In this episode of Passion for Dance, host Dr. Chelsea is joined by professional dancer Nia Lonette. The two dive into Nia's journey from Maryland to becoming an acclaimed dancer in LA, featuring her work with prominent artists and appearances at major events like the Grammys. Nia shares valuable tips on handling nerves, staying present in auditions, managing negative thoughts in class, and preparing for a move to LA. They also discuss elements from Nia's new book, 'Industry Survival Guide,' which offers practical advice on creating resumes, taking headshots, and finding community in the dance world. This conversation provides both aspiring and seasoned dancers with actionable strategies to thrive in their careers while emphasizing the importance of mental resilience and continuous self-improvement.

 

Episode Resources: https://passionfordancepodcast.com/199

 

Connect with Nia Lonette:

https://www.nialonette.com

https://www.instagram.com/nialonette

 

Episode Breakdown

01:29 Meet Nia Lonette

02:37 Transitioning to the Professional Dance World in LA

04:57 Building Confidence and Overcoming Nerves

06:53 Early Lessons and Mentorship

13:13 Handling Nerves in Class and Auditions

23:02 The Importance of Being in the Moment

26:26 Resilience in the Professional Dance World

31:26 Insights from the Industry Survival Guide

34:54 A Day in the Life of a Professional Dancer

39:39 The Power of Emotions in Dance

41:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts