Conversations on Dance

Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording with tap visionary and MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient Michelle Dorrance and artists from Trinity Irish Dance Company, the Chicago-based ensemble that has spent 35 years pioneering a genre-defying fusion of Irish step dance, tap, and contemporary movement.Dorrance and Trinity share a deep creative history, with Dorrance having choreographed multiple works for the company that push the boundaries of what percussive dance can be. Hear how this extraordinary collaboration was born, what it’s like to work across two distinct movement traditions, and what Dorrance is creating this summer at Vail.Stay tuned for more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026.Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail.

Enjoy one month of free access to Conversations on Dance on Patreon and listen ad-free. Click here to redeem.Today we are live from Vail with one of the Vail Dance Festival’s most beloved returning artists, ABT Principal Dancer Herman Cornejo. Called “the most technically accomplished male ballet dancer in the United States” by The New Yorker, Cornejo has spent more than 15 summers on the Vail stage, becoming a touchstone of the festival experience for audiences and artists alike. The Argentine-born virtuoso joined American Ballet Theatre in 1999 and has since accumulated an extraordinary list of accolades. He is also the founder of the American Dancers Off-Road (ADOR) initiative and Director of Repertoire at ABT. In this conversation, he looks back at his history with the festival and forward to what’s next.Stay tuned for eight more episodes coming from the Vail Dance Festival 2026.Conversations on Dance at the Vail Dance Festival is generously underwritten by The Town of Vail.

Tickets are on sale now for our live events at the 2026 Vail Dance Festival. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here: https://vaildance.org/conversations-on-dance/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 Jack Fever to discuss their 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 their move to full-time position as a member of the faculty at Bard College. Jack traces their 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 their 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-danceListen 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 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.

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceToday 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/4vxm9IgApply to view Balanchine Foundation videos: https://balanchine.org/video-archives/interpreters-archive-archive-of-lost-choreography/

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceOn today's episode of Conversations On Dance we are joined by Padraic Moyles, Executive Producer and Director of 'Riverdance 30 - The New Generation'. Padraic tells us about his own journey as a performer in the early days of the Riverdance phenomenon, how the show has evolved in its 30 year history, and the incredible method they use to both spread the physical burden and keep the dancers from burning out during their grueling tours. Riverdance will be at Performing Arts Houston from June 19th through the 21st. Tickets are available on performingartshouston.org. 

Listen to Conversations on Dance ad-free on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceToday on the Conversations on Dance podcast we are joined by Ariel Rose, choreographer and former soloist with Miami City Ballet. Ariel traces his path from Ballet Academy East to Boston Ballet and Richmond Ballet, ultimately landing at Miami City Ballet. He talks with us about how early exposure to live music, performing opportunities, and diverse choreographic processes shaped him. Rose talks about his choreographic journey including his work with Miami City Ballet and the New World Symphony, his approach to music selection, and details his new project Ballet Rose: Made in Miami. Don't miss Ballet Rose: Made in Miami, one night only on June 13 at the Florence Gould Theatre in New York City. Tickets and more details are available here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lalliancenewyork/2032602. Learn more on Ariel's website: https://www.balletrose.com/