In this episode of Raising Midland, host Jessica McCoy sits down with Rachel Ritter, Executive Director of Midland Festival Ballet, to explore the impact of ballet on children’s development, confidence, and mental health.From the tradition of The Nutcracker to the unexpected ways ballet teaches leadership, teamwork, and resilience, this episode is a must-watch for parents looking to understand the power of the arts in shaping young minds.Rachel shares her journey, the storied history of Midland Festival Ballet, and how the organization integrates discipline with empathy to build a lasting legacy in the Permian Basin. They discuss the importance of keeping girls in sports, how ballet fosters coachability, and what makes Midland’s arts community so unique.00:00 - Intro: Meet Rachel Ritter of Midland Festival Ballet01:32 - Rachel’s background and return to Midland03:45 - The founding of Midland Festival Ballet06:00 - Why ballet is a sport and an art08:10 - Tradition and legacy in ballet10:48 - The impact of professional-level instructors13:25 - Discipline and structure in early childhood ballet17:10 - Respect, reverence, and mutual growth19:35 - Challenging stereotypes in girls' sports21:30 - Mental health benefits of ballet24:55 - The importance of coachability27:30 - Mentorship: Big girls helping the little ones30:45 - Behind the scenes of The Nutcracker35:05 - Volunteer army and community pride38:00 - Summer camps and year-round programs40:15 - Why Rachel is hopeful for Midland’s future42:40 - Final thoughts and how to get involved👉 Learn more about Midland Festival Ballet: https://midlandfestivalballet.org📱 Follow Raising Midland for more inspiring stories from local leaders and parents.Produced by Ryan ShewchukForty Wolves Studioshttps://fortywolves.com

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