Ask Megan! artwork

Ask Megan!

126 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 7 years ago - ★★★★★ - 52 ratings

The ASK Megan is the ONLY podcast featuring expert advice on Professional Ballet. Each week Megan Fairchild answers the questions of aspiring dancers and their parent's to help navigate the complex world of professional ballet. The ASK Megan is hosted by one New York City Ballet's Principal Dancer Megan Fairchild. Megan is not only a Principal Dancer, but performed in the award winning Broadway show, "On The Town" and is considered to be one of the world's most premier dancers on stage today. Join Megan as she answers each and every question that comes her way. The ASK Megan show is produced by The Premier Dance Network which was founded by Kimberly Falker, the host and producer of Balancing Pointe Podcast, the TOP ranked podcast on Ballet and Dance.

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Episodes

124 - Ask Megan! - Sealy Asks About Pointe Shoes Makers

May 16, 2017 19:24 - 7 minutes - 7.11 MB

Sealy asks Megan what to do now that her pointe shoe maker has retired. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

123 - Ask Megan! - Jake Asks What Megan Carries in her Ballet Bag

May 09, 2017 09:30 - 5 minutes - 5.11 MB

Today on Ask Megan!, Jake asks what Megan carries in her ballet bag. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

122 ~ Ask Megan! Why do dancers wear belts in class?

May 02, 2017 16:00 - 4 minutes - 4.4 MB

Today Calissa asks Megan why dancers wear belts over their leotards in class? Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

121 ~ Ask Megan! Hannah asks about improving her Petit Allegro

April 25, 2017 06:30 - 6 minutes - 6.11 MB

Today Hannah asks Megan how to improve her petit allegro.   Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

120 ~ Ask Megan ~Holly asks about Magazine Photo Shoots

April 18, 2017 05:00 - 6 minutes - 5.65 MB

Today Holly asks Megan what her experience as a cover model for Dance Magazine. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

119 - Ask Megan! Sarah - What are Your Thoughts on Boston Ballet School?

April 11, 2017 13:54 - 5 minutes - 4.98 MB

Today Sarah asks Megan what her thoughts are about Boston Ballet School and Company. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Networ

118 - Ask Megan! Janie - What to do if Teachers Aren't Paying Attention to You

April 04, 2017 09:30 - 8 minutes - 7.33 MB

Today's question comes from Janie.  She asks Megan about having danced at one place for so long that the teachers seem not to be paying attention to her anymore.   Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Networ

117 ~ Ask Megan! How do dancers deal with romantic break-ups?

March 21, 2017 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.21 MB

Today, Julia writes in to say, "Hi Megan, there seem to be a lot of relationships within the New York City Ballet. What is the dynamic like when breakups occur and how difficult is it to dance with a former romantic partner? Will the casting directors avoid pairing two former romantic partners together?

116 ~ Ask Megan! Kaylie wants to know about company auditions?

March 14, 2017 06:00 - 4 minutes - 4.21 MB

Kaylie writes in and says "I am a junior in high school and wonder how I should plan for next year and am wondering when I am supposed to audition for company positions and what happens if I don't get in anywhere?  DO most dancers then wind up going the college route? "  Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Networ

115 ~ Ask Megan! Does it matter what brand of pointe shoes you wear for auditions?

March 07, 2017 17:00 - 3 minutes - 2.93 MB

Today's question comes from Ana who asks whether it matters what brand of pointe shoes a dancer wears for auditions? Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Networ

114 ~ How to train for a Balanchine Summer Intensive?

March 02, 2017 17:00 - 5 minutes - 5.13 MB

 Today's question comes from Heather who wrote in asking how to help her child prepare for a Balanchine Summer Intensive when the studio does not support this style? Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

113 - Nancy Asks: How Do You Prepare for a Big Role

February 28, 2017 15:19 - 5 minutes - 5.07 MB

Today on Ask Megan!, Nancy remarks that she saw Megan in Sleeping Beauty and wonders how she prepares for such big roles. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Networ

113 - Nancy Asks: How Do You Prepare for a Big Role

February 28, 2017 15:19 - 5 minutes - 5.07 MB

Today on Ask Megan!, Nancy remarks that she saw Megan in Sleeping Beauty and wonders how she prepares for such big roles. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Networ

112 ~ Ask Megan! Mimi wants to know if homeschooling is a good option?

February 07, 2017 18:35 - 7 minutes - 6.72 MB

Today's question comes from Mimi who called in to ask about Homeschooling versus attending regular high school when pursuing a career in dance. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Networ

111 ~ Ask Megan! How can a ballet mom support her daughter without being a stage mom?

January 31, 2017 10:00 - 6 minutes - 6.35 MB

Today's question comes from a Ballet Mom who asks: "I was wondering how, as a mom, I can best support my daughter before YAGP or an audition? I do try hard not to be a "stage mom", but I am very anxious and want to make sure my daughter is at her very best. I find this only annoys her. What can I do to help her the most? And what do you eat the morning of a big show?" Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balan...

