(478) The new documentary film "About Face: Disrupting Ballet" with Jennifer Lin and Cory Stieg
28/1/2026 | 42 min
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/
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SPONSOR: 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:
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(479) Zimmi Coker, American Ballet Theatre ballerina
21/1/2026 | 46 min
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.
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(478) Professional dancers turned therapists and coaches: The founders of ILUMN Collective
14/1/2026 | 50 min
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On 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/id6751722723
LINKS:
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Instagram: @conversationsondance
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(477) The Best of 2025 with Michael and Rebecca
18/12/2025 | 44 min
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.
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Miami City Ballet Nutcracker running through 12/28: https://www.miamicityballet.org/tickets-and-events/202526-season/nutcracker/#e214 Miami City Ballet world premiere by Alexei Ratmansky: https://www.miamicityballet.org/tickets-and-events/202526-season/winter/ LINKS:
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(476) "The Nutcracker At Wethersfield" with Troy Schumacher & Ashley Laracey, soloists with The New York City Ballet
10/12/2025 | 39 min
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/conversationsondance LINKS:
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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.comJoin our email list: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5taTM5H/CODYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@conversationsondanceInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondanceFacebook: facebook.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.