The Core Corps

Support, community, and honest conversations that go beyond the barre

Your first years in a professional ballet company can be intense. You're navigating casting, company politics, physical demands, and the pressure to “prove yourself” - often without much guidance.

Joining a company is a big leap. But for many dancers, it’s more than a new job - it’s a new city, a new apartment, a new support system to rebuild.

It’s a lot, and it can leave you feeling like you have to figure it all out on your own.

But here’s the truth: you don’t. The dance world is an incredible ecosystem, full of people like you who are learning, growing, and trying to build a sustainable life and career.

Welcome to the Core Corps: a space for support, community, and honest conversations that go beyond the barre.

“Caitlin has so much knowledge and wisdom to share. She helped me reach my goals, and helped prepare me for the start of my professional career. Her program is really one of a kind.”

Evelyn Febuary, Diablo Ballet

What you’ll get:

💬 Private Facebook Group
Stay connected with your peers between sessions for daily support, questions, and solidarity.

🩰 Twice Monthly Group Calls
Group calls with an experienced dance career mentor, driven by you! Bring your issues to the table and we’ll work through them together.

🎙 Guest Sessions With Approachable Pros
Hear from seasoned dancers, health professionals, and industry experts who are open, honest, and here to share real insight.

💡Real-Life Tools for Dancers

Because thriving in a company - and beyond - takes more than just talent. Topics include:

  • Cross-training guidance: What actually helps vs. what’s just noise in the gym

  • Nutrition support: Pre-show meals, daily fueling, and energy management

  • Financial guidance: How to live (and save) on a dancer’s salary

  • Audition support: Be prepared for any opportunities that come your way

“Caitlin has been an invaluable resource for me this audition season. As a very independent person I didn’t think I would use so much guidance, but I was so wrong! Caitlin has a wealth of information and experience to help anyone know exactly how and where to start looking for a professional contract. I have learned so much about myself personally and professionally working with her. I know that I will continue to connect with her and ask for her thoughtful and experienced advice!”

- Daria Breslin, City Ballet of San Diego

You belong here if:

Program Details:

✔ You’re in your first 1–3 years dancing with a professional company
✔ You want support navigating the emotional and physical demands of company life
✔ You’re craving community, clarity, and confidence
✔ You want to thrive in your dance career, both onstage and off

When:

The group coaching program will run from September 2025 - May 2026

Cost:

$349 for the full ten months (payment plans available)

“I have learned and benefited so much from working with Caitlin! From having a mentor pushing me and guiding me through audition season to just having a friendly face reminding me that you are more than capable of succeeding. I have learned so much about the ballet world, and her career mentoring has left me with valuable resources that I will use for the rest of my career. Going into this audition season, I was nervous and confused as to what the right way to do this was, but Caitlin led me through every step, making sure I felt prepared. She has left me with positive words and a level head when it comes to any audition season in my future. I cannot recommend her career mentoring more as it has taught me more than I could have ever learned myself!”

- Isabella Desabrais, Sarasota Ballet

A New Chapter Deserves a Strong Start

This is more than coaching - it’s community. Whether you're unpacking in a new city or navigating your first Nutcracker as a pro, you don't have to do it alone.

Spots are limited. Apply here.

Caitlin Sloan - Founder & CEO of The Brainy Ballerina®

Dance Educator and Career Mentor working with dancers all over the globe.

B.A. in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.

9-year professional dance career performing with Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet.

Most importantly:

Teaching aspiring ballerinas the skills they need to thrive in a professional ballet career both on AND off the stage is truly my passion.

Questions? Click here to get in touch!