5.6.7.EIGHT

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Katrina Rathbone, Artistic Director and Co-Founder at Outlet Dance Company. Katrina is a graduate of Illinois State University and has danced for both film and the stage. In 2013, Katrina and one of her childhood friends began entertaining thoughts of achieving one of their dreams — opening their own dance company. And, in August of 2014, they did just that. To date, her company has doubled in size, growing from 14 company members to over 30, and has recently opened up its second location.

On the podcast, Katrina discusses her journey from dancer to business owner and why she ultimately decided to depart from the stage to focus on entrepreneurship. She also shares some encouraging thoughts on why she believes women are well-equipped to hold leadership positions in the dance industry, though they have historically shied away from those very positions. During the conversation, listeners are sure to benefit as Katrina shares from her wealth of knowledge on the dance industry and on entrepreneurship, in general.

Moving Quotes:

"It doesn't matter if you're not good enough or not this or not that. Just dance because you love it."

[On being an entrepreneur] "There are still moments where I wonder if I'm the right person to be doing this or running this. And you know what? All I can do is just keep educating myself and keep moving forward and keep learning from my mistakes and going for it."

"Allow yourself to branch out. Don't focus on thinking that there's only one way you can be successful in the field of dance."

"When I set choreography for my dancers, I ask, 'What feels good for you? What's going to look good on you? How do you take what I'm giving you and make it feel good?' I think that's what ends up looking the best on stage."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:06: Katrina discusses the origins of her company — Outlet Dance Co. — and how its recent expansion has changed the way she's operating her business.

7:36: Katrina describes why she decided to start her own dance company.

9:48: Rathbone shares some practical recommendations for those who may be interested in pursuing a career in the dance industry, while not being a dancer.

12:18: Rathbone describes her past and present mentors and how these people greatly influenced her life in its various stages.

14:14: Katrina explains how she and her co-founder balance out each other's personalities, which ultimately makes them the perfect business partners for each other.

16:02: Rathbone retells her dance journey, from a young three-year-old dance student all the way through college and beyond.

17:42: Katrina discusses why she believes women have historically not held leadership roles in the dance industry and encourages other women to overcome these obstacles.

20:09: Katrina describes some lessons she's learned in dance that carry over into her day-to-day life and how seeing other dancers find these types of lessons gives her great satisfaction.

24:43: Rathbone describes the unique way that her company crowd-sources and chooses choreography for their performances.

26:35: Katrina sheds some light on how she and her co-founder have tailor-made their company's board to ensure that the company thrives, no matter what situations arise.

Bullet List of Resources –

Katrina Rathbone

• LinkedIn

Outlet Dance Company

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Jenelle Figgins — an award-winning dancer, choreographer, and teacher, who is using her talents to help engage with schools and outreach to communities. Figgins, who currently dances for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, uses her platform for good through teaching both domestically and internationally and through community outreach and dance advocacy. Her passion for choreography has also led her to produce original performances in partnership with schools through the United States. Recently, Jenelle was honored to take part in the NYC Dance Project, alongside her twin sister Samantha.

Jenelle is all too familiar with the grind of a professional dance career and has learned through her own trials that mental toughness, in many ways, supersedes physical toughness. On the podcast, Jenelle opens up about her struggles with bipolar disorder but discusses how she, personally, gets mentally ready for the grind of her career, day in and day out. Figgins also describes the joy of dancing alongside her twin sister, how her dance career started, the struggles of dancing in extreme altitude, and a myriad of other topics.

Moving Quotes:

"There has to be peace on the inside in order for there to be chaos happening all around you."

"Having a strong mental stability is what definitely contributes to you having a long-lasting dance career. You have to have tough skin… But it propels your artistry when you're able to tap into your sensitivity and make that a strength."

"My struggles are my greatest teachers."

"I always want to be able to do exactly what I want to do — to be passionate in my art — but also to develop myself as an artist for the things that I'm going to do later."

"In the moments where you have great sadness or great pain — those are the moments that you have the most access to who you really are and the things that you really need to learn. There's only so much development you can make when you're in a happy place."

"[My twin sister and I] have both had things that we have no control over, but what we do have control over is how we treat each other and how we support each other in the things that could hold us back but, in reality, propel us forward."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

4:10: Jenelle discusses the challenges of training and dancing in Aspen, at an extremely high altitude.

5:27: Jenelle describes the mental toughness that's necessary to maintain a professional dance career, even beyond the physical toll that dance takes on the body.