110 ~ Ask Megan! How to encourage a young dancer who shows promise?

January 24, 2017 12:00 - 7 minutes - 7.23 MB

Today's question comes from Kate who is the mother of an aspiring young dancer.  She wants to know how she can best encourage her daughter's love of dance and support her daughter who seems to show promise without becoming an overbearing "dance" mom. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

109 ~ Ask Megan! Could Running Help in Toning a Dancer" Legs?

January 17, 2017 14:38 - 7 minutes - 7.23 MB

Today's question comes from Lily who wrote in to ask about toning her legs.  She is wondering if Megan would suggest running? Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

108 - Ask Megan! How Do Directors Cast Dancers Based On Body Types?

January 10, 2017 21:41 - 7 minutes - 7.23 MB

Today on Ask Megan! Rachel writes in asks about how Artistic Directors make casting decisions on dancers and their body types. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

107 - Ask Megan! - Concerned Mother Writes In

December 27, 2016 15:26 - 10 minutes - 9.95 MB

Today on Ask Megan! a mother writes in regarding body image concerns. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

106 - Amelia - How Do I Know What Shank Strength I Need?

December 20, 2016 17:00 - 5 minutes - 2.58 MB

Today on Ask Megan! Amelia asks how to know what shank strength she needs for her pointe shoes. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

105 - Casting Lead Roles for NYCB's Nutcracker

December 13, 2016 12:00 - 4 minutes - 4.07 MB

Today's question comes from Melinda who wants to surprise her daughter with tickets to NYCB's Nutcracker and wants to know how far in advance casting is known for the lead roles. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

104 ~ Ask Megan! How Do I Tell My Parent's I Want to Quit?

December 06, 2016 17:00 - 8 minutes - 7.69 MB

Today's question comes from Monica who is studying at a prestigious year round training program and has since realized she does not want to dance anymore.  She asks Megan for advice on how to break it to her family. Megan really nails this one! Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

103 - Ask Megan! Advice on Stage Makeup for Nutcracker

November 30, 2016 02:22 - 9 minutes - 8.8 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today, Sarah asks about stage makeup for Nutcracker and what other dancers from New York City Ballet recommend. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

102 - Ask Megan! How Do I Deal with Being Tall?

November 16, 2016 19:44 - 5 minutes - 5.31 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today, Ciara asks about feeling discriminated against for being too tall.  How does she stay patient when trying for key roles? Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

101 - Ask Megan! - How Do I Build Muscle and Improve Endurance

November 01, 2016 19:22 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today, Giuliana asks how she can build muscle and improve endurance. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

100 - Ask Megan! Find the Right Company to Audition For

October 25, 2016 14:19 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question comes from Carole who is wondering how she can help her daughter find the right company to audition for. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

99 - Ask Megan! - Have You Ever Experienced Creative Blocks?

October 18, 2016 23:01 - 6 minutes - 5.9 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question comes from Ash who is wondering whether Megan ever experiences creative blocks. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

98 ~ Ask Megan! - What Do You Know About the Australian Ballet?

October 05, 2016 02:39 - 3 minutes - 3.53 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question comes from Amanda who wants to know if Megan knows anything about Australian Ballet or any of the American dancers who have joined their company.  Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

97 ~ Ask Megan! How many classes are enough?

September 13, 2016 16:00 - 3 minutes - 2.78 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question comes from Sarah who wants to know if she is taking enough ballet classes each week. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network  

96 - Ask Megan! How do guest choreographers choose the dancers they work with when visiting NYCB?

September 06, 2016 17:53 - 6 minutes - 5.76 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question comes from Nancy who called in to ask how guest choreographers choose dancers when they work with NYCB. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network  

95 ~ Ask Megan! Which is the best leotard to wear for an upcoming audition?

August 30, 2016 20:46 - 3 minutes - 3.2 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come Emily who writes in to say: "My name is Emily and I was wondering whether it is best to wear a simple tank leotard or a 3/4 sleeve leotard for my upcoming SAB audition? I like the 3/4 length because it is very elegant and flattering and shows off my back but the plain tank leotard would show off my arms more. I'm not sure which they would be looking for more." Do you have a question about Ballet?...

94 ~ Ask Megan! What steps should be taken to achieve a career in dance?

August 23, 2016 16:00 - 4 minutes - 4.43 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from a listener who has been thinking about a career in dance  and is not sure what steps she should take to get there. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

93 ~ Ask Megan! How to deal with a jealousy from peers.

August 16, 2016 16:00 - 4 minutes - 4.1 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from Meghan who wants to know how to deal with jealousy from peers. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network  

92 ~ Ask Megan! What to do about painful achilles tendinitis?

August 09, 2016 16:00 - 2 minutes - 2.62 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from Nadia who wants to know how to help with her painful achilles tendinitis.  Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network  

91~ Ask Megan! What are Megan's favorite street shoes?

August 02, 2016 16:00 - 5 minutes - 4.58 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from Ali who wants to know what street shoes Megan wears. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network  

90 ~ Ask Megan! Why do some professional dancers take warm up class at another studio?

July 26, 2016 16:00 - 5 minutes - 4.88 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from Dominique who wants to know why some professional dancers take classes outside of their company classes? Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network  

89 ~ Ask Megan! What are Megan's favorite leotards?

July 19, 2016 16:00 - 4 minutes - 3.94 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from a Katie who is sick of the same choices for leotards and wants to know what are Megan's favorite brands of leotards.  

88 ~ Ask Megan! What is the best way to warm up?

July 12, 2016 16:00 - 4 minutes - 4.08 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from Ella who wants to know suggestions on the best way to warm up.  Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network    

87 ~ Ask Megan! When is it time to go to a year round program?

July 05, 2016 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.75 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today's question comes from Brida who wants to know when it is time to find a year round training program. Megan provides a thoughtful response. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network

86 ~ Ask Megan: what do you do when you lose a teacher?

June 28, 2016 16:00 - 3 minutes - 3.66 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from Giuliani whose teacher is leaving her studio. She is feeling devastated and is seeking advice from Megan. Megan provides a thoughtful response. Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE: Balancing Pointe's website Premier Dance Network  

85 ~ Ask Megan! How to stay in shape after taking a month off from dance.

June 21, 2016 16:00 - 6 minutes - 8.6 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from a Christy who wants to know how to get back in shape after taking off dance for a month. Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review this show

84 ~ Ask Megan! What to do when your pointe shoe maker retires.

June 14, 2016 16:00 - 5 minutes - 7.56 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from a Lana who wants to know what to do when a pointe shoe maker retires.   Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review this show

83 ~ Ask Megan! A mom wants to know the value of Dance photos.

June 07, 2016 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from a mother who wants to about the importance of dance pictures? What do they show? How can they be used to help a dancer?  Megan provides advice from a very personal perspective. Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram ...

82 ~Ask Megan! Does the NYCB tour?

May 31, 2016 16:00 - 7 minutes - 9.65 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from Malorie who called in to ask  if NYCB goes on tour and if Megan has ever toured with them.  Megan provides advice from a very personal perspective. Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review ...

81 ~ Ask Megan! What to do if a dancer can't get a job after training?

May 24, 2016 16:00 - 3 minutes - 4.8 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  My name is Maddison and I am a graduating senior who attended one of the top year round training program for the past four years. I've spent the past three months auditioning for my first professional job and have come up with nothing other than the opportunity to be a trainee in some companies.  I feel as that I've already been a trainee for 4 years and my parents are refusing to continue to pay so much to have me be a ...

80 ~ Ask Megan! Can a dancer still make it professionally without pas de deux experience?

May 17, 2016 16:00 - 5 minutes - 7.73 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from 15 year old Kamryn who just went on pointe and is curious how to prepare for a professional career without having pas de deux experience.   Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave Rate and Review this show

79 ~ Ask Megan! Can a dancer go to college and still make it as a professional?

May 10, 2016 16:00 - 4 minutes - 6.03 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Hi Megan, I just LOVE your show and listen every single week.  I am a fairly decent dancer and think based upon my experience could potentially look for a professional job but REALLY want to go to college first.  My goal is to go to a school that has a strong dance program and continue my training there.  I understand that making this choice will limit me from some of the top companies but wonder ifyou know whether I am ...

78 ~ Ask Megan! What do rehearsals look like at NCYB?

May 03, 2016 16:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from Rachel who wrote in to say: I am curious what rehearsals look like at NYCB. Who are the players involved in group, divertissment, solo, and pas de deux rehearsals? Is a répétiteur always present, or only for choreography of certain choreographers?  What is the role of ballet coaches?  I see some of this from YouTube posts from NYCB, SF Ballet, Royal Ballet, etc., and would love to know more. ...

77 ~ Ask Megan! A mother of a daughter and a son who dance asks for advice from Megan.

April 19, 2016 16:00 - 4 minutes - 5.9 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday.  Today’s question come from Corina who called in to ask Megan advice on how to help keep her daughter and son involved together in dance.       Megan provides advice from a very personal perspective. Find Megan Fairchild ~  website/Twitter/Instagram Do you have a question about Ballet? YOU can be a part of the show by sending us your questions by clicking HERE:  BalancingPointe.com   Twitter/Instagram Please leave...

76 ~ Ask Megan! Does featuring younger dancers on the hit show “So You Think You Can Dance” change the atmosphere for aspiring dancers?

April 12, 2016 16:00 - 3 minutes - 4.89 MB

On each episode Megan answers YOUR questions each and every Tuesday. Today’s question come from Mary who wrote in to ask ~ Hi Megan,  I don’t know if you are familiar with the tv show, So You think You Can Dance and the fact that in their new season they will be featuring young dancers ages 8-18 rather than the older more mature dancers.  As a professional, what do you think about this? Mary   Megan provides her thoughts from a professional Ballerina’s perspective. Find Megan Fairchild ...

Twitter Mentions

@balancingpointe 85 Episodes
@fairchildmegan 83 Episodes