PODCAST | PPU: Foundations

Foundations of the Founders

Presented by Kyla Dean, Kaia Johnson, and Bobby Newman. Includes interviews with prominent past and current members of the dance program at Point Park, as well as other staff members.

Episode 1

Episode One; Interview with Nicolas Petrov, Part OneFoundations of the Founders

00:00 / 14:26

Episode 2

Episode Two; Petrov, ContinuedFoundations of the Founders

00:00 / 23:16

Episode 3

Episode Three; Interview with Ron HutsonFoundations of the Founders

00:00 / 15:27

Episode 4

Episode Four; Susan StoweFoundations of the Founders

00:00 / 23:43

Episode 5

Episode Five; Kiki LucasFoundations of the Founders

00:00 / 05:51

Episode 6

Episode Six; Phill HarrityFoundations of the Founders

00:00 / 06:53

Part one of our two part interview with the man who started it all... Nicolas Petrov! In this episode, Petrov shares his thoughts and memories on the dance program at Point Park University, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and more.

In this episode, Kaia interviews Ron Hutson, a faculty member at Point Park, as he reminisces on his friendships with Mary and Nicolas Petrov.

In the second half of our interview with Nicolas Petrov, Kaia searches her soul for more questions only Mr. Petrov can answer.

Join the three of us as we talk with the current head of the dance department at PPU, Susan Stowe.

In our final episode, Kaia and Bobby talk to Phill Harrity, librarian and archivist at Point Park University, about Petrov's collections in the school archives.

In this episode, Kiki Lucas answers questions asked by Kaia concerning her relationships with Nicolas and Mary Petrov during her time as both a student and a faculty member at PPU.

Meet the Team

Researcher/Outreach Manager

Kaia Johnson

Hi! My name is Kaia Johnson and I am currently a sophomore dance major with a concentration in jazz at Point Park University. I am originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, where I was homeschooled and discovered my passion for dance. I chose to attend Point Park University because of the amazing dance program and its location in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh. I am eager to present Foundations of the Founders that will take you on a trip down memory lane of Point Park University’s dance program.

Researcher/Data Analyst

Robert Newman

Hello, my name is Bobby Newman. I go to Point Park University. I’m a History Major studying to become a Military Historian. I have always had a fascination with History even from a young age, and I am honored to be a part of Foundations of the Founders; where we brought you along to learn the history of dance at Point Park and the creation of its dance department. I chose to become a part of this project because studying the history of a department so integral to PPU’s success was a fascinating and fun challenge.

Researcher/Digital Management

Kyla Dean

Hi, I'm Kyla Dean, a history major at Point Park University with a passion for digging up the past and bringing it to the present spotlight! I've lived in Pittsburgh my entire life, and I love listening to history podcasts and falling down internet rabbit holes, so working on Foundations of the Founders has been amazing. I hope you'll enjoy the project as much as we have.