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ArtsPerforming Arts

Drinks at the Barre

Paul James Rooney

Breaking down the 4th Wall - Discussing everything in the world of dance and theatre. Together with regular guest host Damien Lee Stirk or esteemed guests, we aim to dust off theatre and chat about everything from training, life on tour, body issues, performance mishaps and much more.

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  • 24 episodes
  • Avg 54 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S4 · E12
    Thursday · 49 min

    And another thing!

    Join us as we continue to add to the every growing list of things that grind our gears!

  • S4 · E11
    August 26 · 45 min

    Barretender of the Week -Martin James

    Having danced all over the world as a principal dancer with English National Ballet, The Royal Danish Ballet and the Deutsche Opera Berlin. He has partnered ballerinas such as Natalia Makarova & Lyne Seymour, and is now joining us for a catch up on this week's episode. We are very happy to welcome Martin James.

  • S4 · E10
    August 19 · 37 min

    I'm Just Being Honest

    Honestly, what did you expect from Damien & Paul but their honest opinions about honesty.

  • S4 · E9
    August 12 · 45 min

    Odd Jobs

    The wild and wonderful world of being a freelancer sometimes leads you to places you'd never expect. Today Denise & Poppy chat about some of the random jobs they have encountered whilst being a freelance dancers

  • S4 · E8
    July 29 · 1 hr 6 min

    Barretender of the Week - Adam Cooper

    From being a principal dancer with The Royal Ballet Company, to creating the iconic role of The Swan/Stranger in Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, to starring and choreographing many musicals and theatre productions. We are very happy to welcome onto the podcast the incredible Adam Cooper.

  • S4 · E7
    July 22 · 48 min

    It's Just a Building

    Theatres, concert halls, your mums living room - There are many places where we put on performances, so let's discuss some the most interesting places we have experienced during our career.

  • S4 · E6
    July 15 · 30 min

    How the sausage is made

    This episode we discuss the no mans land of social media. Are dance companies and production house, are we sharing to much? Do we need to know everything that happens in performances to be able to buy a ticket? Or should some things be left to enjoy and experience when in the auditorium?

  • S4 · E5
    July 8 · 1 hr 41 min

    Barretender of the Week - Jo Goodwin

    We are joined this episode by the funny and fabulous Jo Goodwin - Dancer, Choreographer, Dance Captain, Assistant Choreographer, name a job in this profession and she is sure to have done it! We hear all about Jo's career whilst herself and Paul have a good old catch up.

  • S4 · E4
    June 24 · 31 min

    Be yourself...sometimes

    Damien and Paul are back; throwing out advice left, right & centre... whether you asked for it or not!

  • S4 · E3
    June 17 · 41 min

    I've made it!

    Be present in your life, let that be a present to yourself.

  • S4 · E2
    June 3 · 48 min

    Swingers

    There are no keys in bowls here. We are here to discuss the trials and tribulations of the unsung heroes that are called Swings.

  • S4 · E1
    May 27 · 48 min

    Welcome Back!!

    We're Back!!! We have had a break and are now back on the mic setting the worlds to rights!

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E14
    Dec 18, 2025 · 48 min

    In Shape , On Holiday

    We are here one final time this season for a quick natter before Xmas. And there is no better time to discuss how to keep in shape and when to rest whilst taking a break from work. So grab a glass of wine and your thera band & do some foot exercises whilst listening to this episode. You'll thank yourself later!

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E13
    Dec 11, 2025 · 1 hr 55 min

    Barretender of the Week - Dinna Bjørn

    It’s a white wine week & we are joined a lady who has had an incredible career, the incomparable Dinna Bjørn. A Principal Ballerina with the Royal Danish Ballet and then became Director of the Finish National Ballet & The Norwegian National Ballet. As a Bournonville expert she has travelled the world teaching his repertoire & techniques. So grab yourself a glass of Chablis, Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio & enjoy our long conversation all about Dinna and her fantastic life and career.

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E12
    Dec 4, 2025 · 46 min

    R-E-S-P-E-C-T

    We respect our listeners so much that we are doing an entire episode based on respect! How respectful!

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E11
    Nov 27, 2025 · 50 min

    Can I have your autograph?

    We catch up with Denise after her amazing week performing with Osipova and hear stories about great dancers & legends

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E10
    Nov 20, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min

    Barretender of the Week - Brian Friedman

    The word icon is thrown around far too often of late, however, this is my podcast and I throwing that word at this weeks guest. The 2000's & 2010's would be a very different place without this increible choreographer. He is the genius behind Britney Spears' 'Slave For you' & 'Toxic' Welcome, the incredible Brian Friedman

  • S3 · E9
    Nov 13, 2025 · 43 min

    Are You Watching?

    Damien & Paul are dealing out random pieces of advice - there have been some technical hiccups along the way, but we have an episode for our lovely loyal listeners.

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E8
    Nov 6, 2025 · 49 min

    Pop Culture

    Has cancelling 'Top of the Pops' doomed humanity?! Today we chat about Pop Culture and how it has inspired us and our careers. But where is dance in the 2020's? Bunheads can also love Britney!

    • Transcript
  • S3 · E7
    Oct 30, 2025 · 48 min

    Superstitions, History & more

    At some point during this episode Damien & Paul do talk about the chosen subject, however it has been a while since their last chat, so a catch up & and natter ensued.

    • Transcript
Showing 1–20 of 24 episodes