Podcast
Pushing Over the Box
Hosted by Jasmine Jain · EN
Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset — hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain.
Through candid ballet interviews with leading figures in the dance world — from principal dancers at American Ballet Theatre and New York City Ballet to choreographers, dance physiotherapists, and photographers — Jasmine explores the real stories behind the beauty: discipline, injury, recovery, resilience, artistry, and what it really takes to keep going.
Past guests include Misty Copeland, Isabella LaFreniere, Cassandra Trenary, Skylar Brandt, and more.
New episodes biweekly.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Emma Von Enck, NYCB Principal — On Promotion, Nerves, and Real Success | Pushing Over the Box
6d ago00:33:45Tap to summarizeEmma Von Enck quit ballet when she was 12. She wanted to try acting. She hated it. She begged her mom to put her back in.A few years later, she was standing in the wings at New York City Ballet, still in her Rubies costume, being told she'd just been promoted to principal.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Emma Von Enck — principal dancer at New York City Ballet, Fordham University graduate, and two-time Princess Grace Award nominee. They talk about the long road to SAB, what nobody tells you about being a soloist, the moment she found out she was a principal (mid-show, in costume, her dad waiting backstage), how she handles pre-show nerves, and what she wishes her 13-year-old self had known about trying hard.TIMESTAMPS:[11:46] The Night She Found Out She Was a Principal[19:07] How Emma Manages Pre-Show Nerves[28:53] What She's Learned About Real SuccessABOUT THE GUEST: Emma Von Enck is a principal dancer at New York City Ballet. A graduate of Fordham University, she is a two-time Princess Grace Award nominee and the 2016 recipient of the Mae L. Wien Award. She is known for her speed, clarity, and vivacious presence on stage.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #emmavonenc #nycb #newyorkcityballet #principaldancer #princessgraceaward #balletinterviewTopics discussed: NYCB principal dancer interview, ballet promotion, ballet nerves, pre-show routine, Princess Grace Award, ballet success, ballet mindset, advice for young dancersGuest: Emma Von Enck — Principal Dancer, New York City BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Darla Hoover, Former NYCB Dancer — On Balanchine and the Art of Teaching | Pushing Over the Box
3w ago00:27:05Tap to summarizeDarla Hoover started dancing in a barn. Her teacher took one look at her and told her parents: "You need to save your money — she's going to end up in New York." She did.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Darla Hoover — former New York City Ballet dancer, syllabus coordinator at Ballet Academy East, and one of ballet's most respected teachers and répétiteurs. They talk about growing up under the legendary Marcia Dale Weary, navigating homesickness at the School of American Ballet, what it was like to dance for Balanchine, the panic of performing Serenade when you don't know when the flick happens, and why Darla believes the most important thing she can pass on to her students has nothing to do with technique.Darla was honored in 2021 with a congressional commendation for her dedication to arts and education and with the Marcia Dale Weary Legacy Award.TIMESTAMPS: [01:08] How Darla Started Dancing — and Marcia Dale Weary's Prophecy [13:00] The Serenade Panic Story [22:33] Balancing Perfectionism in DanceABOUT THE GUEST: Darla Hoover is a former principal dancer with New York City Ballet and currently serves as syllabus coordinator at Ballet Academy East. She is one of the Balanchine Trust's most trusted répétiteurs, staging works across the world including Serenade, Rubies, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. In 2021, she was honored with a congressional commendation for her contributions to arts and education and with the Marcia Dale Weary Legacy Award.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #darlahoover #nycb #newyorkcityballet #balanchinetrust #serenade #balletteacherTopics discussed: NYCB dancer interview, Balanchine legacy, ballet teacher interview, Marcia Dale Weary, School of American Ballet, ballet perfectionism, ballet staging, ballet répétiteur, advice for young dancersGuest: Darla Hoover — Former NYCB Dancer, Syllabus Coordinator, Ballet Academy EastPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Alexa Maxwell, NYCB Soloist — On Injury, Musicality, and Life at NYCB | Pushing Over the Box
Apr 2200:34:29Tap to summarizeWhen Alexa Maxwell arrived at New York City Ballet as a brand new apprentice, she expected a few weeks to find her footing. Instead, on her very first day, she was emergency-cast in Nutcracker and told she was performing that night — in her SAB uniform, while every company member around her was in sweatpants and sneakers.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Alexa Maxwell, soloist at New York City Ballet and a graduate of Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the School of American Ballet. They discuss what it felt like to be thrown into the deep end from day one, how a serious patellar tendon injury and two surgeries changed everything she knew about taking care of herself, and what she'd tell her younger self about perfectionism and comparison.TIMESTAMPS: [08:42] Being Cast on Her First Night at NYCB [11:54] The Role That Changed How People Saw Her [18:09] The Injury That Changed Everything ABOUT THE GUEST: Alexa Maxwell is a soloist at New York City Ballet. She trained at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and the School of American Ballet before joining NYCB, where she is known for her musicality and expressive presence on stage. She also teaches at the CPYB summer intensive and is currently a student at Fordham University.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742Topics discussed: NYCB soloist interview, ballet injury recovery, ballet musicality, School of American Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, ballet apprenticeship, advice for young dancersGuest: Alexa Maxwell — Soloist, New York City BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Seth & Sarah Orza, Former PNB Principals — On Reinventing the Ballet Shoe | Pushing Over the Box
