Insights from  Ballet professionals

Former ballet dancer Georgia Payten transitioned to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) after injuries. Inspired by acupuncture's effectiveness on her shin splints, she pursued a Bachelor's in TCM from the University of Technology, Sydney. Now a registered practitioner, she specializes in Women's Health and Cosmetic Acupuncture and co-hosts a Chinese medicine podcast. She advises dancers contemplating a career change to explore all options, not defined by their dance identity.

Former dancer Rosa Ana Chanza transitioned to costume design at 39. Inspired by her mother's clothing boutique, she uses her dancing experience to create designs that suit the movements and needs of dancers. Self-taught in drawing and digital design, she emphasizes that her designs should enhance, not overshadow, the choreography. She advises dancers moving to new careers to use their focus, discipline, and teamwork skills.

Former ballet dancer Jessica Kenway transitioned to public relations (PR) and teaching after retiring in 2020. Her ballet skills helped her succeed in PR. She also teaches ballet and plans to create a mentorship platform for dancers. Motherhood has inspired her new pursuits.

Former ballet dancer Daisy Long moved to film, crediting her dance skills and discipline. She highlights patience, self-kindness, and bravery in career changes, allowing time to process endings and discover new interests. Daisy asserts dancers' body language understanding, work ethic, and adaptability transfer well to other fields. Now working on Étoile, she notes ballet's increasing mainstream popularity.

Former dancer Kias Burget, now a restaurateur, used his discipline and time management skills from dance to succeed in his culinary career, even opening a restaurant during the pandemic. He encourages dance institutions to prepare dancers for career transitions and advises those considering a change to prepare thoroughly and learn about their new field.

Sean Bates, a devoted ballet dancer, began his journey at the age of three. Although he faced hurdles such as homesickness at The Royal Ballet School and a severe back injury, his fervor for ballet never faded. Even during his stint at a call center due to his injury, his dreams of ballet remained intact. He continues his ballet journey and looks forward to what the future holds.

Former ballet dancer Lucie Barthélémy became a food blogger and pastry chef, starting in 2005 during her dance career in Munich. Her passion for cooking, personal struggle with an eating disorder, and ballet background influenced her blogging journey. Her transition opened collaborations with restaurants and cafes, focusing on unique flavors and textures in her recipes. She encourages dancers transitioning careers to embrace change and leverage their ballet background.

Former principal dancer of the Australian Ballet, Lana Jones, transitioned to midwifery, inspired by her son's birth and a shift in her priorities. Despite initial fears about academia, she pursued nursing, finding that her resilience and discipline from ballet were advantageous.

Former Vienna State Opera Ballet dancer, Suzan Sittig, transitioned to a flight attendant due to an injury and a thirst for adventure. Her ballet skills aided her in adapting to this role. Despite challenges, she enjoys her new career and views it as a stepping stone. She advises dancers contemplating a career switch to be patient and follow their intuition.

Former professional ballet dancer, Gavin McCaig, transitioned into arts leadership, fueled by his passion for writing, choreography, and finance. His determination and perseverance led him to the role of Director of Business Operations at the London Vocational Ballet School.