EPISODE · Feb 4, 2025 · 51 MIN
Catching up with Skylar Brandt, Principal Dancer American Ballet Theatre
from “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey · host Joanne Carey
"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guest Skylar Brandt. In this episode of "Dance Talk” ® , host Joanne Carey interviews Skylar Brandt, a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. They discuss Skylar's journey from childhood dance classes to becoming a professional dancer, the importance of private coaching, and the emotional connection required in performance. Skylar shares insights into her preparation for roles, the dynamics of partnering, and her experiences as a principal dancer. The conversation also touches on her advocacy for causes close to her heart, her love for teaching, and her upcoming performances. Skylar Brandt was born in Purchase, New York and began her training at the age of six at Scarsdale Ballet Studio. She attended the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre from 2005-2009. Brandt was a silver medalist at Youth America Grand Prix in 2004 and 2008. Brandt joined ABT II in 2009, became an apprentice with ABT in 2010, and joined the corps de ballet in 2011. She was promoted to Soloist in 2015 and to Principal in 2020. Among her leading roles with the Company are Giselle in Giselle, Medora in Le Corsaire, Kitri in Don Quixote, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Gamzatti in La Bayadere, Olga in Onegin, Clara, the Princess in The Nutcracker, Young Jane in Jane Eyre, Columbine in Harlequinade, Princess Praline in Whipped Cream, the Lead Maiden in Firebird, the Golden Cockerel in The Golden Cockerel, and roles in The Green Table, Pillar of Fire, The Sleeping Beauty, Bach Partita, The Brahms-Haydn Variations, Company B, Gong, In the Upper Room, Piano Concerto #1, Raymonda Divertissements, Sinfonietta, Symphonic Variations, and AFTERITE. Brandt was awarded a 2013 Princess Grace Foundation-USA Dance Fellowship. That same year, she was featured in the movie “Ballet’s Greatest Hits”. In 2018, Brandt was the recipient of an unprecedented Special Jury Award for her performances on the Russian television show “Big Ballet”. In 2022, Brandt was named to the renowned "Forbes 30 Under 30" list of most influential leaders and entrepreneurs. Skylar Brandt Website https://www.skylarbrandt.com/ Follow Skylar on Instagram @skylarbrandtballet American Ballet Theatre Upcoming Performances https://www.abt.org/performances/abt-on-tour/ “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey wherever you listen to your podcasts. https://dancetalkwithjoannecarey.com/ Follow Joanne on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance Tune in. Follow. Like us. And Share. Please leave us review about our podcast! “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey "Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."
What this episode covers
"Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey and special guest Skylar Brandt. In this episode of "Dance Talk” ® , host Joanne Carey interviews Skylar Brandt, a principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre. They discuss Skylar's journey from childhood dance classes to becoming a professional dancer, the importance of private coaching, and the emotional connection required in performance. Skylar shares insights into her preparation for roles, the dynamics of partnering, and her experiences as a principal dancer. The conversation also touches on her advocacy for causes close to her heart, her love for teaching, and her upcoming performances. Skylar Brandt was born in Purchase, New York and began her training at the age of six at Scarsdale Ballet Studio. She attended the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre from 2005-2009. Brandt was a silver medalist at Youth America Grand Prix in 2004 and 2008. Brandt joined ABT II in 2009, became an apprentice with ABT in 2010, and joined the corps de ballet in 2011. She was promoted to Soloist in 2015 and to Principal in 2020. Among her leading roles with the Company are Giselle in Giselle, Medora in Le Corsaire, Kitri in Don Quixote, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Gamzatti in La Bayadere, Olga in Onegin, Clara, the Princess in The Nutcracker, Young Jane in Jane Eyre, Columbine in Harlequinade, Princess Praline in Whipped Cream, the Lead Maiden in Firebird, the Golden Cockerel in The Golden Cockerel, and roles in The Green Table, Pillar of Fire, The Sleeping Beauty, Bach Partita, The Brahms-Haydn Variations, Company B, Gong, In the Upper Room, Piano Concerto #1, Raymonda Divertissements, Sinfonietta, Symphonic Variations, and AFTERITE. Brandt was awarded a 2013 Princess Grace Foundation-USA Dance Fellowship. That same year, she was featured in the movie “Ballet’s Greatest Hits”. In 2018, Brandt was the recipient of an unprecedented Special Jury Award for her performances on the Russian television show “Big Ballet”. In 2022, Brandt was named to the renowned "Forbes 30 Under 30" list of most influential leaders and entrepreneurs. Skylar Brandt Website https://www.skylarbrandt.com/ Follow Skylar on Instagram @skylarbrandtballet American Ballet Theatre Upcoming Performances https://www.abt.org/performances/abt-on-tour/ “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey wherever you listen to your podcasts. https://dancetalkwithjoannecarey.com/ Follow Joanne on Instagram @westfieldschoolofdance Tune in. Follow. Like us. And Share. Please leave us review about our podcast! “Dance Talk” ® with Joanne Carey "Where the Dance World Connects, the Conversations Inspire, and Where We Are Keeping Them Real."
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Catching up with Skylar Brandt, Principal Dancer American Ballet Theatre
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