8:10: Figgins explains how she personally prepares herself mentally to cope with the oft-chaotic professional dance lifestyle.

12:30: Jenelle explains how she landed at the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and why the company holds a special place in her heart.

18:05: Figgins shares about her experience taking part in the NYC Dance Project.

21:35: Jenelle discusses how she has made her journey in dance alongside her twin sister, Samantha, and how going it side-by-side with her has been an incredible blessing and advantage.

25:46: Jenelle describes what she is most proud of as a dancer and artist.

27:32: Figgins retells an extremely low point for her when she first moved to Aspen but explains how our struggles are often our greatest teachers.

32:01: Jenelle discusses her own personal goals within dance, including producing more choreographed works and using arts to benefit communities.

Bullet List of Resources –

Jenelle Figgins

• Instagram
• On NYC Dance Project
• On Aspen Santa Fe Ballet site

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Lawrence M. Jackson — a university professor, respected author, guest performer, and seasoned choreographer, who has created over 75 original works for the concert stage. Jackson currently serves as Associate Chair and Associate Professor of Dance at the University of Alabama, and, while not in the classroom, is an esteemed chorographer, having choreographed a number of works, including performances for the award-winning off-Broadway production Separate but Equal.

When it comes to dance, Jackson finds joy in riding in the background — in enabling others to be their best on stage, in mapping out steps and movements for dancers, in allowing the arts to better communities — and, on the podcast, he deep dives on why he finds so much satisfaction in helping others be their best. During the interview, Lawrence discusses his not-so-easy beginnings to dance, why he loves choreography, how he's using the arts for community benefit, how to view rejection in a positive light, and much more.

Moving Quotes:

"I think choreography is an extension of your artistic voice, and it's a way to prime your artistic voice."

"We sometimes have what we think is good and right for us, but often the universe has a completely different idea or plan for us. When you're faced with rejection, it's not that you're not good enough; it's just that the universe is steering you in the direction you're supposed to go."

"You can do so many things with dance. People may say, 'What are you going to do with that? You're not good enough to be on the stage.' I'm not on the stage, and this is so meaningful to me. This is so much more fulfilling to me than being on the stage."

"Choreography is problem-solving — and I love problem-solving — in a creative way."

"In dance or any art form, you'll get rejected many more times than you'll get a yes."

"Many of my role models have been the women in my life… Their tenacity to be able to overcome through many obstacles is what I remember most growing up. The way that they took a little bit and made a lot. The way that they navigated around adversity to make a way."

[On being teased for dancing in middle school] "I never lost sight of my passion, and I endured all of that in order to continue dancing."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:27: Lawrence discusses the origins of his passion for dance — where his dance journey began as a young child in Mississippi.

6:32: Lawrence retells his dance experiences as he moved through middle and high school and how pushing through teasing and adversity confirmed his love for the art.

10:05: Jackson explains how his original choreography has evolved over the course of his dance career.

15:48: Lawrence shares about how, in partnership with a nonprofit organization, he uses dance to breathe life into Atlanta's inner city and how this gives him immense amounts of satisfaction.

21:40: Jackson describes a couple of his personal role models and how these role models have evolved over time.

26:26: Jackson shares a story about a failure and what this experience taught him about handling rejection well.

29:47: Lawrence discusses some future goals and aspirations, all in an effort to make a greater contribution to the University of Alabama's dance program and to the arts, as a whole.

Bullet List of Resources –

Lawrence M. Jackson

• LinkedIn
• On University of Alabama website

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Lauren Giordano Whittington and Sarah Giordano Curran — the two granddaughters of the late American jazz dancer, teacher, choreographer, and icon, Gus Giordano. While Lauren and Sarah journeyed different paths, both are now faculty members at Gus Giordano Dance School, where they are honored to carry on the legacy of their grandfather, alongside their mother and brother.

On the podcast, both Lauren and Sarah spend time admiring their grandfather and the work that he has done for the dance community and describe the ongoing work that Gus Giordano Dance School is doing to carry on his work, even after his passing. Both Whittington and Curran speak to the ongoing evolution of their company's dance programs and discuss the company's branding, mission, and vision. Both also discuss the challenges and joys associated with ensuring consistency across a rapidly growing brand, working within a family business, and much more.

Moving Quotes:

[On forming the Jazz Dance World Congress] "Gus didn't care if this person was from a ballet company or this person was from a contemporary company or a modern company — he brought everyone together just to spread his love for dance."

