Shows
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Bullying In Ballet - What Parents Need To Know (Part 2)Before you listen, please consider taking our quick podcast survey so we can continue improving the show. Link: https://forms.gle/Uf3Xx3XyEUzBtQw69 In Part 2 of our #NoThirds series on bullying in ballet, we dig deeper into accountability, emotional health, and what it actually looks like to navigate harmful dynamics inside dance environments. Our guests explore how parents, students, and schools can recognize the signs of toxic training, respond to concerning behavior, and create space for honest conversations about what dancers are experiencing. As we address listener questions, we discuss the importance...
2025-11-201h 04
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Bullying In Ballet - What Parents Need To Know (Part 1)Before you listen, we'd love your help. Please take a minute to fill out our short podcast survey so we can keep making this show better for you. Link: https://forms.gle/Uf3Xx3XyEUzBtQw69 In Part 1 of our #NoThirds series on bullying in ballet, we sit down with two experts to unpack what bullying looks like in today's dance world. Dr. Suzette Takei, a longtime middle school principal with a PhD, and Kelsey Fyffe, a licensed therapist who works with high-performing dancers and athletes, offer clear, grounded insight into how bullying is defined, how it develops, an...
2025-11-191h 08
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds with Fran Veyette - The Myth of the Perfect Ballet Path (Part 2)There's no such thing as a perfect path in ballet, and few people know that better than Francis Veyette, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School. In part 2 of this episode of #NoThirds, Fran continues to discuss the ups and downs of a dance career, how setbacks can create unexpected growth, and why parental support and trust are critical along the way. He also explains how dancers can better navigate feedback, understand company dynamics, and use peer networks to stay informed. It's a candid look at the messy, unpredictable reality of building a career in ballet, and how to...
2025-11-0654 min
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds with Fran Veyette - The Myth of the Perfect Ballet Path (Part 1)There's no such thing as a perfect path in ballet, and few people know that better than Francis Veyette, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School. In part 1 of this episode of #NoThirds, Fran talks about the ups and downs of a dance career, how setbacks can create unexpected growth, and why parental support and trust are critical along the way. He also explains how dancers can better navigate feedback, understand company dynamics, and use peer networks to stay informed. It's a candid look at the messy, unpredictable reality of building a career in ballet, and how to make...
2025-10-301h 12
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Train Smarter, Not HarderIn this episode of #NoThirds, we sit down with Fran Veyette, co-founder of Veyette Virtual Ballet School, to talk about the realities of ballet training and the role parents play in a dancer's journey. Fran shares why training smarter is more important than training harder, what families should consider when choosing summer intensives, and how experiences in a company setting can shape a dancer's future. We also look at the parenting side of ballet, including how to support your child while letting them face disappointment, why every child needs a different approach, and the life skills dancers...
2025-09-251h 46
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Fran's Mailbag, Part 2: Lessons for Young DancersFran shares more advice for students in Part 2 of #NoThirds: how respect and awareness shape auditions, why community matters, and what young dancers should know about contracts and career readiness. Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount. Links: Shop Our Back to Dance Guide Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
2025-08-291h 00
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Fran's Mailbag, Part 1: Company Casting, Drama & DogsListeners asked, and Fran Veyette answers! In this #NoThirds "Fran's Mailbag" episode, he breaks down how casting really works, whether principals dance less, what happens when dancers date (and break up), and yes — the truth about dogs in the studio. This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Tune back in tomorrow for more of your questions answered. Links: Shop Our Back to Dance Guide Buy Corrections Journals Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
2025-08-281h 03
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Full-Time Ballet Training -- The Trade-OffsWhen is it really time for a dancer to move into full-time training? In this episode of #NoThirds, we unpack the big factors that go into that decision. From the benefits of full-time programs and the right age to make the switch to how the social environment and quality of teaching can shape a dancer's growth, we cover it all. Fran also gets honest about the trade-offs of staying local in after-school training. Plus, we discuss why things like physical therapy access, peer dynamics, and open communication matter so much. This episode offers real talk and helpful insights to...
2025-07-241h 34
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Thoughts From the Front of the RoomWhat do ballet teachers really want students and parents to understand? In this episode of #NoThirds, we tackle issues in ballet training from the perspective of the teacher -- what frustrates them, what motivates them, and what they wish families better understood about the training process. From managing expectations to building trust, we dig into the unseen dynamics that shape every class and rehearsal and student/teacher relationship. Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School More Links: Support Ballet Help Desk Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Ballet Help Desk Music from #Uppbeat:
2025-06-261h 35
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Should You Compete or Just Train?Ballet competitions are more common than ever—but do dancers really need them? In our latest episode of #NoThirds, Fran weighs in on the role competitions play in today's training landscape. He tackles key questions from parents and dancers alike: Are comps essential for landing trainee or second company spots? Do they actually help with long-term career goals? Why are so many schools and companies participating now? What's the real value compared to strong training and company performances? Fran brings his signature clarity and candor to a topic that's often confusing and feels high-stakes. This co...
2025-05-291h 30
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds: Fran Veyette - Postgrad Reality Check - Pt. 2In Part 2 of our conversation with Fran Veyette, we dig into the realities of postgraduate training—what kind of "help" programs actually offer (and what dancers should be asking for), how long is too long to stay in a bridge program, and why some dancers move quickly into company jobs while others spin their wheels. We talk about whether dancers are truly company-ready at high school graduation, the myth (or not) of lateral moves, and the sometimes unspoken rules of getting hired. Plus: Fran's take on college vs. company, how influence really works in hiring decisions, and the most ho...
2025-05-011h 00
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds with Fran Veyette: Postgrad Reality Check - Part 1Postgraduate ballet training is often sold as the final step before a professional contract—but how much of what dancers and parents hear is actually true? In this first episode of a two-part series, Fran Veyette joins us to break down the current state of postgraduate programs. We talk about the rise of bridge-level training, how to evaluate the value of doing a second year in a program, and whether the "big name" schools really give dancers an edge. Fran also shares his take on the gender gap in hiring, the role of summer intensives in admissions, an...
2025-04-2451 min
Ballet Help Desk#NoThirds With Fran Veyette: Boys in BalletBoys in ballet face unique challenges—but also unique opportunities. In this episode of #NoThirds, Fran Veyette gets real about training, summer intensives, scholarships for boys, and what needs to change to better support young male dancers on their journey. Learn more about Fran and Veyette Virtual Ballet School More Links: Support Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Ballet Help Desk Music by Sergio Prosvirini from Pixabay
2025-03-271h 10
Ballet Help DeskIntroducing #NoThirds With Fran Veyette Introducing #NoThirds, an unfiltered look at what really happens behind the scenes in ballet. Ballet Help Desk is joined by Fran Veyette, as he pulls back the curtain on the realities of training, company life, and the industry's unspoken rules. No scripts or platitudes — just honest conversations about what dancers and parents need to know. Links: Support Ballet Help Desk Buy Corrections Journals Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk Facebook: BalletHelpDesk Ballet Help Desk Music from #Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI
2025-02-2715 min
Ballet Help DeskFran Veyette on Potential, Body Type and Facility in Ballet - **a re-release**We're re-releasing one of our most popular episodes! Ballet Help Desk sat down with Francis Veyette, former principal dancer with Pennsylvania (now Philadelphia) Ballet, Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School and newly appointed Rehearsal Director & Outreach Manager for Indianapolis Ballet. In this episode, Fran breaks down loaded terms like potential, facility, and body type, offering a practical understanding of what they mean. He also shares insights into the qualities dancers need to thrive in the ballet world. For anyone who has ever scratched their head when they heard people refer to potential or facility, this interview is a...
2024-11-261h 13
Ballet Help DeskFrancis Veyette: What The Heck Does Potential, Facility and Body Type REALLY Mean?Ballet Help Desk sits down with Francis Veyette, a former principal dancer with Pennsylvania (now Philadelphia) Ballet and the Co-Founder of the Veyette Virtual Ballet School. In this episode, we tackle all of those loaded terms like potential, facility, and body type. Fran helps demystify what they all mean and also talks about what traits a dancer needs to have to be successful.
2023-10-251h 10