Podcast Summary: Tosh Show – My Little Ballerina with Brianna Abruzzo Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host: Daniel Tosh
Guest: Brianna Abruzzo, Actor, Singer, Dancer, and Ballerina

1. Introduction

In this episode of the Tosh Show, host Daniel Tosh welcomes Brianna Abruzzo, a multifaceted performer known for her prowess in acting, singing, dancing, and ballet. Daniel sets the stage by highlighting Brianna’s versatility and her journey in the demanding world of ballet.

2. Early Life and Ballet Training

Brianna Abruzzo shares her early introduction to ballet, starting at the tender age of three. Despite her passion, she faced significant challenges due to the rigorous and often harsh training environments.

• Daniel Tosh: “When did you start ballet?”
• Brianna Abruzzo [12:06]: “When I was 3, but I hated it.”

Brianna recounts her initial struggles with strict Russian instructors who pushed her beyond comfortable limits. She emphasizes the discipline required, balancing intense training with her education.

3. Challenges in the Ballet World

Brianna delves into the pervasive issues of body image and weight expectations within the ballet community. She candidly discusses her experience with being expelled from the Miami City Ballet due to weight gain, a period compounded by her diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

• Brianna Abruzzo [22:07]: “I know it to be true.”
• Daniel Tosh [22:03]: “But do you know it to be true, or it's just a hunch you have?”

This segment highlights the often unrealistic and harmful standards imposed on dancers, leading to personal and physical struggles. Brianna also addresses the lack of support and understanding from some directors regarding health issues.

4. Personal Life and Career Decisions

The conversation shifts to Brianna’s personal life, particularly her engagement to A.J., a singer-songwriter. Brianna discusses the decision to move from New York City to Nashville during the pandemic, a move motivated by A.J.'s burgeoning music career and the need to adapt to the halted ballet scene.

• Brianna Abruzzo [38:01]: “During the pandemic, my whole career was just shut down.”
• Daniel Tosh [38:15]: “Why would you go to Nashville?”

She reflects on the bittersweet nature of leaving a vibrant city like NYC for a more manageable town in Nashville, balancing her artistic aspirations with personal relationships.

5. Ballet as an Art and a Sport

Brianna and Daniel engage in a spirited debate about whether ballet should be included in the Olympics. They discuss the subjective nature of judging artistic performances versus the objective criteria often applied in sports.

• Brianna Abruzzo [27:31]: “They have like every type of dance.”
• Daniel Tosh [28:12]: “You think it's an art, okay?”

Brianna argues that ballet's artistic depth could translate well into competitive environments, while Daniel counters by emphasizing the potential loss of artistry if ballet were to adopt the Olympian judging system.

6. Career Highlights and Aspirations

Brianna shares notable moments from her career, including her role as Cirella in West Side Story. She discusses the challenges of auditioning for high-profile projects and her perseverance despite numerous rejections.

• Brianna Abruzzo [45:22]: “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I auditioned for 12 different roles.”
• Daniel Tosh [45:27]: “They said no.”

Brianna expresses her determination to continue pursuing her passions in acting and musical theater, highlighting her collaboration with A.J. on creating a musical centered around iconic fairy tale characters.

7. Future Plans and Balancing Family

Looking ahead, Brianna discusses her plans to balance a burgeoning career with family life. She emphasizes the importance of supporting her future children’s interests without imposing her own experiences in ballet.

• Brianna Abruzzo [39:43]: “If they want to, I will encourage them and stretch their feet, but I will hope that they are good at other things.”

This segment underscores Brianna’s commitment to fostering a supportive and flexible environment for her children's diverse interests.

8. Conclusion

Daniel Tosh wraps up the episode by expressing his support for Brianna’s endeavors and congratulating her on her engagement. He reflects on the insightful conversation, appreciating Brianna’s openness about the highs and lows of her career in ballet and the performing arts.

• Daniel Tosh [48:56]: “Thank you, Brianna, for being here today.”
• Brianna Abruzzo [49:13]: “Thank you.”

Notable Quotes

• Brianna Abruzzo [23:15]: “Polycystic ovarian syndrome. It’s just like a hormone disruptor.”
• Daniel Tosh [28:39]: “Why are you on the fucking wrong side of this one?”
• Brianna Abruzzo [32:10]: “It's not a sport that a lot of poor people can get into.”

Key Takeaways

• Rigorous Training: Ballet demands immense discipline and physical endurance from a young age.
• Body Image Pressures: The ballet industry often imposes unrealistic body standards, leading to health and psychological challenges.
• Balancing Personal and Professional Life: Navigating a career in the arts requires balancing personal relationships and professional ambitions.
• Art vs. Competition: The debate over integrating artistic disciplines like ballet into competitive frameworks like the Olympics raises questions about preserving artistic integrity.
• Perseverance and Support: Success in the performing arts hinges on perseverance, supportive relationships, and adaptability to changing circumstances.

This episode offers an unfiltered glimpse into the demanding world of ballet through Brianna Abruzzo's experiences, highlighting both the art form's beauty and its inherent challenges. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifices and societal pressures that shape the lives of professional dancers.