Dancing with Shadows Podcast: Unveiling New York City Ballet’s Hidden Truths

A new podcast, Dancing with Shadows, is shedding light on the rich yet controversial history of the New York City Ballet (NYCB). Hosted by journalist Nicky Anderson, the series takes listeners inside one of the world’s most prestigious ballet institutions, uncovering both its artistic triumphs and its hidden struggles.

Cover image of Dancing with Shadows podcast featuring dancers on stage under dramatic lighting

For ballet lovers, the NYCB represents excellence and innovation. Founded by the legendary George Balanchine, known as the “father of American ballet,” the company has created some of the most iconic performances of modern dance. However, behind the dazzling stage lights lies a complex narrative of power, sacrifice, and controversy.

Contents hide

1 The Dual Legacy of George Balanchine

2 Scandals, Lawsuits, and Power Struggles

3 Voices from Within: What Dancers Reveal

4 The Price of Perfection: The Psychological and Physical Toll

5 Shining a Light on Ballet’s Complex World

6 Where to Listen

The Dual Legacy of George Balanchine

George Balanchine’s influence on ballet is unparalleled. His innovative choreography set new artistic standards, and his commitment to the craft shaped generations of dancers. Yet, his leadership style, which demanded unwavering loyalty, blurred the boundaries between personal and professional lives.

Balanchine’s influence extended beyond choreography—he shaped dancers’ lives, often controlling aspects beyond the stage.
He was revered as a near-divine figure within the company, leaving no room for dissent.
His methods, while revolutionary, fostered an insular and demanding culture that often pushed dancers beyond their limits.

When Peter Martins succeeded Balanchine, history seemed to repeat itself. Allegations of abuse, power imbalances, and manipulation surfaced, raising questions about the culture that had been ingrained in the NYCB for decades.

Scandals, Lawsuits, and Power Struggles

Despite its artistic success, the NYCB has faced multiple allegations and lawsuits over the years:

Allegations of Abuse: Reports of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse by former Ballet Master-in-Chief Peter Martins prompted investigations and scrutiny.
Major Lawsuits: In 2018, dancer Chase Finlay was sued for allegedly sharing explicit images of his girlfriend with other dancers, further exposing the toxic aspects of ballet culture.
Misuse of Power: The hierarchical structure of ballet institutions has often led to unchecked authority, enabling instances of manipulation and coercion.

These revelations have sparked discussions about the dark side of elite ballet training and the immense pressure dancers face.

Voices from Within: What Dancers Reveal

Dancing with Shadows features candid interviews with prominent figures who have experienced the highs and lows of NYCB firsthand:

Edward Villella – America’s most celebrated male ballet dancer, sharing insights on NYCB’s culture.
Allegra Kent – One of Balanchine’s most famous muses, reflecting on her experiences in the company.
Chase Finlay – Speaking publicly for the first time since his 2018 lawsuit, offering a rare perspective on the industry’s darker realities.

Through their voices, the podcast paints an unfiltered picture of life within NYCB—both its artistic brilliance and its deeply rooted issues.

The Price of Perfection: The Psychological and Physical Toll

Ballet demands absolute dedication. Dancers endure grueling rehearsals, physical strain, and mental pressure in pursuit of perfection.

Extreme Physical Demands: Long training hours and relentless rehearsals take a toll on dancers’ bodies.
Mental Strain: The pressure to meet artistic standards leads to anxiety, eating disorders, and burnout.
Blurred Boundaries: The intimate relationship between dancers and choreographers often results in ethical and personal dilemmas.

Shining a Light on Ballet’s Complex World

Host Nicky Anderson emphasizes the need to address these challenges:

“Ballet is an insular world. The intense demands, elite company culture, and influential figures have long been underreported. Through this podcast, we aim to bring these stories to light and inspire meaningful change.”

By diving deep into NYCB’s past and present, Dancing with Shadows seeks to create awareness, encourage dialogue, and help the ballet world evolve.

Where to Listen

As part of Stak’s Legacy Series, the first two episodes of Dancing with Shadows will be available from Tuesday, February 18 on major podcast platforms.