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.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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
Transcribe →Skylar Brandt, ABT Principal — On Injury, Recovery, and Coming Back Stronger | Pushing Over the Box
Dec 300:42:46Tap to summarizeSkylar Brandt has danced Giselle, Swan Lake, and Don Quixote on the ABT stage — but behind the roles is a story of a herniated disc she tried to dance through, a promotion she almost didn't wait around for, and a lesson about perfectionism she wishes she'd learned at 13. This one is really special.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Skylar Brandt, Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre. They discuss what it's really like rising through every rank at ABT, her experience recovering from a serious back injury, and the advice she'd give her younger self about perfectionism and finding her voice.TIMESTAMPS:[11:48] Favorite Parts of Each Rank at ABT[32:02] Recovering from a Herniated Disc Injury[41:41] Advice for Young DancersABOUT THE GUEST: Skylar Brandt is a Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre, one of the most prestigious ballet companies in the world. Known for her expressiveness and artistry, she has performed lead roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, Don Quixote, and many more. She trained at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at ABT and has been with the company since she was 16 years old.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 #skylarbrandt #abt #americanballettheatre #principaldancer #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: ballet injury recovery, herniated disc, ABT principal dancer, perfectionism, advice for young dancersGuest: Skylar Brandt — Principal Dancer, American Ballet TheatrePushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
Transcribe →Erica Pereira, NYCB Soloist — On Motherhood and Dancing at the Highest Level | Pushing Over the Box
Nov 1900:21:52Tap to summarizeErica Pereira has risen through the ranks at New York City Ballet, become a mother, and somehow made it all look graceful — but her honesty about perfectionism, loneliness at SAB, and what it really takes to stay in the game is a reminder that even the most successful dancers are still figuring it out.In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Erica Pereira, Soloist at New York City Ballet and Ballet Academy East alum. They discuss her rise through the ranks at NYCB, how she balances being a professional dancer and a mother, and her ongoing battle with perfectionism and self-doubt.TIMESTAMPS:[07:18] Rising Through the Ranks at NYCB[11:08] Balancing Ballet and Motherhood[15:19] The Struggle with PerfectionismABOUT THE GUEST: Erica Pereira is a Soloist at New York City Ballet and a proud alumna of Ballet Academy East in New York City. Known for her precision and artistry, she has performed principal roles including Sugar Plum and Swanilda throughout her career at NYCB. She is also a teacher at Ballet Academy East, where she inspires the next generation of young 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.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742#ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #ericapereira #nycb #newyorkcityballet #soloist #balletinterview #youngdancerTopics discussed: rising through the ranks at NYCB, ballet and motherhood, perfectionism in dance, corps de ballet life, soloist rolesGuest: Erica Pereira — Soloist, New York City BalletPushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com
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