# 88. Autumn Eckman on Equally Loving Performance, Choreography, and Education

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brainy-ballerina-podcast-6926194/88-autumn-eckman-on-equally-loving-performance-choreography-and-education
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brainy-ballerina-podcast-6926194/88-autumn-eckman-on-equally-loving-performance-choreography-and-education.md
Podcast: [The Brainy Ballerina Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brainy-ballerina-podcast-6926194)
Published: 2026-02-02T10:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://zencastr.com/z/MKBYlJhx
Audio file: https://redirect.zencastr.com/r/episode/697c25f54896b7ca2b7987f3/size/44565165/audio-files/65e9ecbdad8337c985a311c2/508a139b-9afb-4bb0-81e7-ac5c969fa2e0.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-brainy-ballerina-podcast-6926194/episodes/88-autumn-eckman-on-equally-loving-performance-choreography-and-education
Duration seconds: 1856

## Resource

In this episode of The Brainy Ballerina Podcast, I'm joined by choreographer, educator, and former professional dancer Autumn Eckman for a thoughtful conversation about building a long, sustainable career in dance. From leaving home at a young age to embracing leadership, choreography, and academia, Autumn shares how curiosity and collaboration have shaped her path, and why a dance career doesn't have to follow just one track to be successful. Key Points in this Episode: * Why Autumn shifted from Houston Ballet Academy toward contemporary and jazz-focused work * How Autumn transitioned into choreography, teaching, and artistic leadership while still performing * The impact collaborating with composers has had on her choreographic career * How preparation and openness coexist in the studio * What led Autumn to pursue her MFA later in her career, and how academia offers a new lens on dance, research, and creativity * Listening to inner cues and values when deciding to change direction Connect with Autumn: WEBSITE: https://www.autumneckman.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/autumn__eckman [http://instagram.com/autumn__eckman] Links and Resources: 1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call [https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring] Let's connect! My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com

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