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© 2025 Company Secrets: Ballet Unfiltered
Description
Pull back the curtain on the professional dance world.
Hosted by Jared Redick, Company Secrets features candid conversations with Artistic Directors and industry leaders who share the real stories behind auditions, casting, company life, and artistic vision.
From navigating contracts to embracing career pivots, this podcast offers insider knowledge for young dancers striving to thrive in the ballet world—and for anyone who loves the art form and wants to understand what really happens behind the scenes.
Whether you're a student, educator, emerging artist, or lifelong fan, Company Secrets is your backstage pass to the dance world’s most essential conversations.
🎧 Season One: New episodes every Tuesday beginning August 5th!
12 Episodes
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In this episode, Jared sits down with the incomparable Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre and one of the most celebrated ballerinas of her generation. Declared by The New York Times as “America’s quintessential American ballerina,” Susan reflects on her extraordinary performing career, her leadership journey from the stage to the boardroom, and what it takes to sustain excellence in one of the world’s great ballet companies. From shaping ABT’s 85th anniversary season to...
In this episode, Jared sits down with Cervilio Amador, Artistic Director of Cincinnati Ballet, to explore what it means to lead one of the nation’s most respected ballet companies. Born and trained in Cuba, Cervilio began his professional journey with the National Ballet of Cuba before joining Cincinnati Ballet, where he quickly rose to become one of the youngest principal dancers in the company’s history. Now, after a remarkable 16-year stage career and a powerful transition into leade...
In this episode, Jared sits down with Aaron Watkin, Artistic Director of English National Ballet. A former principal dancer with Ballet Frankfurt under William Forsythe, Aaron has built an extraordinary career bridging classical tradition and contemporary innovation. After 17 years leading Semperoper Ballett in Dresden, he returned to ENB in 2023 to shape a new chapter for the company. Aaron shares candid insights into the realities of running a major ballet organization, from building a...
In this episode, Daniela Cardim, artistic director of Ballet Arizona, delves into the audition process and what she looks for in dancers. She emphasizes the importance of personality and artistry, noting that dancers who express themselves and show creativity during auditions stand out. Daniela explains that while technical skill is crucial, the ability to convey emotion and engage with the audience is equally important. She advises dancers not to be discouraged by rejections, as auditions ar...
Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Ma Cong, the new Artistic Director of Richmond Ballet. From his beginnings at the Beijing Dance Academy to his rise as a principal dancer and renowned choreographer, Ma shares his vision for the future of the company. Discover how his unique blend of creativity and leadership is shaping Richmond Ballet's path forward, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for dancers and audiences alike. Aspiring dancers will gain valuable insig...
In this special episode of Company Secrets: Ballet Unfiltered, Jared sits down with Larissa Saveliev, Founder and Artistic Director of Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), the world’s largest international student ballet competition. This special episode is a must-listen for students, dancers, teachers, and parents who are competing or considering competing in Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP). Larissa shares candid insights on what dancers need to know to stand out, YAGP's origins and global...
In this episode, we delve into the artistic vision and leadership of Septime Weber, the dynamic Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet. With a commitment to nurturing young talent, Weber shares invaluable insights for aspiring dancers, emphasizing the importance of self-motivation and understanding the broader context of their craft. Discover how his innovative productions, like "Romeo and Juliet" set in 1960s Hong Kong, reflect the unique cultural fusion of the city. Learn how Hong Kong Balle...
This week on Company Secrets, Jared sits down with Kathleen Breen Combes, Artistic and Executive Director of Ballet Rhode Island. A former principal dancer with Boston Ballet — once described by The New York Times as “a ballerina of colossal scale and boldness” — Kathleen brings both artistic depth and business acumen to her leadership role. In this candid conversation, she shares what it’s really like to wear both the artistic and executive hats, how she curates seasons, and the challenges a...
In this episode of Company Secrets, Jared sits down with Stephen Mills, Artistic Director of Ballet Austin, as he celebrates his 25th season leading the company. Stephen reflects on his unexpected path from late-blooming dancer to visionary director, sharing insights on curating repertoire, cultivating company culture, and balancing tradition with bold innovation. He pulls back the curtain on Ballet Austin’s audition and hiring process, the realities of dancer contracts, and the shift toward ...
Ja'Malik stepped into the role of Artistic Director at Madison Ballet in 2022, never anticipating the whirlwind ahead. Just six months in, he also took on Executive Director responsibilities, balancing artistic vision with the demanding realities of organizational leadership. “I put in 90+ hours a week,” he reveals, navigating company classes, rehearsals, choreography, and countless fundraising meetings — the often unseen but vital work behind sustaining a ballet company. Driven by his commit...
In this episode, Amy Watson, Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet, pulls back the curtain on her journey from California-born dancer to the helm of one of the world’s most storied companies. A former principal with RDB, Amy shares what her day-to-day looks like now: from morning rehearsals and dancer evaluations to shaping long-term artistic vision. We talk about balancing the Bournonville legacy with contemporary innovation, the company’s structure and hiring practices, and how she’s...
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