Ahmad Simmons

My guest for this episode is Chicago-based artist Nejla Yatkin. Join us as we discuss her unique childhood and introduction to dance, her career, upcoming projects and how dance "saved her." 

On episode 20, choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa discusses the Chicago premiere of her full-length ballet for Ballet Hispánico, Doña Perón, her process, and multiple other projects in the works. 

My special guest this episode is English National Ballet Principal dancer Jeffrey Cirio. We discuss his career, choreographic collective, and working with choreographer Akram Khan on creating the lead role in "Creature." 

My guest for episode 18 is Sara Bibik - dancer, teacher, mentor, and entrepreneur. We discuss her careers (yes, plural) and newest projects. Tune in! 

Today's guest is award-winning Music Director Scott Speck. We discuss his career, the intricacies of conducting for ballet, and of course, the music of The Nutcracker. 

My guest for episode 16 is director, multi-disciplinary artist, and producer Robyn Mineko Williams. We discuss her career, company (Robyn Mineko Williams & Artists), and upcoming performance of Echo Mine at Thalia Hall. 

My guest for episode 15 is Margi Cole, a good friend, dancer, teacher, mentor, and choreographer. She is the founder and Artistic Director of The Dance COLEctive and currently is a faculty member in the Dance Department at the Alabama School of Fine Arts. 

On episode 14, Rogue talks with Taryn Kaschock Russell, Director of the Harkness Dance Center at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. We discuss her dance career with The Joffrey Ballet and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, transition into directing, and current projects.

Episode 13 features Chicago-based teacher/choreographer Randy Duncan. We discuss the beginning of his dance career, transition into leadership,  and natural talent for choreography. Duncan is known for his famously difficult and inspiring finales for Chicago's Dance For Life finales. 

On episode 12 of the Rogue Ballerina podcast, Rogue talks with dancer-turned-photographer (and one of her favorite people) Cheryl Mann. We hear about her career with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, transition to photography, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.