Apr 800:17:35Tap to summarizeSeth and Sarah Orza danced at the top of their field — and then used everything they learned about the dancer's body to completely rethink the ballet flat. The story of how a plantar fascia injury and a Dr. Scholl's heel cup from Duane Reade turned into an entirely new ballet shoe company is one of the most unexpected and inspiring stories this podcast has told.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Seth and Sarah Orza, former Principal Dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet and founders of Orza Ballet Shoes. They discuss how a career-threatening injury sparked the idea for the shoe, the difference between the Orza Pro 1 and 2, and the advice they'd give their younger selves about enjoying every part of the journey.TIMESTAMPS: [06:18] The Origin Story of Orza Ballet Shoes [11:07] The Difference Between Orza Pro 1 and 2 [17:09] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUESTS: Seth and Sarah Orza are former Principal Dancers at Pacific Northwest Ballet, where they each had careers spanning nearly 20 years. Prior to PNB, they both danced with New York City Ballet and trained at the School of American Ballet. They are the founders of Orza Ballet Shoes, a company dedicated to rethinking ballet shoe design to better support the needs of today's dancers.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #orzaballetshoes #pacificnorthwestballet #nycb #balletshoes #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ballet shoe innovation, ballet injury recovery, founding a ballet company, Pacific Northwest Ballet, advice for young dancers Guests: Seth and Sarah Orza — Former Principal Dancers, Pacific Northwest Ballet; Founders, Orza Ballet Shoes Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Naomi Corti, NYCB Soloist — On Artistry, Injury, and What Success Means | Pushing Over the Box
Mar 2500:49:37Tap to summarizeNaomi Corti tore her ACL, both menisci, her MCL and PCL just one month after getting her corps contract at New York City Ballet — and she says she wouldn't trade that injury for anything. Her honesty about who she is without ballet, what it took to come back, and the moment her promotion finally hit her mid-bow is something every dancer needs to hear.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Naomi Corti, Soloist at New York City Ballet and recipient of the 2024 Janice Levin Award. They discuss what it was really like getting taken as an apprentice at NYCB, how a devastating knee injury completely changed who she is as a person and a dancer, and the advice she'd give her younger self about building taste, finding real friendships, and absorbing as much art as possible.TIMESTAMPS:[12:03] Getting Taken as an Apprentice at NYCB[31:04] Tearing Her ACL and What Injury Taught Her[43:17] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Naomi Corti is a Soloist at New York City Ballet, where she has performed since joining the company as an apprentice. Originally from the South of France, she trained at the School of American Ballet after being spotted at Pacific Northwest Ballet. She is the recipient of the 2018 Mae L. Wien Award for Outstanding Talent and the 2024 Janice Levin Award.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #naomicorti #nycb #newyorkcityballet #soloist #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ACL injury recovery, NYCB apprentice life, ballet soloist promotion, building artistry, advice for young dancers Guest: Naomi Corti — Soloist, New York City Ballet; 2024 Janice Levin Award Recipient Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Misty Copeland — On Injury, Resilience, and 25 Years in Ballet | Pushing Over the Box
Feb 2500:30:27Tap to summarizeMisty Copeland started ballet at 13, was the only Black dancer at ABT for the first 10 years of her career, and waited over 15 years to be promoted to principal — and through all of it, she says she never felt pressure, only responsibility. This conversation is everything you'd hope it would be and more.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre's history, following her retirement after a 25-year career. They discuss what it really felt like rising through every rank at ABT, how she approached injuries as moments of growth rather than setbacks, and what it meant to be the first — and what she felt was her responsibility because of it.TIMESTAMPS:[12:37] The Hardest and Best Parts of Each Rank at ABT [17:28] Injuries and the Mindset to Overcome Them[18:27] Being the First Black Principal Dancer at ABTABOUT THE GUEST: Misty Copeland is the first African American woman to be appointed principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, a position she held following a 25-year career with the company. She is the author of multiple books including Life in Motion, the founder of her own arts education foundation, and one of the most recognized and influential figures in the history of American ballet.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #mistycopeland #abt #americanballettheatre #principaldancer #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: first Black principal dancer ABT, ballet injury mindset, corps de ballet life, retiring from ballet, diversity in ballet Guest: Misty Copeland — Former Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre; Author and Founder, Misty Copeland Foundation Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Cassandra Trenary: From ABT to Vienna State Ballet — A New Chapter | Pushing Over the Box
