Show notes
Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceToday on Conversations on Dance, hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome choreographer Alysa Pires, who's new work for New York City Ballet will be premiering October 1 as a part of NYCB's fashion gala. Alysa who shares how she gravitated to dance as a child, discovered contemporary dance in high school, and began choreographing early. She discusses mentorship at Toronto Metropolitan University and explains her creative process: coming into ballet settings highly prepared with music charts and organizational planning while developing steps collaboratively in the studio. Byers describes managing imposter syndrome, the people-focused side of choreographing, and a career turning point when the National Ballet of Canada opened its choreographic workshop to outside artists, leading to bigger opportunities. She previews her second NYCB commission, inspired by motherhood, protection, and sacrifice. Tickets and more information: https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/fall-2026/fall-fashion-gala00:00 Support on Patreon00:40 Meet the Hosts01:29 Early Dance Roots03:14 Finding Contemporary Path06:34 Choreography Takes Hold09:28 Mentors and Ballet Return11:46 Prepping a New Work14:25 Music Charts and Logistics18:57 Discovery in the Studio20:55 Leading the Room24:37 Breakthrough Commissions28:53 City Ballet Nerves30:10 Family Sacrifice Balance31:48 Who Gets Choreography36:06 Second Commission Process37:49 Casting For Collaboration43:59 NYCB commission Inspiration48:19 Fashion And Motherhood53:51 Title And Bird Imagery55:49 Premiere Dates And Runs56:57 Thanks And CreditsInterested in signing up? Enjoy one month access to our Patreon for free: CLICK HERE.Conversations on Dance was the recipient of the 2024 Clive Barnes Award for Journalism and Media Achievement.Access bonus episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondanceWebsite: conversationsondancepod.comJoin our email list: https://conversations-on-dance.kit.com/7f73880f5bInstagram: instagram.com/conversationsondance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.