Episode
Chiara Ajkun & Abbi Johnson, Ajkun Ballet Theatre — Making Ballet Accessible | Pushing Over the Box
- Podcast
- Pushing Over the Box
- Published
- Nov 5, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3559
- Processing state
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Summary
Chiara Ajkun built a ballet company on one radical idea — that the way ballet has been taught for decades is broken, and she has the science to prove it. Her conversation with Jasmine about the Ajkun Methodology, toxic studio culture, and what it really means to nurture young dancers is one of the most thought-provoking this podcast has had. In this episode of Pushing Over the Box, Jasmine Jain sits down with Chiara Ajkun, artistic director and choreographer of Ajkun Ballet Theatre, and Abbi Johnson, senior artist and Joffrey graduate. They discuss Chiara's journey from dancer to director, the science behind the Ajkun Methodology, what they truly look for in young dancers, and why making ballet accessible and safe is at the heart of everything they do. TIMESTAMPS: [12:21] Transitioning from Dancer to Choreographer & Director [21:12] The Ajkun Methodology Explained [37:56] What We Look for in Dancers ABOUT THE GUESTS: Chiara Ajkun is the founder, artistic director, and choreographer of Ajkun Ballet Theatre, whose original works have been performed in 27 countries across all continents. She holds degrees in literature, performing arts, and a PhD in ballet pathology, and developed the Ajkun Methodology — a science-based approach to ballet training. Abbi Johnson is a senior artist with Ajkun Ballet Theatre and a graduate of the Joffrey Ballet School. ABOUT PUSHING OVER THE BOX: Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset, hosted by young dancer Jasmine Jain. Through interviews with leading ballet professionals, the podcast explores discipline, artistry, injury, resilience, and what it takes to pursue excellence. CONNECT: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pushingoverthebox/ Website: https://pushingoverthebox.com Spotify: https://open.spotify.c…