sports performance, and restoring a healthy relationship with food.

Aya Okumura's rise to the top involved being unexpectedly let go from a company, negotiating her way into a new company, and ultimately believing in her value as a dancer.

Teegan Kollmann discusses transitioning from a dancer to a physiotherapist and Dance for Parkinson's teacher. She shares her motivations and strategies for making dance accessible to all.

Ballet dancer Lewis Gardner shares his journey from Elmhurst to Royal Ballet School, to Singapore, and finally to Universal Ballet in Korea. He dispels misconceptions about ballet in Asia and proves its universality.

Sayaka Wakita, a former ballet dancer, shares her career journey and how she successfully transitioned to marketing and business after completing her higher education. She currently works as a sponsorship manager at Theater Dortmund.

Pivot Pointe talks career transition with classical ballet dancer cum licensed real estate agent, Serge Endinian.

Netherlands Dans Theater's Madoka Kariya writes about her career and her new experiences outside ballet.

Pivot Pointe talks career transition with self-employed dancer & Ayurveda practitioner, Jessica Thompson

Lynne talks to Pivot Pointe about all things 4Pointe.

Pivot Pointe talks to Ballet Dortmund's Alysson Rocha about career transition.