"Most people see Gus as this dance master teacher that bred dance all over the world, but we got to see him in a really different light — he was our grandfather, and we saw him first."

"I see working alongside my family as a growing opportunity because you learn to love the things that make you mad or angry in another scenario within your family life."

"Our mission is to make you a better person, as well as a better dancer."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

4:27: Lauren discusses the company in its current form, including its move from Evanston to Chicago, and describes the different programs that it offers for dancers of all ages.

8:25: Lauren and Sarah discuss the challenges of ensuring its branding, programming, and mission are consistent across the many programs that the company offers.

11:44: Lauren shares the ultimate vision of the Gus Giordano Dance School and her desire to see the company grow, particularly the GUS Legacy Foundation.

14:42: Lauren describes the passion of her grandfather, Gus Giordano, how he initially got involved in dance, how he started teaching, and how his love for dance eventually made him a global icon.

21:27: Sarah and Lauren describe the sweetest memories they have of their grandfather.

24:06: Sarah and Lauren discuss how they settled on the clean, classic branding that the school currently displays and how their grandparents have helped them from a branding perspective.

27:03: Lauren and Sarah speak to the pros and cons of working in a family business.

29:21: Lauren and Sarah answer some rapid-fire popcorn questions, spanning a myriad of subjects.

Bullet List of Resources –

Lauren Giordano Whittington

• On company site
• LinkedIn

Sarah Giordano Curran

• On company site

Gus Giordano Dance School

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Diane Rawlinson — a dance educator, nonprofit founder, director, yoga teacher, published author, consultant, and Interplay Leader — whose influential role in the lives of students has earned her top recognition across multiple states. Rawlinson has been investing in the lives of Wheeling High School students for going on three decades, and her investment in the arts has garnered her a slew of awards, including a Ruth Page Award. Additionally, Diane is also a published writer, having written over 100 articles for Dance Spirit and Dance Teacher Magazine, and is the founder of Dance for Life's Next Generation, which encourages young dancers to give back to the community in a myriad of ways.

To Diane, what happens off of the stage supersedes what happens on the stage, and Diane's desire is to invest in her students' lives at a personal level, beyond teaching them the right dance technique or choreography. Rawlinson's love for her students and for people, in general, is the foundation for so much of what she does as a teacher, nonprofit founder, and her other roles in furthering people and the arts. On the podcast, Diane discusses her love of dance, what it's like working in the same place for thirty years, how and why Dance for Life Next Generation was founded, and so much more.

Moving Quotes:

"While I loved working with dance companies, for me, it was always about making dance accessible to all."

"As a dancer, you have to be coachable. You have to get off of your ego."

"As much as I loved getting on stage and performing, for me, showing people they were capable of doing it too was a bigger thrill."

"If a mentor is taking time to mentor you, then being willing to accept their criticism and apply it will make a world of difference."

"It's great to get students on stage and hear them say, 'I can be a part of the dance community as a performer.' But to see how else the students can be a part of the community in the bigger picture — while giving back to the community — that's also very valuable."

[On working in the same place for 30 years] "While you're walking into the same building every day, every day is never the same."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:48: Diane explains how she initially fell in love with dance and ended up where she is now — spending 3 decades teaching high schoolers how to love the beautiful art.

11:22: Diane discusses some of her "firsts" as a dancer, including her first recital and the first time she realized she didn't want to be a touring performer.

14:47: Rawlinson shares her experiences walking into the same workplace for going on three decades and how, in reality, no two days are ever the same.

20:27: Diane discusses how Dance For Life's Next Generation was founded and the pride she feels, seeing her students better the community.

29:20: Rawlinson gives some advice for young, aspiring individuals looking for a career in the dance field and discusses the importance of coachability.

36:17: With retirement on the horizon, Diane shares what she would like her post-retirement "next move" to be.

Bullet List of Resources –

Diane Rawlinson

• LinkedIn
• Chicago Tribune on Diane's receipt of Ruth Page Award

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with John Schmitz, Co-Founder and Artistic Producer of Dance Chicago. John — a decades-long arts icon within the Chicago arts community — has been producing dance events for 35 years, helping build bridges between artists and dance organizations both domestically and internationally. He has also been the recipient of Chicago Tribune's "Chicagoan of the Year" award, a Ruth Page Award for "Outstanding Contribution to the Dance Community," and several others. Schmitz also serves as President of the Board of Athenaeum Theatre Productions.

