Julie Diana Hench on The Princeton Podcast
The Podcast Production Team at HG Media has just produced another episode of The Princeton Podcast, hosted by Princeton, NJ Mayor Mark Freda and featuring guest Julie Diana Hench, the Executive Director of the Princeton Ballet Society.
In this episode, Mayor Mark Freda and Julie Diana Hench discuss the rich history and vast regional impact of the Princeton Ballet Society, a historic nonprofit organization founded in 1954 by Audrey and Bud Estey. Julie describes how the society thrives today as a “three-legged stool” supporting the community through three core branches:
The Princeton Ballet School: The official educational institution of the organization that instills a lifelong love of dance, expanding its classical roots to include hip-hop, tap, lyrical, and contemporary styles.
The American Repertory Ballet: A highly prestigious, international professional company of 22 dancers led by a stellar artistic team including Artistic Director Samantha Dunster, Artist in Residence Ethan Stiefel, and Artistic Associate Gillian Murphy.
Access & Enrichment Programs: Community-focused initiatives designed to bring the joy and discipline of dance directly into schools and the broader community, ensuring it remains accessible to all.
The conversation also highlights the company’s deep roots in local tradition, including their annual Nutcracker performances at McCarter Theatre — a Princeton holiday staple since the early 1960s — and how dancers from around the world transition from the school’s pre-professional trainee program into the professional ranks.
This episode was produced by the Podcast Production Team at HG Media and sponsored by the Municipality of Princeton.
Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Audible, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
