Our 2nd Home: Recent Episodes
Abigail Mattox
A podcast dedicated to opening theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
Michael Pink had a successful start to his ballet career, but wrestled with a feeling of discontentment due to certain qualities the field of classical ballet generated. One day he decided, quite spontaneously and courageously, to quit. He vowed only to return to the field of ballet if he believed he could make a difference. He did return to the world of ballet, becoming an international choreographer and director that has and is living to make a difference.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com.
Meet Laura Canela Queralt. Laura is bright artist from Spain currently working and living in London. Though her profession lies in singing and dancing in musical theatre productions, she works full time at the Royal Opera House as a dresser.
The dresser can be a very overlooked job, some don't even know it exists! But if you have ever tried doing up a tutu, or managing a quick change, you know just how important this role is!
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com.
Dear friends, you are in for a treat today! We have ballet mistress, teacher and choreographer, Marina Kesler! Marina Kesler has been a part of the Estonian National Ballet for the last 35 years, from school to company and then to running rehearsals and creating productions. This woman runs on passion and creativity, and it has produced many local and International successes.
Listen in as Marina shares her process on creating this magic.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Surprise! You've got a new host today, Connor Williams! Connor Williams is a long time friend of Abigail Mattox and he thought it would be fun to take over the podcast and interview her for a change. Listen in as Connor and Abby talk through her story, a story that really began before she was even born.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Buse Babadağ is a Turkish born ballerina and business woman. Buse is a soloist for the San Antonio ballet as well as the owner of Buse&Rosé. She never dreamed of dancing in America, let alone opening a business, but her open heart, and just-go-for-it attitude provided the courage she needed to go on this incredible adventure.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Buse Babadağ is a Turkish born ballerina and business woman. Buse is a soloist for the San Antonio ballet as well as the owner of Buse&Rosé. She never dreamed of dancing in America, let alone opening a business, but her open heart, and just-go-for-it attitude provided the courage she needed to go on this incredible adventure.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Today’s guest is Meelis Pakri. Meelis is an international ballet master who has been teaching for over 35 years. From a young age his skill as both an artist and as an instructor, stood out to those around him, and in turn it took him around the globe. Listen in as Meelis shares all that his journey taught him, and all he hopes to help teach others.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Finnish National Ballet dancer, Atte Kilpinen, is a living example of what it means to be a generous artist. From a young student to a professional dancer, he never held back his passion, but generously poured his heart into all he did. Though he started studying ballet quite late, his desire to dance and to be a part of this beautiful art made him unstoppable. Now, a successful dancer he continues to pour out his heart to audiences in and out of the theatre.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
As of a week ago, the summer months have officially come to an end and for most artists the new season is underway. As promised, we have returned with my three guests from the Estonian National Ballet, Lena Scherer, Ellinor Piirimae, and Leo Celegato, to recap our summers. We hope you had an amazing summer, and invite you to take a moment with us to think back and reflect on it as a way to prepare for what's ahead.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Season 2 of the podcast is beginning! And what’s ahead? Well, have a little peak…
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
It’s Summer time! Which means most ballet companies and most ballet dancers are going on holiday. Though the break is something much looked forward to, it can also feel a little daunting at times. If you’re someone who’s feeling this way, listen in to hear how our guests, Lena, Ellinore and Leo, artists of the Estonian National Ballet approach their vacation and explain what’s important to them.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Today’s guest is Jared Matthews. Jared Matthews was a soloist at The American Ballet Theater, principal at Houston Ballet, and then more recently held the position of assistant director at The Estonian National Ballet. During his career, Jared found himself surrounded by some of the world’s most renowned artists. As an artist himself, hungry to grow and refine his craft, Jared absorbed everything around him. And now as an ballet master, coach and director he seeks to share everything he’s been given with the new generation. Like every story, he had his own set of highs and lows, challenges and victories. Follow us in this interview as Jared takes us on his journey.
Maria Seletskaja once joked that she'd give two years of her life to conduct Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker... little did she know that she would soon be conducting far more than only Nutcracker. After a beautiful fifteen years dancing around the world in many prestigious companies, she made the decision to hang up her pointe shoes and pick up the conductor's baton. and what an adventure it was...Click the link in the bio to listen in as we discuss her remarkable journey, the ins and outs of being a conductor, and the importance of music, especially in the life of a dancer.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhomeor email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Everyone loves the Ballet Meme Instagram page. Imagine if you could simplify those witty jokes and stick it on a T-shirt. Well good news, now you can! Emanuele Sardo, a full time dancer with the Estonian National Ballet, is now the owner of an online shop called Ballet Couture. This new line of clothing (and other products) is sure to brighten your work atmosphere with their fun-oh-so-relatable taglines. Also, it’s December, it’s time for Christmas shopping! If your looking for something to get your bestie at work, look no further, Ballet Couture has something for you. You can also keep with all their latest on their Instagram Page, ballet.couture.
Fun clothes aside, today we also discuss dancers and side hustles. Is it even possible? Listen in as Emanuele (Manu) shares his experience.
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This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Happy World Ballet Day!
What else can one talk about on World Ballet Day then, well, ballet. In honor of this special day we thought it would be fun to talk through some common ballet stereotypes and see if they live up to reality. Joining us to discuss these interesting topics is Anna - Roberta, Soloist of the Estonian National Ballet.