John's driving force in all he does is the belief that dance can drive emotional transformation, and as he mentions on the podcast, he hopes that performance attendees will have a brighter outlook on life as they leave the theater than when they first arrived. On the podcast, John spends time describing how his dance festival carries that sole mission — to improve others' lives through dance — and explains how his own life has been captivated and improved by that very same craft.

Moving Quotes:

"Dance is your birthright. You were born to move. And if you can only move one finger, this is a dance."

"You have to close one door before another one opens."

[On being entrepreneurial in the dance industry] "I was used to seeing miracles in dance — I started dancing at the age of 30. It was all so crazy anyway, so why not try? And the doors kept opening."

"We want people feeling better about their lives when they leave the theater than when they came in."

"We need things that uplift the spirit and make people want to get up and go out and act."

"We don't need as much money to run the festival anymore, especially from a marketing perspective. The changes in communication — the changes in technology — all are allowing the dance festival to continue to operate."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:10: John discusses how his dance festival — Dance Chicago — came to be and shares about the host theater for his festival.

8:17: John retells his own journey in dance, from the "disturbing" discontent he felt after witnessing a dance performance for the first time to the inception of Dance Chicago.

11:16: Schmitz describes what differentiates Dance Chicago from other dance festivals.

14:48: Schmitz discusses his "secret sauce" for thinking entrepreneurially in the dance industry — a belief in the impossible.

16:16: John shares how Dance Chicago was forced to reinvent itself during the 2008 Financial Crisis and how it was made better for it.

19:49: John describes what it takes to put together a great dance production team and what motivates his own team to put their best foot forward every day.

23:09: John explains how, even through numerous dips and valleys, his organization has managed to survive for 25 years.

24:19: Schmitz speaks on the pride he takes in being a purveyor of the arts and using his talents to make others' lives better.

25:11: Schmitz shares some practical advice for individuals who may want to pursue a career in the dance industry while not directly dancing.

26:55: John discusses some big goals he'd like to have a part in accomplishing within the dance industry.

Bullet List of Resources –

John Schmitz

• LinkedIn

Athenaeum Theater

• Company Website
• Twitter
• Facebook

Dance Chicago

• Company Website
• Twitter
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Wade Schaaf, Founder and Artistic Director at Chicago Repertory Ballet. Wade — a Chicago native and graduate of Northern Illinois University — is a veteran ballet dancer who has danced for a number of ballet companies such as the Ohio Ballet, Thodos Dance Chicago, and others. Upon retiring from the stage, Wade went on to establish his very own ballet company, which debuted in 2011 to glowing reviews and has since become a staple of the Chicago arts community. Additionally, Wade is an experienced and passionate Pilates instructor.

To Wade, dance is all about the story, and his company has consistently woven top-notch storytelling and unique innovation together on the stage. On the podcast, Wade explains how creating his own dance company was in an effort to achieve this story-driven art that he had always dreamt about, yet he is honest about the learning curve associated with owning your own business. Throughout the conversation, Wade shares more about his dance journey, his successes, his failures, and wisdom around putting in the tough work to achieve your goals, your passions, and true artistic freedom.

Moving Quotes:

"I thought, for me, starting a company would probably be the best option to have the most artistic freedom to create whatever I wanted to create. That's when I set my eyes out to start a company."

"Yes, there has been a big crossover between art and technology… but at the same time, concert dance is a phenomenal opportunity for people that are oversaturated with imagery all the time and have a very fast-paced life. Going to sit down in a theater and encounter something in real-time that human beings have created is a phenomenal reset button for people."

"It's the simple, beautiful things in life that bring me so much joy."

"For dancers, I think Pilates is actually very important work because dancers are very strong in some ways but can be very weak in other ways. Pilates targets the things that dancers really need."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:56: Wade discusses his role at the Chicago Repertory Ballet and shares the story of its founding.

5:18: Wade describes how his company's ballet style — a story-driven collision between ballet and contemporary dance — is different from other more traditional ballet styles.

7:29: Schaaf explains how he found himself in his first-ever dance class at the age of 15.

8:29: Schaaf shares about his experience being an entrepreneur and retells a challenge that he's experienced thus far while owning his own business.

12:23: Wade explains how he attained funding in the early days of his business and discusses his company's overarching vision.

15:44: Schaaf discusses dance's role in today's world and explains how consuming the arts is life's greatest "reset button."

17:31: Schaaf gives some advice for young people that may be looking to explore a dance career or a career in a dance-related field.

