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Conversations on Dance

Conversations on Dance

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://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/5taTM5H/COD

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.

© 2025 Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • (498) Jack Ferver on Curating “Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance” at NYPL

    (498) Jack Ferver on Curating “Martha Graham: The Mother of Psychological Dance” at NYPL
    Jun 18 2026

    Today on the Conversations on Dance podcast we are joined by Jack Fever to discuss his 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 his move to full-time position as a member of the faculty at Bard Conservatory of Music. He traces his 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 his 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


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    Listen to COD on YouTube


    Join our email list


    Sponsorship information

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    56 mins
  • (497) American Ballet Theatre's Summer Season with Susan Jaffe

    (497) American Ballet Theatre's Summer Season with Susan Jaffe
    Jun 11 2026
    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+jaffeListen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance____________________________________Introduction: Conversations on Dance with Susan JaffeJoin 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 SeasonSusan 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 FavoritesAs 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 RefreshThe 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 MagicThe 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 ConversationListen 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.comInstagram: @conversationsondanceCOD MerchListen to COD on YouTubeJoin our email listSponsorship information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    37 mins
  • (496) Paul Boos, Repetiteur and former Balanchine dancer

    (496) Paul Boos, Repetiteur and former Balanchine dancer
    Jun 4 2026

    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


    Listen to COD on YouTube


    Join our email list


    Sponsorship information

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
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