What does ballet have to teach us about leadership?

 

According to Sacramento Ballet Executive Director Dr. Kiera Anderson, quite a lot.

In a recent episode of The Jacquelyn Social Exchange titled Going Slow to Go Fast, host Mary Daffin sits down with Dr. Anderson for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, mentorship, trust, and the future of the arts in Sacramento.

Still in the early chapters of her tenure leading one of the region’s oldest cultural institutions, Dr. Anderson reflects on the experiences that have shaped her leadership philosophy; from years of ballet training to navigating major organizational decisions, including the appointment of new artistic leadership and strategic growth for the School of Sacramento Ballet.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Anderson explores how the discipline, resilience, and real-time problem-solving required in ballet translate directly to effective leadership. She shares why the rehearsal studio, not the stage, is where trust is truly built, and how mentorship extends beyond technical excellence to support the development of the whole person.

The conversation also offers a candid look at women in leadership. Drawing from her doctoral research examining the persistence of the “bossy” label among teenage girls, Dr. Anderson discusses both the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead in creating equitable opportunities for future leaders.

At the heart of the discussion is Dr. Anderson’s vision for Sacramento Ballet: expanding access, challenging perceptions that ballet is “not for me,” and building a thriving organization deeply connected to the community it serves. Her vision includes growing opportunities for dancers, expanding educational programs, and strengthening Sacramento Ballet’s role as a cultural cornerstone for the region.

Whether you’re passionate about leadership, interested in the future of the arts, or simply curious about the people shaping Sacramento’s cultural landscape, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiring perspectives.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • How the discipline of ballet informs leadership and decision-making
  • The difference between teaching technique and cultivating mentorship
  • Why trust is built in rehearsal long before the curtain rises
  • Dr. Anderson’s vision for the future of Sacramento Ballet and arts accessibility
  • The realities of women in leadership and the importance of representation

We invite you to listen to Going Slow to Go Fast and learn more about the ideas, values, and vision helping guide Sacramento Ballet into its next chapter.

Listen to the episode today and join the conversation.

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