How A Jersey Ballet Became A Community’s Voice
Manage episode 523018968 series 3690620
What if a dance company could speak for its community without saying a word? We sit down with Carolyn Rose Ramsey—international dancer turned artistic director—to explore how movement becomes language, why curiosity beats certainty, and how a small island built a world-class stage from a potato shed and a big idea.
Carolyn opens the studio doors on her process: curating choreographers, shaping programmes around living themes, and letting Jersey’s landscape and stories seep into the work. We talk about the tightrope between accessibility and ambition, and why confusion and challenge do not have to mean alienation. You’ll hear candid reflections on privilege and responsibility in the arts, how excellence is sustained, and what it took to grow Ballet D Jèrriais from some very challenging beginnings to the Opera House while keeping its edge.
We also dig into performance psychology: perfectionism’s upside and pitfalls, pre-show rituals, and the craft of giving feedback that is honest, specific, and kind. From injury stigma to holistic training, we look at how dancers stay healthy through cross-training, smarter systems, and leadership that pairs high standards with psychological safety. Carolyn’s childhood memory of Swan Lake reminds us why nonverbal storytelling can be the most direct route to truth—felt first, understood later.
Looking ahead, we ask how ballet can hold a mirror to the here and now—raising questions about today’s issues without preaching. If you care about dance, voice, community, or the work of turning creativity into belonging, this conversation offers clarity, warmth, and a few brave invitations to go deeper.
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Chapters
1. How A Jersey Ballet Became A Community’s Voice (00:00:00)
2. Setting The Stage: Arts As Voice (00:00:08)
3. Meet Carolyn Rose Ramsey (00:00:39)
4. Ballet D Jèrriais: Origins And Ingenuity (00:02:08)
5. Curating Themes And Community Stories (00:04:16)
6. Privilege, Standards, And Responsibility (00:06:45)
7. Balancing Challenge With Accessibility (00:10:21)
8. Touring, Reception, And A New Home (00:15:28)
9. Why Movement Communicates Beyond Words (00:18:25)
10. Childhood Imprint: Fairy Tales In Motion (00:22:30)
11. Performance Mindset And Rituals (00:26:10)
12. Discipline With Compassion In Training (00:30:05)
13. Injury, Stigma, And Holistic Care (00:36:05)
14. Cross-Training And Sustainable Careers (00:40:10)
15. A Next Step: Tackling The Here And Now (00:45:24)
16. Closing Reflections And Farewell (00:48:27)
6 episodes