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This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Today we have our very first opera singer on the podcast! Yiorgo Iannou. Yiorgo is from Cyprus, but now works with the Paris Opera. Yiorgo was such a delight to talk to. We really covered such a wide range of topics, from competition to rest, to performance bloopers, and intertwined with it all was his beautiful passion and positive outlook.
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This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
I am so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, David K. Israel. David is a composer of primarily dance pieces. His work has lead him to collaborate with big names like, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp and the New York City Ballet. Join us today as we dive into his story, as well as explore some interesting topics like, “how one composes music for ballet” and “the purpose of art in society”.
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This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Join us today as we talk with mindset coach, Kirsten Kemp, about the common experiences that people have as they begin their new seasons. Navigating these emotional and mental challenges can seem overwhelming at times, but as always, Kirsten approaches these realities with care and understanding as well as hope and practical advice. Whether you are excited for season 22/23, tired before even beginning, or even if you find yourself without a job, this conversation is for you!
To know more about Kirsten Kemp you can check out her website, The Confident Dancer. She also shared her personal story with us last year, which you can read on the blog: “Saying No to Say Yes”.
Go subscribe to her YouTube Channel to have access to an abundance of wonderful information, covering hundreds of topics.
And her Instagram will light up your feed, so definitely go click follow on that too.
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This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
For many artists summer is wrapping up right now and everyone is heading into their new seasons, but for some, they are coming back taking on a complete new work title. Listen to this conversation with Northen Ballet Dancer, Ashley Dixon, as he wraps up a career of 18 years and takes on the role of a ballet master.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
The position of a theater attendant isn't generally the most sought after job. By some, it’s almost looked as “less important”. But as I spoke with Mariliis Tiiter, former theater attendant, she really exposed the beauty and incredible value of this unique position. Being an artist herself, there was almost no better place to be! In her own words, “this job changed my life”.
Listen in as Mariliis shares her insights about her time working in the theater.
You can also read his interview on the Our 2nd Home blog.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Michal Krčmář is a Star dancer of the Finnish National Ballet. While now, ballet is his passion, it did not begin that way. As a child he found himself hating ballet class, but years later, standing on the stage, with curtains open, in front of sold out audiences, he new he was born to do this. Join us in conversation as Michal unpacks his journey to becoming a professional ballet dancer.
You can also read his interview on the Our 2nd Home blog.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Gaia Ponzio is a full time ballerina as well as owner of Gapo Dancewear. But things are changing for Gaia in an exciting way. While being a ballerina, Gaia has seen and experienced the some of the dark sides of the ballet world; the tough schools, eating disorders, and difficult directors. After all of this, her heart is to make a change to the harmful culture that surrounds this beautiful art.
You can also read her interview on the Our2ndHome Blog.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
I think one of the hardest thing that a dancer can go through is an injury. We all know that incredibly depressing feeling when you have to sit and watch rehearsals, listen to your colleagues complain about their days, when you’d give anything to be back on your feet dancing again. Liam also knows the intense frustration and sadness that comes with bring injured. But he also knows the internal growth that comes from those hard circumstances, the importance of perseverance, and incredible joy of coming back.
This interview is split into two parts. So after this episode ends be sure to click part two.
You can also read his interview on the Our 2nd Home blog.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
I think one of the hardest thing that a dancer can go through is an injury. We all know that incredibly depressing feeling when you have to sit and watch rehearsals, listen to your colleagues complain about their days, when you’d give anything to be back on your feet dancing again. Liam also knows the intense frustration and sadness that comes with bring injured. But he also knows the internal growth that comes from those hard circumstances, the importance of perseverance, and incredible joy of coming back.
This interview is split into two parts. So after this episode ends be sure to click part two.
You can also read his interview on the Our 2nd Home blog.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Xander Parish is a world-famous ballet dancer. He is a name well known and an inspiration to many. But it wasn’t always like this. Xander knows full well the hardships of trying to find one’s place in the ballet world. But through perseverance and a positive attitude he found his hard work rewarded in a way he never could have dreamed.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review/rating. It means a lot to us!
Happy Mother’s Day! Today’s conversation is in honor of all the amazing moms out there who have taken on the incredible and challenging task of raising up artists. I sat down with my own mama to ask her about her experience in preparing me for a ballet career, and advice for parents who have children in the arts.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like share, and leave a review. It means a lot to us!
“Joy Womack is a principal dancer with the Astrakhan State Theater of Opera and Ballet in Russia... Her story is laced with many twists and turns, many unknowns and miracles, many hardships and victories. She is known for being the first American to graduate from the Bolshoi Ballet Academy and then also receive a place in the Bolshoi Theater..”
Huge thanks to Joy for sharing her incredible journey with us!
You can follow her at joy.womack
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhomeblog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like and share, it means a lot to us.
Happy International Dance Day!
Join me your host, Abigail Mattox as I have a conversation with four Estonian National Ballet dancers about their experiences living abroad and how it has developed them both artistically and as people.
This podcast is in collaboration with the Our2ndhome blog, which is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world.
For more info check out our website, https://our2ndhome.org/ , IG _our2ndhome or email us at oursecondhome2@gmail.com .
Hope you have enjoyed this episode. Don’t forget to comment, like and share, it means a lot to us.
Welcome to Our 2nd Home! In this episode you will hear all about the story that started this podcast, the vision that drives it and some info on what kind of content you can be expecting in the future.
The Our 2nd Home blog and podcast is dedicated to opening up theater doors through conversations with artists all around the world. You can check out the Our Second Home blog here and also find us on Instagram at _our2ndhome .