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.
70. Dream Big, Make It Happen: Hannah Martin's Journey from Rhythmic Gymnastics to the Birmingham Royal Ballet
The Brainy Ballerina Podcast
52 minutes
1 month ago
70. Dream Big, Make It Happen: Hannah Martin's Journey from Rhythmic Gymnastics to the Birmingham Royal Ballet
What does it take to go from Commonwealth Games rhythmic gymnast to professional ballerina with the Birmingham Royal Ballet? In this episode, Hannah Martin shares her remarkable journey, the lessons she's learned along the way, and why she's passionate about helping dancers dream big and make it happen.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
* Hannah's early career as a rhythmic gymnast, including competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and earning 22 national titles.
* The key differences between gymnastics training and ballet training—and why flexibility alone wasn't enough.
* How competing on the BBC's The Greatest Dancer became a turning point, ultimately leading to her acceptance at Elmhurst Ballet School, where she graduated with the Sir Peter Wright Award for Performance.
* The challenges and breakthroughs of transitioning into ballet at 16—and why learning the "in-between steps" became her biggest growth moment.
* How recovering from injury gave her a deeper appreciation for dance and helped unlock the "next level" of ballet.
* Why Hannah founded the Make It Happen Academy—an online platform empowering dancers to build strength, refine technique, and develop mental skills for long-term success.
* Her best advice for young dancers stepping into the professional world: find a life outside of ballet, avoid burnout, and protect your body.
Connect with Hannah:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahmartinrg [https://www.instagram.com/hannahmartinrg?igsh=MTgyb2JyZXdyNnZ1cg==]
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hannahmartinrg [https://youtube.com/@hannahmartinrg?si=yUEe2-dAtCTSAnJA]
Website: www.hannahmartin.info [http://www.hannahmartin.info/]
Make it Happen Academy: https://make-it-happen-academy.teachery.co/make-it-happen-academy
Links and Resources:
The Ultimate Audition Guide [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/digital-resources/p/theultimateauditionguide]
Ballet Help Desk Website [https://ballethelpdesk.com/]
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
This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change [https://www.instagram.com/pivotballchange/] Network.
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.
