Isabella LaFreniere, NYCB Principal — On Performing Under Pressure | Pushing Over the Box

In this debut episode, Jasmine sits down with NYCB Principal Isabella LaFreniere to talk about the realities behind the spotlight — navigating pressure, building resilience, and finding purpose in the pursuit of perfection. TIMESTAMPS: [03:25] Transition to SAB and Auditions [11:04] Injury and Recovery [21:58] Mental Health and Avoiding Burnout ABOUT THE GUEST: Isabella LaFreniere is a Principal Dancer at New York City Ballet, one of the world's most prestigious ballet companies. She trained at the School of American Ballet and rose through the NYCB ranks to become one of its youngest principals. Known for her artistry, discipline, and resilience, she is an inspiring figure for young dancers pursuing a professional ballet career. 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.com/show/1zHqK394AYtUjYxbB9FNZ1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pushing-over-the-box/id1847970742 #ballet #balletpodcast #balletmindset #dancepodcast #isabellalafreniere #nycb #newyorkcityballet #principaldancer #balletinterview #youngdancer Topics discussed: performing under pressure, ballet mindset, NYCB principal dancer, mental health in ballet, injury recovery Guest: Isabella LaFreniere — Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet Pushing Over the Box is a ballet podcast about the dancer's mindset. Listen at pushingoverthebox.com