109. What Dancers and Parents Need to Know About College Dance Programs with Ashley Thorndike

Jun 22, 202659 min

Summary

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, host Kaitlyn Sloan welcomes dance educator and licensed psychotherapist Ashley Thorndike for an in-depth conversation about navigating college dance programs. With both speakers sharing their own experiences as former collegiate dance majors, they offer valuable insights for aspiring dancers and their families as they approach the complex admissions process. The discussion highlights the importance of starting the search early and recognizing that the dance admissions landscape is often more fragmented and rigorous than traditional university applications. Thorndike emphasizes that finding the right "fit" involves looking beyond the prestige of a school and focusing on how a program supports artistic growth, cohort building, and career development. A major focus is placed on the financial realities of dance education, with both speakers urging families to be transparent about budgets and explore options that avoid excessive student debt. Additionally, they discuss how to look at the broader dance ecosystem, encouraging students to view their dance training as a versatile foundation that can lead to diverse, sustainable career paths—both within and outside of the performance world—by remaining curious and open to exploring multiple academic disciplines during their time in college.

Updated Jun 25, 2026

Arts & Entertainment Education Health & Wellness Dance College Admissions Mental Health Career Planning Personal Finance

Topics

Timeline for High School Dancers

About This Episode

Ashley Thorndike is a licensed clinical professional counselor, longtime dance educator, and founder of Dance and College Counseling. With a PhD in Dance Studies, an MEd in Counselor Education, and a BFA in Modern Dance, she brings a rare combination of mental health expertise and firsthand academic experience to college and career planning for dancers.

Ashley and I are both products of college dance programs and have gone on to mentor dancers through this process, so I absolutely loved connecting over this topic! Our conversation is jam-packed with everything from the complex admissions process to building a broad, sustainable career in dance.

Key "Pointes" from this Episode:

Ashley's winding path into dance and her academic journey through the University of Utah, the University of Virginia, and Ohio State University where she became the first person to earn a PhD in dance studies.
The biggest mistakes dancers make when applying to college dance programs.
How families can explore financial options when loans and personal resources do not cover the cost of a dance education.
How to identify the right college fit as a dancer and what to look for during your search.
The importance of moving beyond a one-lane mindset and exploring the many paths available within the dance world.
Why college is a uniquely valuable time to explore interests beyond dance.
How a long, meaningful dance career can take many different shapes, even beyond performing on stage.
What dance faculty are looking for at auditions, based on Ashley's experience serving on an admissions committee.
How to approach your interview as a dance applicant and what questions you should and should not be asking.
Advice for parents who feel uncertain about their child pursuing dance as a college and career path.

Connect with Ashley:

Ashley’s College Planning Guide: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/guide

Ashley’s Website: https://www.danceandcollegecounseling.com/

Follow Ashley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danceandcollegecounseling/

Links and Resources:

SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items)

SHOP ORZA: www.orzabrand.com ($20 off all Orza Pro® 2.0 ballet shoes June 22nd through the 28th with ORZA day deals - no code needed!)

Let’s connect!

MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

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More Episodes

108. How the Pandemic Unexpectedly Launched Kendall Lademann's Dance Career

Jun 15, 202630 min

Summary

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, host Caitlin Sloan sits down with professional dancer Kendall Lademann to discuss her unconventional path to a dance career. The conversation explores how Lademann’s professional journey was unexpectedly shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led her to pivot from university studies to training with Merrick Dance. Lademann reflects on the transition from student to company member, the importance of resilience, and how her work ethic was forged through both rigorous training and supportive mentorship. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of a professional dance life, including the realities of performing, navigating company closures, and the necessity of being adaptable when faced with sudden career changes. Lademann shares her experiences with transitioning to the Lexington Ballet and emphasizes the value of community, kindness, and professionalism in such a small industry. She offers heartfelt advice to aspiring dancers, encouraging them to fearlessly put themselves out there and to always be mindful of how they treat those around them. This episode serves as an inspiring look at how dedication and openness to new paths can lead to a fulfilling career.

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