Free Daily Podcast Summary
Conversations on Dance: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro
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 over 500 episodes and partnerships with institutions like the Vail Dance Festival, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, Performing Arts Houston, San Francisco Ballet, The Kennedy Center, 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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 4 days ago45 min
(513) Ashley Wheater on Joffrey Ballet at Performing Arts Houston with Alexander Ekman's Midsummer Night's Dream
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceConversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome back Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, to discuss the company’s upcoming tour to Houston (Performing Arts Houston, Oct. 23–24) with Alexander Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and preparations for the season. He explains Joffrey’s marketing approach, long-range planning and budgeting through 2029, and balancing risk with audience draws like Christopher Wheeldon’s streamlined Sleeping Beauty. Wheater details Ekman’s Swedish Midsummer concept, hay-covered stage, surreal dinner party structure, and commissioned music featuring singer Anna von Hausswolff, and reflects on 20 years building Joffrey’s artistic identity, finances, community ties, and dancer wellness support.If you are in the Houston area, don't miss the Joffrey Ballet at Performing Arts Houston. Tickets available here.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 1 weeks ago5 min
[Excerpt] Choreographer William Forsythe - Patreon Bonus Episode
Welcome to our first Bonus episode of Conversations on Dance, which is available now on our Patreon page. If you are a member of our Ruby or Emerald tier on Patreon, you can listen to this entire episode, as part of your membership. Here on our main feed, we are sharing an excerpt of our interview with choreographer William Forsythe. If you're not a Patreon member yet, join us over there, for a free month, and enjoy this bonus episode. Click here: https://www.patreon.com/conversationsondance/redeem/2D104Also as a Patreon member, you get early and ad-free access to other episodes, and we will be having other bonus episodes that you surely won't want to miss over there. So give it a try!Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 2 weeks ago58 min
(512) Choreographer Alysa Pires on her new work for New York City Ballet
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceToday on Conversations on Dance, hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome choreographer Alysa Pires, who's new work for New York City Ballet will be premiering October 1 as a part of NYCB's fashion gala. Alysa who shares how she gravitated to dance as a child, discovered contemporary dance in high school, and began choreographing early. She discusses mentorship at Toronto Metropolitan University and explains her creative process: coming into ballet settings highly prepared with music charts and organizational planning while developing steps collaboratively in the studio. Byers describes managing imposter syndrome, the people-focused side of choreographing, and a career turning point when the National Ballet of Canada opened its choreographic workshop to outside artists, leading to bigger opportunities. She previews her second NYCB commission, inspired by motherhood, protection, and sacrifice. Tickets and more information: https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/fall-2026/fall-fashion-gala00:00 Support on Patreon00:40 Meet the Hosts01:29 Early Dance Roots03:14 Finding Contemporary Path06:34 Choreography Takes Hold09:28 Mentors and Ballet Return11:46 Prepping a New Work14:25 Music Charts and Logistics18:57 Discovery in the Studio20:55 Leading the Room24:37 Breakthrough Commissions28:53 City Ballet Nerves30:10 Family Sacrifice Balance31:48 Who Gets Choreography36:06 Second Commission Process37:49 Casting For Collaboration43:59 NYCB commission Inspiration48:19 Fashion And Motherhood53:51 Title And Bird Imagery55:49 Premiere Dates And Runs56:57 Thanks And CreditsInterested in signing up? Enjoy one month access to our Patreon for free: CLICK HERE.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- 3 weeks ago29 min
(511) James Whiteside announces retirement from American Ballet Theatre and tells us what's next
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceHosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome American Ballet Theatre principal dancer James Whiteside, who announces he will retire from the ABT stage on June 30, 2027, dancing Giselle with Isabella Boylston at the Metropolitan Opera House.Whiteside explains the decision felt simple after 25 professional years, post-COVID recovery and a knee injury, and seeing peers retire, while emphasizing he values new colleagues and feels his body is ready. He reflects on industry changes, his growth as a dancer, and his early social media trailblazing that supported queerness in ballet and created income beyond the company, though he’s largely stepping away from being an influencer.He discusses future plans in choreography and writing, including a new Indiana University work inspired by George Platt Lynes and Debussy titled Stone Blossom, upcoming premieres, a restaging of City of Women, and his ABT fall performances including Ballet Imperial, Petal, and Petite Mort, plus final California Nutcracker shows.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Sep 2, 202635 min
(510) Summer recap and a COD restructure with Michael and Rebecca
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceInterested in signing up? Enjoy one month access to our Patreon for free: CLICK HERE.Conversations on Dance: Patreon Updates, Vail Highlights, and Michael’s First Balanchine StagingRebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden discuss a format shift for Conversations on Dance, encouraging listeners to support the podcast via Patreon to help sustain production while keeping three free episodes per month and the full back catalog free. They outline tiers—Emerald ($3, ad-free episodes), Ruby ($8, ad-free plus one monthly bonus episode), and Diamond ($15, same as Ruby)—and offer a free one-month trial link in the show notes. They recap their 10th year at the Vail Dance Festival, highlighting guests including Alexei Ratmansky, Caroline Shaw, Hermán Cornejo, and an episode with four pianists. Michael shares staging his first Balanchine ballet, Allegro Brillante, at Nashville Ballet, and previews upcoming work at Indiana University, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Hamburg Ballet. They also share details on Miami City Ballet’s Young Patron Society (ages 26–45) and its upcoming events.00:00 Iconic Guests Teaser01:01 Patreon Format Change02:00 Tiers and Bonus Episodes04:06 Why Support Matters05:34 Social Media and New Listeners08:05 Vail Festival Highlights11:21 Interviewing Without Cards13:31 Staging Balanchine Debut17:39 Working With Familiar Dancers25:18 Upcoming Projects Tour27:12 Jeanette Delgado Appreciation31:03 Miami City Ballet Young Patrons34:12 Final Patreon Reminder35:05 Show Credits and OutroConversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Aug 26, 202652 min
