The TalkBack

The TalkBack Podcast by Ballet 5:8 is starting season 2 on June 23rd!In this season of The TalkBack; Jeremy, Kayla, and Julianna will continue to explore conversations on life, faith, and human dignity, challenging the ideas of who ballet is for and what it can say.Catch up on our previous inaugural season where we discuss the artistic process, representation on stage, the future of ballet, and so much more.Stay tuned for new episodes every TuesdayListen on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Products

Do you ever feel like ballet is too abstract you don't know what it means?In this episode of TalkBack; Jeremy, Julianna, and Kayla discuss the artistic process in storytelling work vs abstract work. How to guide an audience through complex storytelling without over-explaining. And the importance of vulnerability in the artistic process. The TalkBack EP 08 | Why Trust is Key in the Artistic Process is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. More information at ballet58.org/about

Why do so many first time fine arts patrons never return? In this episode of The TalkBack; Jeremy, Julianna, and Kayla discuss the first time viewers perspective at the theater and the reasons they may or may not return. They dive into how accessibility can mean so much to audiences and the impact from viewers on seeing their stories brought to life. The TalkBack EP 07 | Why don't Audiences Return After Their First Theater Experience? is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. More information at ballet58.org/about

What does it actually take to build a life in dance — not just a moment?In this episode of TalkBack, we explore career longevity, cross training, boundaries, artistic maturity, and the impact we have on our own internal space, as well as the impact we have on the space between ourselves and others.The TalkBack EP 06 | Staying Human in a Demanding Art Form is now streaming on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. More information at ballet58.org/about

Jeremy, Julianna, and special guest Ellington dive into romantic relationships on stage - how abuse is showcased in ballet, what is empowering to women, and how storytelling is a skill that can shape the way art is received. Listen on Spotify and Apple PodcastsWatch now and head to our website ballet58.org for more

Jeremy, Julianna, and Kayla dive into the realities behind the dance world—breaking down TikTok trends, concert dance barriers, and the bigger question: who actually gets access and opportunities?It’s honest, nuanced, and a conversation you don’t want to miss.Watch now and head to our website for more at ballet58.org

What does the future of ballet and art in general look like in the age of AI?In our latest podcast conversation, Jeremy, Julianna, and Kayla dive into the tension many artists are feeling right now. AI is opening doors—expanding access, speeding up processes, and offering new creative tools we’ve never had before. And at the same time, it raises real concerns around authorship, integrity, and the value of human-made work.Our artists aren’t ignoring the possibilities. They’re asking better questions.Where does AI support creativity, and where does it start to replace it?How do we protect the voice, labor, and identity of artists in a rapidly shifting landscape?This is not a conversation about fear. It’s about discernment.Listen in as we wrestle with both the promise and the red flags—and imagine a future where technology serves the artist, not the other way around. Learn more about Ballet 5:8 at ballet58.org/about

This week on The TalkBack Podcast, Jeremy, Julianna, and Kayla of Ballet 5:8 unpack Justin Bieber’s Coachella performance and why connection matters so much in live performance.What makes a performance unforgettable is not just technique or spectacle. It is presence, honesty, and the felt exchange between artist and audience. We talk about what happens when that connection is strong, what is missing when it is not, and why it matters so deeply.Listen now and join the conversation. Sign up for our newsletter at ballet58.org/newsletter so you don't miss the next episode! Next week we talk about the rise of AI and how that impacts the arts.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of TalkBack by Ballet 5:8.In our very first episode, Jeremy, Julianna, and Kayla go behind the scenes to talk about motherhood, what we wish would change in the dance world, and how we’re building the world of Edgar Allan Poe inside the studio.It’s an honest conversation about process, perspective, and the kind of artistry that can shape a more human and expansive future for ballet.The purpose of TalkBack is to speak honestly about all things ballet industry, through the lens of challenging who ballet is for and what it can say.