Listeners asked, and Fran Veyette answers! We're bringing back this fan-favorite #NoThirds "Fran's Mailbag" episode, now combined into one extended conversation. Fran breaks down how casting really works, whether principals dance less, what happens when dancers date (and break up), the truth about dogs in the studio, how respect and awareness shape auditions, why community matters, and what young dancers should know about contracts and career readiness.

We've combined Parts 1 and 2 into one LONG episode, so settle in for the full Fran experience.

Interested in working with Fran at Veyette Virtual Ballet School? Check out our Back to Dance Guide for an exclusive discount.

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CiCi Houston-Sudholt, Rehearsal Director at Saint Louis Ballet, discusses their unique approach to dance education that puts students at the center. From integrating all levels of training to tailoring performance opportunities based on individual goals, Saint Louis Ballet adapts to each dancer's needs and aspirations.

In this conversation, CiCi explains the structure of the trainee program and how it prepares dancers for professional careers. We discuss what makes Saint Louis Ballet's second company unique: dancers are part of AGMA and receive full union protections, which sets this program apart from many other post-graduate options. CiCi also discusses how the school balances academics with intensive training, their evolving recruitment and audition processes, and what they look for in prospective students. We explore performance opportunities available to students, how the school encourages dancers to find their own balance between dance and other commitments, and the emphasis on communication and accountability throughout the training process.

If you're trying to understand what post-graduate pathways look like or evaluating whether a student-centered training environment is right for your dancer, this conversation offers practical insight into how Saint Louis Ballet structures their programs.

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Music from #Uppbeat:
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License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI

We asked you to tell us what you love about the Ballet Help Desk Podcast, what needs to improve, and what topics you want us to cover. And you delivered honest, thoughtful, sometimes tough feedback.

In this episode, we share what you told us: what's working (our honest questioning, insider information, and ballet parent perspective), what we're fixing immediately (audio quality, ad transitions, and tighter editing), and what topics you want more of (younger dancers, international training, and financial transparency).

We're also introducing new formats like Q&A episodes and expanding our content for parents of younger dancers just starting the journey. This is a transparent conversation about what we're doing well, what we're changing, and what's coming next.

Thank you to everyone who participated. This podcast exists because of you, and we're committed to making it better.

• Read Our Ballet School Summer & Year-Round Reviews
• Buy Corrections Journals
• Support Ballet Help Desk
• Instagram: @BalletHelpDesk
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Music from #Uppbeat:
https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/new-future
License code: MGAW5PAHYEYDQZCI