19:49: Wade — who is also a Pilates instructor — describes the benefits that Pilates can have for both dancers and non-dancers.

21:18: Wade speaks to the pride he has in one of his company's greatest achievements.

22:29: Wade shares one funny story and one failure from his time leading a dance company.

Bullet List of Resources –

Wade Schaaf

• LinkedIn

Chicago Repertory Ballet

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Jonathan Dole, a dance prodigy, YAGP champion, and current member of The Joffrey Ballet's main company. Growing up on the western coast of the United States, Jonathan was introduced to ballet at age 15 and immediately discovered a love for the art. Jonathan moved quickly through some of the nation's top dance schools before joining the Joffrey Academy and, ultimately, The Joffrey Ballet. During his time with the Joffrey, Jonathan has danced in various performances, including this year's season-opening production of Jane Eyre.

On the podcast, Jonathan speaks to a wide array of topics, including how his love of dance began, where he finds inspiration, and what it feels like being a professional dancer after chasing the dream for so long. Jonathan also discusses how, early in his run as a professional, his fears nearly got the best of him. Yet, in the fear, Jonathan found a way to remember that his art is his own masterpiece, and he calmed his nerves once he realized that the only member of the audience that mattered was himself.

Moving Quotes:

"I perform for myself, not for other people. And that has changed my perspective on performance."

"The audience is incredible, and I can feed off of that energy. But you're dancing for you. It's your art form."

"Ballet has taught me so many life skills. So many incredible things. Without ballet, I don't think I'd be the person I am today. And even if you don't do it professionally, it teaches you so much."

"So many dancers don't appreciate all of the work that they've put into dance. They just think about all of the work they could have put into it. But we really do put all of ourselves into this, and I think we need to appreciate that more."

"Working for a company is lots of fun but is so much work. You put everything into it."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

3:14: Jonathan describes how his first love of dance was driven out of a hatred of sports and a need for an energy-burning outlet.

5:09: Jonathan retells his first introduction to the Joffrey Ballet and how he moved from student to professional company dancer.

7:50: Dole discusses the individuals who have influenced and inspired him the most.

12:14: Jonathan reflects on a situation where he nearly let his nerves get the best of his performance and shares how his mindset permanently changed as a result of that situation.

15:05: Dole shares his method around mentally preparing for ballet performances.

17:40: Jonathan speaks to the pride he feels — and that all dancers should feel — about the hard work dancers put into perfecting their craft.

19:04: Jonathan gives some advice around preparing for dance competitions, including some dietary suggestions and some ideas around warming up.

21:13: Dole shares his perspective on finally being a professional dancer after pursuing the dream for so much of his life.

23:42: Jonathan describes the things that he has learned through dance that affect all different areas of his off-the-stage life.

28:31: Jonathan shares some tips to staying healthy and sane while traveling in a dance tour.

Bullet List of Resources –

Jonathan Dole

• Instagram
• Facebook
• At the Joffrey Ballet

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Elna Matamoros, Ballet Mistress at Ballet Nacional de España. Born and raised in Madrid, Elna was trained in dance by her mother, following the Danish National Ballet School. Elna then moved to the United States to attend the Joffrey Ballet School, prior to spending a decade with Ballet Nacional de España. After a stint with Compañia Nacional de Danza, Matamoros rejoined Ballet Nacional de España in 2019. In addition to her accomplishments with dance companies, Elna is the published writer of three books and holds a PhD in Aesthetics from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid.

Having spent over two decades teaching and writing about dance, Elna spends time the podcast sharing insights from her deep well of wisdom. In the conversation, Elna paints the picture of a dancer at the Ballet Nacional de España, shares advice around keeping longstanding routines fresh and new, describes how her writing has influenced her performance on the stage, and ultimately challenges her listeners to go beyond their traditional ideas about dance, broaden their horizons and explore new ideas.

Moving Quotes:

"We spend so much time in front of the mirror practicing our form. But there is life behind turns. There is life beyond the mirror. So go and think and talk to people and exchange ideas. Learn new styles and talk to other artists. Because all of that made dance what it is today."

"I think that ballet training is the best training for any dancer from any kind of dance."

"Sometimes life directs you in the right way. And sometimes we don't realize until years past."

"I like writing. I like the research that you have to do prior to writing. And I feel that my work as a ballet mistress has improved a lot because of my research for writing."

"Being a dancer in my company involves really hard training, but, like everything, if you start when you're little, you can manage."