(509) Pianists of Vail Dance Festival: Michael Scales, Derek Wang, Tony Yun, Joel Wenhardt
This episode was recorded live from the Vail Dance Festival on August 9th, 2026.Enjoy one month of Conversations on Dance on Patreon for free! Redeem here. In the final episode of our Vail Dance Festival series, Michael Sean Breeden is joined by guest co-host Kate Penner for a rare conversation with the festival's pianists: Michael Scales, Derek Wang, Tony Yun, Joel Wenhardt. Together they pull back the curtain on what most audiences never see: the musicians who make dance possible. They talk about how each of them found music in the first place, what it's actually like to collaborate with choreographers and dancers in the room, the tiny details that can make or break a piece, and some of their favorite moments from years of playing at Vail.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Aug 26, 202645 min
(508) Career Pathways at The Vail Dance Festival: Savannah Green, Kayla Mak, Brooks Landegger, Philip Duclos
Enjoy one month of Conversations on Dance on Patreon for free! Redeem here. This episode was recorded live from the Vail Dance Festival on August 9th, 2026.In this early-morning session from the final day of the festival, Michael Sean Breeden is joined by guest co-host Kate Penner (Rebecca had already headed home for her son's first day of school) for a conversation with four dancers who represent very different paths into the profession: Savannah Green (BalletX), Kayla Mak (ABT), Brooks Landegger (ABT), and Philip Duclos (Royal Danish Ballet). They talk about how differently each of their careers began, the moment each of them was "thrown in the deep end" at Vail, how they mentally and physically prepare for a performance, and what it's like bringing what they learn at the festival back to their home companies.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Aug 11, 20261h 14m
(507) LIVE from the Vail Dance Festival with Nikolaj Hubbe, Carla Korbes, Margaret Tracey, & Melissa Toogood
Watch NOW: PREMIERES from the 2026 Vail Dance Festival here: https://www.youtube.com/live/IWR7IJTIUjM?si=Hew1Dst2yyijlh9k.Enjoy one month of Conversations on Dance on Patreon for free! Redeem here. Join Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden for a live podcast recording exploring the special and unique process of preparing today’s generation of dancers for the world stages. In this special conversation, four of today’s passionate leading dance educators gather to discuss how they cultivate tomorrow’s stars and what it means to pass artistry from one generation to the next.The panel includes Nikolaj Hubbe, former Artistic Director of the Royal Danish Ballet and former New York City Ballet principal; Margaret Tracey, Artistic Director of Canada’s National Ballet School and former New York City Ballet principal; Carla Korbes, former Pacific Northwest Ballet principal and now ballet chair at Juilliard; and Melissa Toogood, Bessie Award-winning dancer and Dean of Juilliard’s Dance Division. Together, they bring decades of combined artistic and teaching experience to a conversation about craft, education, and a love of dance.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get Conversations on Dance summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Back to the Barre
Former Dance Moms cast members recap episodes and share behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the show.
Music Matters with Darrell Craig Harris
In-depth interviews with major music artists, producers, and industry leaders shaping the global music landscape.
The SwimSwam Podcast
Conversations with top swimmers and rising stars about the past, present, and future of competitive swimming.
Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life
Two hosts explore transformative stories and taboo topics with people challenging norms and living unfiltered lives.
Brian Breaks Character
A spiritual guide for creatives seeking purpose and abundance through conversations with artists, activists, and unconventional thinkers.
Dalton Fischer Podcast
Conducts in-depth interviews that highlight the personal stories of guests through thoughtful questions and active listening.
Between Both Cheeks
Four women share candid, unfiltered conversations about beauty, business, and taboo topics with humor and honesty.
Living for the City
Detroit’s music evolution from Motown to techno through stories of artists and creators who shaped its sound.
Minnesota Swim and Vibecast
A podcast exploring swimming culture and community building in Minnesota.
Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News
Examines how entrepreneurship, creativity, and media trends shape modern business and personal branding.
Walk-In Talk Podcast
Raw conversations with food industry professionals about restaurant operations, culinary leadership, and the business of hospitality.
Black Swan Murder
A ballerina and her older husband build a diverse ballet company that collapses amid financial ruin and her mysterious disappearance.
About Conversations on Dance
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 over 500 episodes and partnerships with institutions like the Vail Dance Festival, Works & Process at the Guggenheim, Performing Arts Houston, San Francisco Ballet, The Kennedy Center, 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.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from Conversations on Dance in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Conversations on Dance daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Conversations on Dance as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Conversations on Dance podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Conversations on Dance product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does Conversations on Dance release new episodes?
Conversations on Dance publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Conversations on Dance cover?
Conversations on Dance covers topics including Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting Conversations on Dance summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.