The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.
Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.
Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.
Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.
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The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.
Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.
Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.
Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.
66. The Future of Dance Education with Dance Device Lab Founder Brandon Cournay
The Brainy Ballerina Podcast
48 minutes
2 months ago
66. The Future of Dance Education with Dance Device Lab Founder Brandon Cournay
In this week's inspiring episode, I'm joined by Brooklyn-based creative leader and founder of Dance Device Lab, Brandon Cournay. From his unexpected start in a small-town Michigan dance studio to earning a spot at Juilliard and building a career as a professional dancer, choreographer, rehearsal director, executive director and business owner, Brandon shares his multifaceted journey through the dance world.
Key "Pointes" in this Episode
🩰How a musical theater camp unexpectedly launched his dance career
🩰The unique training environment of his childhood studio with over 100 boys
🩰His path to Juilliard and how it reshaped his perspective on dance and artistry
🩰The realities of freelancing in New York and how versatility leads to more opportunities
🩰The mission behind Dance Device Lab and how it empowers dancers nationwide
🩰Why building community and being a kind, versatile human matters as much as technique
🩰Practical advice for young dancers: diversifying skills, exploring life outside the studio, and being a dancer AND something
Brandon also dives into his teaching philosophy, nonprofit leadership insights, and the importance of making live performance more engaging and accessible for today's audiences.
Connect with Brandon:
WEBSITE: brandoncournay.com [http://brandoncournay.com/]
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/brandon_cournay [http://instagram.com/brandon_cournay]
DANCE DEVICE LAB WEBSITE: dancedevicelab.com [http://dancedevicelab.com/]
Links and Resources:
Visit The Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/
Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA
1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring]
Let's connect!
My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/]
INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina]
Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com
The Brainy Ballerina Podcast
The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.
Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.
Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.
Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.
