From Australia and New Zealand to the stages of Europe — meet Catherine and Madeleine, two powerhouse dancers navigating the highs and hurdles of the international dance world.

In this episode, we dive into: Life at Palucca Hochschule in Dresden, the raw truth about auditions and rejections, the pressure of the job hunt after graduation, being a woman in dance: competition, expectations, and the need for change

They're talented, thoughtful, and totally unfiltered. Don't miss this one!

At Ballett Schwerin , a new generation of leadership is stepping in—not to tear it all down, but to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and shape a more conscious, creative ballet culture.

Jonathan Dos Santos , the company’s Artistic Director and Ana Isabel Casquilho , Ballet Mistress, are redefining what leadership in dance can look like—collaborative, intentional, and deeply human.

We talked about:

What it means to lead as young voices in an evolving art form, How to build a season that reflects both vision and responsibility, Creating a culture of respect, not fear, Rethinking hierarchy, feedback, and the dancer’s experience and why “the way it’s always been” just isn’t good enough anymore..

If you’re interested in how ballet is changing—and who’s leading that change—this conversation is for you.

This week on KUNST n’all, we sit down with Seraphine Detscher — freelance dancer, choreographer, project leader, and the powerhouse behind Dresden’s 4roomsCompany and STUDIO 56.

From leaving her hometown of Heidelberg to becoming a mother while still a student, navigating company life as a single parent, and ultimately stepping into her own creative space — Seraphine shares a raw and honest look at the realities of balancing life, dance, and self-advocacy in the performing arts world.

We talk about: The intensity of company life, speaking up in an industry slow to change, what freelancing really looks like, Motherhood, movement, and making space for your voice

This is a story about resilience, reinvention, and reimagining the dance world on your own terms.

This week on KUNST n’all, we sit down with Alessandro Lucia Frola , Principal Dancer of the Hamburg Ballet, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation.

From their early days in Italy inspired by Billy Elliot to their transformative move to Germany, Alessandro Lucia opens up about the journey behind the artistry. We talk mentorship under John Neumeier, breaking gender norms in ballet, and the pressures of staying authentic in a tradition-heavy industry.

They share candid thoughts on the systemic challenges within the dance world, redefining legacy, and what it means to create a space where inclusion and wellbeing are as vital as technique.

Welcome back to KUNST n’all for Part 2 of our special solo episode series: KUNST n’Recap! In this no-guest format, it’s just us—Lorenzo, Francesco, and Nastazia—diving deeper into the behind-the-scenes of the podcast and the world around it.

In this second half, we continue unpacking our personal journeys, further explore the ballet industry’s dynamics, and share more candid thoughts on education, freelancing, and career shifts. We also answer the rest of your most curious and thoughtful listener questions in our Q&A session.

If you enjoyed Part 1, you won’t want to miss the rest of this honest, reflective, and inspiring conversation.

Welcome to a solo episode of KUNST n’all, introducing our new format: KUNST n’Recap! This new format features no outside guests—just a conversation between us, the creators of the podcast: Lorenzo, Francesco, and Nastazia.

In this two-part episode, we share our personal experiences and duties behind the podcast, explore the inner workings of the ballet industry, offer insights on academic education (beyond dance)... We also discuss career development—whether transitioning between companies or freelancing—and wrap up with an engaging Q&A session, answering our listener questions. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with passion, advice, and behind-the-scenes chatter!

In this insightful episode, we sit down with ballet stager Michael Sean Breedan to explore his unique career journey—from dancer to staging professional. Discover the challenges and key moments that have shaped his approach to bringing choreography to life. We dive deep into the creative process, discussing how Michael balances a choreographer’s vision with the dancers' individuality, and how to integrate technical precision with emotional expression. Our guest also shares the experiences of collaborating with diverse teams and navigating the evolving role of ballet stagers in today’s world. With perspectives on the cultural differences between American and European ballet scenes, as well as exciting future projects, this episode offers a fascinating look at the art and impact of ballet staging.

In Episode 3, we chat with freelance choreographer Brian Scalini about his unique dance journey. From childhood experiences to transitioning from performer to choreographer.Brian discusses overcoming injury, leaving a ballet company for an MA at Palucca University in Dresden, and how that shift reshaped his approach to choreography. He shares his creative process, from designing costumes and sets to freelancing, and how he pushes through creative blocks. Tune in for insights on self-doubt, finding inspiration, and the life of an emerging choreographer.