Half Hour Call
Scottish Ballet's Podcast
Escape the backstage commotion and find a quiet moment in the dressing room with Scottish Ballet.
Join staff and dancers from Scotland’s national dance company as we take on some big discussions facing society today, shining a light on what the ballet industry can do to become more transparent, diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
In each episode, we’ll be joined by special guests for a frank conversation about the world we live in, and where a ballet company fits into it.
Listen below or stream on your favourite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
The opinions expressed are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the views of Scottish Ballet and its employees.
Season Two
Creative casting: what’s gender got to do with it?
Breaking with tradition in theatre is a tradition in itself.
In this episode, we explore the creative potential in adapting traditionally gendered roles, as Scottish Ballet’s Director of Partnerships, Kirsten Cockburn, is joined by actor and creative, Maggie Bain, alongside Scottish Ballet CEO and Artistic Director, Christopher Hampson.
Dance: Your doctor’s best friend
How can activities like dance support healthcare?
In this episode we explore social prescribing with Scottish Ballet’s Senior Dance Health Manager Lisa Sinclair, who is joined by Consultant in Emergency Medicine Dr Dave Caesar, and Assistant Director of Alliance Scotland, Roseann Logan.
The term ‘social prescribing’ is used to describe a service in which people can access a range of non-medical services and activities to improve their mental health and wellbeing. We’ll find out how this model can improve overall health across the board.
The cycle: Just say period
In episode two of our two-part special, we discuss attitudes and misconceptions around periods, as Olympic swimmer Hannah Miley joins Scottish Ballet Principal Marge Hendrick, hosted Scottish Ballet’s Head of Performance Medicine Martin Lanfear.
The cycle: Periods and their purpose
In episode one of our two-part special, we learn about the menstrual cycle and the impact of missing periods. Scottish Ballet Soloist Melissa Polson joins Sports & Dance Endocrinologist Dr Nicky Keay, hosted by Scottish Ballet’s Head of Performance Medicine Martin Lanfear.
Please note: this episode contains conversations about eating disorders and mental health. If you are concerned about your mental health visit mentalhealth.org.uk or smah.org.uk or call your local emergency services in a crisis.
Ballet and body image: What needs to change
It’s no secret that ballet has its fair share of issues with body image. How do we bring about meaningful change in the industry?
In this episode, Scottish Ballet CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson is joined by Scottish Ballet Soloist Grace Horler, with Influencer, Content Creator and former dancer with some of America’s most prestigious ballet companies, Kathryn Morgan.
Please note: this episode contains conversations about body shaming, body image and mental health. If you are concerned about your mental health visit mentalhealth.org.uk or smah.org.uk or call your local emergency services in a crisis.
Season One
Recovering from injury head first
How does injury impact a dancer’s mental health? And vice versa? In this episode, we discuss the importance of taking care of your mind as well as your body with Scottish Ballet Engagement Creative Director Sara Kemal, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Zara Lipsey, and SB dancers Jamie Reid and Madeline Squire.
Please note: this episode contains conversations about mental health. Help is always available. If you are concerned about your mental health visit mentalhealth.org.uk or smah.org.uk or call your local emergency services in a crisis.
How can visually impaired audiences enjoy ballet?
How best can the industry support our visually impaired audience members? Scottish Ballet’s Engagement Producer Lorna Murray is joined by Audio Describer Emma-Jane McHenry and Allan Russell, Producer at RNIB radio.
Social Media: Thirst traps & biscuits
Does ballet have a perfectionism problem? In this episode we explore all things social media, as Scottish Ballet’s Senior Producer, Tony Currie speaks to Biscuit Ballerina and Royal Ballet Flanders Soloist Shelby Williams, and Scottish Ballet Artist Harvey Littlefield about their relationships with the digital world.
Final Bow for Yellow Face
The dance industry has a problematic track record with its depictions of marginalised groups and communities. In this episode, Scottish Ballet’s CEO and Artistic Director Christopher Hampson explores representation in ballet with Phil Chan, co-founder of Final Bow for Yellow Face and Kumi McKenna, designer and former Scottish Ballet Membership Intern.
Parenting: A balancing act
How do dancers and creatives navigate parenting whilst working for a touring company? Scottish Ballet’s Head of Performance Medicine Martin Lanfear is joined by founder of Dance Mama Lucy McCruddon and Scottish Ballet Principal Bethany Kingsley-Garner.
Pilot Season
Facing our History
In this episode, Scottish Ballet’s Director of Brand, Audience & Digital, Kate Carter, is joined by Jane Pritchard, Curator of Dance, Theatre and Performance at the V&A, and Sir Geoff Palmer, human rights activist and professor emeritus at Heriot-Watt University for a discussion about how we can address some of the difficult areas of our history.
Masculinity in Ballet
Scottish Ballet’s Head of Performance Medicine Martin Lanfear is joined by Myles Thatcher, choreographer and dancer at San Francisco Ballet, Bruno Micchardi, Scottish Ballet Soloist, and Scottish Ballet’s Director of Engagement Catherine Cassidy, for an open and candid discussion about masculinity in ballet.
Diversity in Ballet
Scottish Ballet’s CEO/Artistic Director Christopher Hampson is joined by Cassa Pancho MBE, Artistic Director & Founder of Ballet Black and Rishan Benjamin, Scottish Ballet Artist, to explore how the dance community can do more to stamp out racism within the industry, and beyond.
This podcast is produced by Scottish Ballet, with thanks to Bespoken Media and Joel Cox Sound Design.