Feb 1100:43:12Tap to summarizeCassandra Trenary spent years dreaming of becoming a principal dancer at ABT — and then, at the height of her career, chose to leave it all behind and start over in Vienna. Her honesty about why she made that leap, what back-to-back injuries taught her about creativity, and the advice she'd give her younger self about caring too deeply is one of the most moving conversations on this podcast.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Cassandra Trenary, former Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre and current company dancer at the Vienna State Opera. They discuss her transition into ABT and rise through the ranks, what led her to leave New York and start a new chapter in Vienna, and why she wishes she'd been less ashamed of how much she cared at 13.TIMESTAMPS:[12:20] Transition into ABT and Rising Through the Ranks[25:28] Leaving ABT for the Vienna State Opera[46:18] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Cassandra Trenary is a former Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre and current company dancer at the Vienna State Opera under the direction of Alessandra Ferri. Originally from Georgia, she trained at the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School before joining the company at 17. She is also an accomplished dance photographer and creative artist.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #cassandratrenary #abt #americanballettheatre #viennastateopera #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: leaving ABT, Vienna State Opera, ballet career transitions, back-to-back injuries, creativity during injury Guest: Cassandra Trenary — Former Principal Dancer, American Ballet Theatre; Dancer, Vienna State Opera Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Erika Mayall, Dance Physiotherapist — On Injury Prevention and Safer Training | Pushing Over the Box
Jan 2800:30:54Tap to summarizeErika Mayall was a dancer who went to physical therapy as a teenager and thought — why isn't there someone who actually understands what we do? So she became that person. Her breakdown of why the "dance through pain" mentality still exists, and what dancers are doing right now that's quietly causing harm, is essential listening for every dancer and dance parent.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Erika Mayall, licensed physiotherapist and former dancer who specializes in dancers and artistic athletes. They discuss what makes treating dancers uniquely different from other athletes, why the dance through pain mentality is so hard to break, and her top advice for dancers who want long, sustainable careers.TIMESTAMPS:[08:48] What Makes Treating Dancers Different[16:08] Why the "Dance Through Pain" Mindset Still Exists [21:25] Advice for Dancers Who Want Long CareersABOUT THE GUEST: Erika Mayall is a licensed physiotherapist and former dancer who specializes in working with dancers and artistic athletes. She is the host of The Dance Physio Podcast, where she shares education and advice on common dance injuries, injury prevention, and safe training practices. She is passionate about bringing evidence-based, dancer-specific healthcare to the dance world.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #erikamayall #dancephysio #injuryprevention #dancerhealth #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: dance injury prevention, dance through pain myth, physiotherapy for dancers, strength training for dancers, long ballet careers Guest: Erika Mayall — Licensed Physiotherapist and Host of The Dance Physio Podcast Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Kyle Froman, NYCB Dancer & Dance Photographer — Embracing Multiple Passions | Pushing Over the Box
Jan 1400:59:44Tap to summarizeKyle Froman spent 14 years at New York City Ballet before walking away to become a photographer — and the moment he decided to leave came down to a single opportunity in Copenhagen and a rumor about firings that may never have even been true. His story about finding a second passion inside your first one is one of the most honest conversations this podcast has had.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Kyle Froman, former New York City Ballet dancer and acclaimed photographer. They discuss how he discovered photography while still dancing at NYCB, what it really felt like to leave the company and start over, and the advice he'd give his younger self about being more than just a dancer.TIMESTAMPS:[35:11] Discovering Photography at NYCB[47:06] Leaving the Company and Going Full-Time[1:02:06] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Kyle Froman is a former dancer with New York City Ballet, where he performed for 14 years, and is now an acclaimed photographer based in New York City. He is the author of In the Wings: Behind the Scenes at the New York City Ballet and has photographed for major ballet companies, magazines, and theater productions. He also specializes in ballet student audition photography.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #kylefroman #nycb #newyorkcityballet #balletphotography #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ballet photography, life after dancing, NYCB behind the scenes, second careers for dancers, embracing multiple passions Guest: Kyle Froman — Former Dancer, New York City Ballet; Author and Photographer Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Ingrid Thoms, American Ballet Theatre — On Navigating Company Life | Pushing Over the Box
Dec 1700:29:18Tap to summarizeIngrid Thoms joined ABT's Corps de Ballet just months before the pandemic shut everything down — and somehow came out of it closer to her colleagues and more certain of her path than ever. Her honesty about self-doubt, comparison, and the power of positive affirmations even mid-performance is something every dancer needs to hear.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Ingrid Thoms, Corps de Ballet dancer at American Ballet Theatre and Fordham University student. They discuss her favorite role as Myrta in Giselle, how she navigates self-doubt and comparison in a company full of world-class dancers, and what she'd tell her 13-year-old self about believing in her path.TIMESTAMPS:[12:17] Favorite Role — Myrta in Giselle[21:50] Dealing with Self-Doubt and Comparison[27:34] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Ingrid Thoms is a Corps de Ballet dancer at American Ballet Theatre and a student at Fordham University. She trained at the Harid Conservatory in Florida and the ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School before joining ABT's Studio Company and then the main company. She recently made her debut as the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty.ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence.CONNECT:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/Website: https://pushingoverthebox.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #ingridthoms #abt #americanballettheatre #corpsdeballet #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: corps de ballet life, self-doubt in ballet, positive affirmations, Myrta in Giselle, ABT dancer mindset Guest: Ingrid Thoms — Corps de Ballet Dancer, American Ballet Theatre Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
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