Ballet Retirement, Identity, and Career Transition | Aurora Dickie

Professional ballet careers are incredibly rewarding... but they are also short. What happens when the curtain finally closes?

In this episode, I sit down with Aurora Dickie, soloist with Staatsballett Berlin and graduate student in dance science, to discuss one of the most important (and often overlooked) topics in ballet: preparing for life after a performing career.

Aurora shares her journey from Brazil to Washington Ballet and Staatsballett Berlin, explains how she balances a demanding professional schedule while earning a master's degree, and discusses her fascinating research on retirement transition in professional dancers.

Whether you're a dancer, teacher, parent, healthcare professional, or simply interested in dance science, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a healthier and more sustainable ballet career.

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Hosted by Caroline Simpkins, Ph.D., the Ballet Science podcast brings science into the studio to help dancers of all ages and abilities give their best performances both onstage and off, and reveals how the science of ballet can benefit anyone who moves.

Each week, we explore the intersection of science and ballet... from injury prevention and biomechanics to nutrition, mindset, and everything in between. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button, leave a review, and share it with your friends and dance community. You can also follow Ballet Science on social media and visit our website for additional information.

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