[On keeping her dance classes fresh] "There is no guarantee that I'll be here tomorrow teaching class. So, teach today like this is going to be your last class. And you have to be proud of your last class."

"I think it's so important to make mistakes in life. We have to take risks."

[On writing about dance] "I think dance is like a diamond with different faces, and all of them are very valuable — priceless. So, why not write about them?"

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:35: Elna discusses what drew her towards the Ballet Nacional de España.

6:12: Elna walks through a typical day for a dancer of the Ballet Nacional de España.

9:22: Matamoros speaks on her accomplished writing career and how her writing is integral to improving her dance (and vice versa).

12:45: Elna, who is a lover of learning, shares some advice for any dancers that are looking to diversify their area of expertise.

14:25: Matamoros describes the pride she feels for having taught the same classes in the same place for 18 years and shares how she keeps her routine fresh for herself and her students.

18:25: Elna retells one of her life's failures and how that situation eventually worked in her favor.

21:13: Elna discusses what initially drew her towards the ballet and the dynamics of having a mother who is also your ballet teacher.

24:17: Matamoros describes her experience in New York City as a young dancer, studying at the Joffrey Ballet.

26:02: Elna draws from her past experiences to share some advice for dancers who are about to relocate to a different country to join a dance company.

27:37: Elna discusses her future plans, which include writing a fourth book and traveling the world.

Bullet List of Resources –

Elna Matamoros

• Twitter
• Facebook
• Elna on Ballet de Nacional España

Ballet Nacional de España

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Donielle Richmond — dancer, choreographer, teacher, and owner of Activate Your Artistry, which hosts nationwide conventions focused on empowering the next generation of dancers. Donielle — a Chicago native — has over 15 years of teaching experience, in addition to her performance resume. Donielle's on-stage work has opened for famed musician Calving Harris and has been featured on ABC's Extreme Home Makeover, among many other places.

Donielle is a proud entrepreneur, and her zeal for "being your own boss" shines through the entire conversation with Aleksandra. On the podcast, Donielle discusses what ultimately drove her to entrepreneurship and what is keeping her there. Richmond is an open-book and also shares the difficult aspects of entrepreneurship but, ultimately, why she believes females are great candidates to lead businesses. Although building a business is difficult, Donielle firmly believes that chasing your dream is worth it and is possible, as long as you keep one foot firmly planted in front of the other.

Moving Quotes:

"Just make a list [of steps towards your goal]. Whatever is the easiest thing — start with that. Before you know it, you've crossed off a million things, and you've moved ahead."

"I think my favorite thing about being an entrepreneur is being able to step back after everything is over and done with and see what we did. I don't think any of us even remotely know what we're capable of… We're stronger than we think, and we're capable of so much more than we realize."

"I'll be dancing as long as my limbs work."

"[When choosing a path forward in dance,] get honest with yourself and play to your strengths… If you keep looking, you're going to find your tribe."

"I think it's important to have some empathy in business. We want to see the numbers go up, the revenue go up. But at the end of the day, you're dealing with people. And sometimes that takes a different approach than 'hit this number' and 'hit this metric.'"

"I definitely think we need more female voices in dance — concert dance and commercial dance. Ladies are so multi-faceted. There are so many dimensions to us that are not being shown in performance and on stage."

"Parents need to trust their kids. Sometimes the children do know what's in them."

Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:

2:47: Donielle discusses her career and what ultimately motivated her to create her own business, Activate Your Artistry.

4:19: Donielle outlines the first steps she took towards establishing her own business and how she navigated this path without any formal business training.

6:42: Richmond shares her vision for her company and her hopes around being a motivation for other aspiring dancers and entrepreneurs.

10:44: Donielle shares a story of an extremely personal challenge that she recently had to overcome and how she mustered up the strength to push through the pain.

16:29: Richmond discusses the role and importance of female entrepreneurs in the business landscape and the advantages females have over males in running businesses.

17:53: Richmond retells the story of how she first was drawn towards dance.

20:31: Donielle gives some job-seeking advice to recent graduates who may be considering a career in dance.

23:42: Donielle looks forward to where she'd like herself and her business to be in the next 5 years.

26:01: Richmond discusses what she would consider her favorite and most challenging aspects of entrepreneurship.

28:34: Donielle closes the podcasts by answering some rapid-fire questions around favorite books, shows, trips, and restaurants.

Bullet List of Resources –

Donielle Richmond

• Instagram
• Twitter

Activate Your Artistry

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook

Praize Productions

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook