5.6.7.EIGHT

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Jeffrey Edwards, dance professor at The Juilliard School. During his run as a performer, Jeff was a leading dancer for the New York Ballet, the Zurich Ballet, and the Lyon Opera Ballet. Edwards, who holds a degree from Brown University, has taught for conservatories and professional ballet companies around the world and has taught ballet at Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Yale, and Brown. Additionally, he's been able to choreograph various works, including the Broadway musical Billy Elliot.

Jeff knows that, for the truly successful, learning never ends. And, if any group has pushed him to be a lifelong learner, it's been his students. On the podcast, Jeff reflects on the pride he feels as a Juilliard faculty member, the daily challenge of teaching such talented students, his own run as a student being trained by some of the world's most successful artists, and so much more.

Moving Quotes:

"At Juilliard, you have these very curious young adults who are so talented and so steeped in potential — very hungry for information. It makes me want to remain a perpetual student as well. It's so much about the learning... I'm inspired to be in the room with students who are always learning."

[On teaching dance to non-dance students] "I love the idea of coming up with language that is inclusive and can really inspire a broader public to be excited about what we do."

"The creativity of parenting... I feel like I'm a better parent because of my intense work as an artist — it's informed my parenting in so many ways. And, on the other hand, my experience of parenting translates back to how I am in the studio... I'm really proud of that."

"I would encourage everyone to not be fearful that pursuing [balance in life] is going to take away from what you do well."

"This is how ballet is changing - there's much more room for dialogue than there ever has been."

[When looking for mentors] "Reach out and don't be shy. And ask for help."

"Assumptions can be our enemy in many ways, especially in ballet."

"Put yourself out there and be curious."

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

3:17: Jeffrey discusses his role as dance professor at the esteemed Juilliard School.

4:37: Jeffrey explains how Juilliard provides dance education across a wide array of styles and how his very own students push him to be a better dancer, teacher, and person.

8:28: Edwards explains how, to his surprise, often non-dance students are the once that press him to think more deeply about the art.

11:33: Edwards, who has performed across the world, compares dancing for a top American company versus a top European company.

16:02: Jeffrey describes his time being coached by the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov.

19:23: Edwards shines light on his role models and mentors and shares some advice for anyone looking for mentorship opportunities.

24:08: Jeffrey, who is an extremely accomplished and decorated performer and teacher, discusses what gives him the most pride.

26:26: Jeffrey shares some wisdom on finding balance in life, as many different pursuits try to dominate your attention.

28:03: Jeffrey looks to the future, expressing eagerness to return to the post-pandemic stage.

31:07: Edwards gives some final advice for listeners who are looking to pursue their lives' dreams.

Bullet List of Resources –

Jeffrey Edwards

• On the Juilliard website

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Roberto Campanella and Kelly Shaw of ProArteDanza. At the company, Roberto and Kelly serve as artistic director and dance artist, respectively. Roberto — a native of Rome, Italy — trained at some of Italy's finest schools before having a successful career as a professional dancer. Roberto also has extensive experience working in film. Kelly, who is also a choreographer, is well respected around Toronto for her art and works as a Pilates, Barre, and dance instructor in addition to her on-stage work.

Both Roberto and Kelly feel pandemic pains — being absent from the stage for over 15 months. However, they both are looking forward to brighter days that are approaching ever-quickly and are more convinced than ever that, in a world that was largely absent of the arts over the past year, art is needed now more than ever. On the podcast, Kelly and Roberto walk through their own personal journeys in the arts, share career advice, look to the future, and so much more.

Moving Quotes:

"The world needs art and beauty and expression more than ever. Even on the hard days, remember that we're more necessary than ever."

"The bumps along your professional journey are there for your greatest learnings... They are the greatest gifts you'll ever have."

"We see the term 'passion' often in the more contemporary meaning, which is love towards what you do. But what about the biblical sense of 'passion,' which is sacrificing? You have to sacrifice for what you love."

"As a young dancer, you don't know anything, but you have the capacity to learn and hold everything. If you're driven, you have space to learn and not be knocked down by the 'no's."

"Being imperfect but still maintaining that hunger and passion can propel and become an engine for you. That has shaped me as a professional dancer."

"No passion; no contract."

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

3:52: Roberto describes ProArteDanza and its upcoming summer intensive program and briefly discusses his own dance career.

7:52: Kelly, who holds multiple jobs in the Toronto area, shares how she juggles so many roles and gives some history on how she came to ProArteDanza.

13:14: Roberto, who has been with ProArteDanza since its founding, discusses the company's passion and how it has sustained itself over the years.

15:20: Kelly walks through her process on choosing a company to work for and reminds listeners that all our challenges in life are for our good.

19:11: Kelly shares some advice for young people looking to build their careers in dance.

26:45: Roberto describes his company's upcoming summer intensive program — an extremely challenging but rewarding program that will end in granting a participant a company contract.

29:41: Kelly explains what makes a dancer tough — physically, mentally, and spiritually.

33:52: Roberto discusses his most proud accomplishment — his successful career as a film actor, including his involvement in an Oscar-nominated film.

39:48: Kelly and Roberto speak to their next projects and upcoming goals.

43:54: Kelly and Roberto share some final words of advice for aspiring choreographers and dancers.

Bullet List of Resources –

Roberto Campanella

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• On IMDB

Kelly Shaw

• Instagram
• Article in Toronto Guardian

ProArteDanza

• Company Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook
• Info on Summer Intensive Program

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Benjamin Goodly, the host of The Count 9 Podcast and a senior process engineer at a Fortune 100 company based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to his current work, Goodly was a performer, boasting a diverse career. Benjamin's move from the stage to the office was a smooth transition; however, he's fully aware of the myths surrounding career transitions for dancers. And, now, he's looking to debunk those myths via his podcast.

For an artist, leaving the stage is like dying a death — a death that sometimes feels as painful as actual death. Benjamin's podcast hopes to ease those painful feelings, and he hopes to encourage transitioning dancers through hearing from fellow dancers who have successfully transitioned to different careers. On the podcast, Benjamin discusses his podcast and the importance of the topic, as well as his process in developing his podcast from the first idea to the first episode.

Moving Quotes:

"Martha Graham is often quoted, 'Every dancer dies twice. The first death is more painful.' The first death is referring to the career transition."

"My biggest aspiration is that, through the podcast, dancers would become so empowered that retiring dancers become a hot commodity across the entire business and nonprofit economy."

"One of the great things about having a really well-rounded career is that you are able to be a little more free and loose with your own personal time."

"When you can clearly answer your 'why,' that's more than enough information to keep going."

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

3:12: Goodly, a fellow podcast host, discusses his podcast and the important conversation that his podcast engages in.

6:28: Benjamin, who is a veteran dancer, speaks to his own dance career and why he decided to ultimately step away.

12:58: Benjamin describes his thought process when weighing the option of returning to school after the stage — and speaks to his love of pro and con lists.

16:15: Goodly, who is now a senior chemical engineer, discusses his unique motivations behind pursuing engineering.

18:51: Benjamin walks through the process of bringing his podcast idea to life.

23:20: Benjamin discusses the ultimate goal that he is looking to achieve through his podcast.

Bullet List of Resources –

Benjamin Goodly

• Personal Website
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Twitter

The Count 9 Podcast

• Podcast Site

• Instagram
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Emmaly Wiederholt, Founder and Editor of Stance on Dance — an online publication that interviews dancers who are members of marginalized groups. Wiederholt, a veteran dancer, holds a master's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. She is also a published author, whose book features the stories of dancers over the age of fifty. She's currently working on her second book that focuses on dancers with disabilities.

Emmaly understands the value of gathering multiple perspectives in the arts and has dedicated her life to doing so. Emmaly knows that, often, those with the deepest, richest, longest and most complex life experiences are those who can bring the truest art to the stage. Yet, while this may be true, these stories often are overshadowed by others who claim the spotlight. On the podcast, Emmaly walks through each of her unique efforts to put these rich stories on full display and explains why this work is not only important but is critical to the art.

Moving Quotes:

"If art is based off of experience, then the more life experience you have, the more powerful and rich your art practice becomes."

"In dance, this emphasis on youth is harmful — harmful from a mental health standpoint, but also harmful in terms of the artistry and richness of our field."

"I benefit from dance, not only in terms of physically and emotionally. But also in terms of building community. I make this joke that, when you show up to a dance class, you just have friends! That kind of community building can be very difficult for lots of adults."

"Dance is empowering. It's empowering to be in your body and to feel your body moving. And to be in relationship with people around you... It's empowering to know that you can still show up, be in your body, and be creative."

"I find that visuals are a really necessary tool for people to engage. Because dance is generally a really visual art form — most people go as audience members and watch before they take their first dance class. So it felt important to show visuals in both of my books."

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

3:03: Emmaly explains the story behind Stance on Dance and the goal that the organization is looking to accomplish.

6:27: Emmaly discusses her published book — Beauty is Experience: Dancing 50 and Beyond — and how the book came about.

11:56: Wiederholt explains why she believes dance is an important art for people of all ages but, specifically, for those above the age of 50.

13:52: Wiederholt speaks to the trend of dance studios opening, specifically for those in older age groups.

17:49: Emmaly describes what she hopes to accomplish through her Beauty is Experience book.

19:09: Emmaly discusses her second work — Discussing Disability in Dance — and how that book came to be.

23:02: Wiederholt shares her goals for this book and how she hopes readers are impacted.

25:29: Emmaly, who holds a master's degree in journalism, discusses the impact that her education has had on her life and gives some advice for those considering advanced degrees.

28:59: Emmaly shares some simple and important advice for all podcast listeners.

Bullet List of Resources –

Emmaly Wiederholt

• LinkedIn
• Beauty is Experience on Amazon

Stance on Dance

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Twitter

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews TaKiyah Wallace, Founder and Executive Director at Brown Girls Do Ballet. In 2012, TaKiyah, who is a former gifted-education teacher, shifted her life's mission to empowering women and girls through the arts. Her nonprofit organization — Brown Girls Do Ballet — began as a photo project after searching for diverse classical ballet programs in Dallas, Texas. This small project has now grown into a full-blown organization. She was the recipient of the Girls Rising Creative Challenge Award and has been featured as a 2020 Adidas Gamechanger.

Takiyah — who has been featured in the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Dance Magazine, and Dance Teacher Magazine — understands the value of celebration and positivity. And, now, she spends her entire life inspiring young girls to do great things — just as she has done. On the podcast, TaKiyah discusses the birth of her company, the great work that her company is doing throughout the world today, and the immense value of celebration.

Moving Quotes:

"We are in the business of celebrating. We don't call people out for things that aren't happening. We celebrate things that are actually happening."

"Eight years ago, I would have never predicted that Brown Girls Do Ballet would be here. I didn't feel like it was my place to be in this world, telling these stories. But I'm here now, and I want to make sure I'm doing my best to tell things the right way."

"Reprimand me in private. Give me critical feedback in private. Celebrate and amplify, in public, the people who are doing the right things."

"At the most minute level, I'm helping young people get to where they want to go."

"When you have people who are 'doing the thing' and who are willing to reach back and help that next generation, it goes to show what is possible."

"As long as you keep our core values intact, it's okay to say 'no' to certain things."

"Just keep doing. Just keep working. Chip away until you get it how you want it to be."

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

3:33: TaKiyah gives a history of her empowering nonprofit Brown Girls Do Ballet.

10:27: TaKiyah speaks to her company's booming Instagram account (140k+ followers) and briefly reiterates the mission of Brown Girls Do Ballet.

11:55: Wallace discusses the importance of mentors and gives specific examples of how mentorship has played a huge part in her company.

15:50: Wallace, who has a contagious energy, explains how she celebrates her work and gets others excited about the work as well.

21:02: Wallace describes what was the most difficult part of founding her company.

26:44: TaKiyah, who was an educator prior to an entrepreneur, shares how she was able to carry some principles from her first career into her second career.

33:30: Wallace shares the backstory on her nomination as a 2020 Adidas Gamechanger.

35:56: Wallace discusses some short term goals for Brown Girls Do Ballet.

38:24: TaKiyah shares with listeners how they can get involved, specifically, with supporting the mission of Brown Girls Do Ballet.

40:46: TaKiyah gives some advice around building careers and pursuing dreams.

Bullet List of Resources –

TaKiyah Wallace

• Personal Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Brown Girls Do Ballet

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

• Twitter

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Val Syganevich, Producer and Owner at Freckled Sky — a nationally renowned multimedia creative agency. Val opened his first creative agency in Ukraine in 2002, and in 2010, his group did their first ever project with multimedia. In 2013, upon a move to the United States, he established his current agency, Freckled Sky. In 2015, they partnered with America's Got Talent to produce a one-of-a-kind interactive water projection performance and advanced to the finals in New York City. Val has worked with a variety of clients including Pink, James Arthur, Mercedes Benz, Ferrari, and many more.

Val is a creative wizard and has been praised far and wide for his work. In fact, even radio icon Howard Stern referred to Val as a "genius." On the podcast, Val recounts his entire journey from Ukraine to the United States to the grand stage of America's Got Talent and discusses his unique perspectives on pushing creative bounds, keeping teams motivated, educating yourself, and much more.

Moving Quotes:

"We need to understand that there are no limits — no walls in front of us. You need to understand what the rules are and why they are wrong... Make the decision to overcome limitations. And be polite."

"When we decided to sell everything and pursue our dream, we just believed in what we were going to do. And felt that it was the right move."

"The best way to break through with investors is to simply create a good product. Then people will listen."

"I believe education really matters... and having a really wide look at everything. Making sure you understand all of the small details of the world."

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

3:46: Val recounts his incredible journey into the finals of America's Got Talent.

12:35: Val explains what it felt like to advance to the America's Got Talent finals.

16:21: Syganevich, who took a huge risk selling everything he owned to move to the United States, describes his mindset when he decided to make this transition.

20:34: Val explains why he believes a broad and deep education is critical to life success.

24:02: Syganevich discusses the types of projects that he's been working on recently and how the pandemic has forced him to get extremely innovative.

27:11: Syganevich describes the biggest challenges when sharing ideas or visions with external parties, such as investors, and reveals the key to ensuring you make an impact.

30:59: Val explains how he keeps his team motivated and ever-learning.

33:14: Val, a consummate creator, shares some critical advice for anyone looking to leave their mark on the creative world.

Bullet List of Resources –

Val Syganevich

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Twitter

Freckled Sky

• Company Site

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Vimeo

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Deanna Seay, ballet instructor at the School of the Richmond Ballet. Deanna was trained at the School of Richmond Ballet and the North Carolina School of the Arts. Upon graduation, Deanna joined the Miami City Ballet, where she enjoyed an incredible 21-year tenure and was promoted to Principal Dancer of the ballet in 1998. In 2010, Deanna began teaching full-time at the Cary Ballet Conservatory and, later, at the Boston Ballet School. Now, she has come full circle and is investing in students at the School of the Richmond Ballet, where her entire journey began.

Deanna's career is unique in a variety of ways, and because of this, she can share a rich and unique perspective on life, both on stage and off stage. On the podcast, Deanna generously shares her wisdom along a variety of topics, including how dance has changed over the past few decades, why it's important to stay "present" and enjoy every moment, how to build a marathon career at one single dance company, and so much more.

Moving Quotes:

"Savor every moment. Savor the good moments. Savor the bad moments. Because the day will come when you look back on it as a really meaningful part of your life."

"Everything has its time. You can't push any faster than what's going to happen. You can work hard. You can work smart... But you have to trust the people who are there — your director, your ballet mistress... That they will see you when you're ready and use you to the best of your ability... That's a hard lesson."

"Ballet is something elemental. It's like math. It's the underlying language of so many things."

"Dance will always evolve and reflect the current mood — something that's going on in our lives at any given moment. That's why I'm interested to see what comes out post-pandemic."

"When you're teaching while you're dancing, you're still focused on yourself. When you stop dancing, your focus changes."

"If you can speak the language of dance clearly, then you will be able to communicate what you want to say clearly. And you can reach the widest number of audience members possible."

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

3:13: Deanna talks through her journey as a dancer and how she eventually ended up where her journey all started.

7:22: Deanna discusses how the School of the Richmond Ballet has changed over the years, both physically and in terms of curriculum.

11:08: Deanna explains how an academy adheres to the traditions of its parent dance company through the years, while still innovating.

13:41: Seay discusses how dance is core to all of us and reflects what's going on at any given time — which is why she's excited to see what comes out, post-pandemic.

17:49: Seay, who experienced a lengthy career at the Miami City Ballet, shares the key to sticking with one company for an extended period.

22:07: Seay discusses her transition from the stage to the classroom and speaks to the overlap when she was teaching while still dancing.

27:35: Deanna explains what's next for her and for her students, post-pandemic.

30:37: As she looks back at her long and fruitful career, Deanna shares some veteran advice for anyone aspiring to or currently living in the dance industry.

Bullet List of Resources –

Deanna Seay

• LinkedIn
• On RichmondBallet.com

The Richmond Ballet

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Twitter

• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Raymond Rodriguez, Abbott Academy Director at The Joffrey Ballet. Raymond, a New York City native, was trained at the American Ballet Theater on full scholarship and eventually led a high-profile career at the Cleveland Ballet. Upon retirement from the stage, Rodriguez moved into a dance education career with The Joffrey Ballet. In addition to his dance work, Raymond is a Screen Actors Guild member and has appeared in films and TV shows such as Rent, The Smurfs, and Dancing with the Stars.

As academy director, Raymond is looking to make dance more accessible for all. In his own words, ballet "enthralled" Rodriguez only after participating in the art form for six months. And, now, Raymond is hoping to share this joy with everyone. On the podcast, Raymond shares his own story and discusses his vision to make dance a more open, inclusive, and collaborative art form.

Moving Quotes:

"How do we make our academy inclusive for all? It's by communication — making all feel welcome. As I said earlier, Joffrey for all."

"I see our academy working on making dance accessible to all."

"Always study as a student, even if you are a professional. Work as a student. And expose yourself to all facets of the art form... Be curious... Don't just think that a dance education is studying the art form of dance physically. Open up your horizons into learning all aspects of the art form."

"After six months at my dance school, I was enthralled with ballet. I knew that this was my life. To this day, I'm still in the art form."

"I don't walk around with a pair of 'rose-colored glasses' on. I know there are obstacles to your dreams. But with hard work, you can persevere and succeed... The dance will not be stopped. We will continue on."

"Work hard. And if you have that dream, you can make it happen."

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

3:40: Raymond explains his role with the Joffrey Ballet and how he came to be Abbott Academy Director.

6:27: Raymond discusses his vision for the academy, which he helped develop in partnership with a high-profile consulting and strategy firm.

9:50: Raymond discusses how his academy's summer intensive programs truly set his school apart from others.

12:36: Rodriguez explains how he manages to live and teach the values of the Joffrey Ballet to each student that goes through the academy.

15:13: Rodriguez walks through his personal dance journey and shares the incredible story of how he got accepted into his first dance school.

24:21: Raymond shares some advice for dancers who are looking to build a successful career.

26:08: In retrospect, Rodriguez discusses what he is most proud of through his seasoned career as a professional dancer.

28:40: Raymond looks to the future and gives a glimpse of where he hopes the Joffrey Academy of Dance is five years down the road.

31:16: Rodriguez looks at the broader world of dance and discusses where he thinks the dance world is trending.

Bullet List of Resources –

Raymond Rodriguez

• LinkedIn
• On Joffrey.org

The Joffrey Ballet

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Twitter

• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi — Interim Director of Therapy Services at Alvin Ailey American Dance Foundation, CEO and Owner of Synthesis Physical Therapy, and Co-Founder of the Dance Ready Project. Dr. Sheyi is working on her third decade of licensed physical therapy and, in addition to her many job roles, has provided backstage coverage for several Broadway shows. She has also researched and authored or co-authored 18 journal articles and has served as a reviewer for the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science.

Dr. Ojofeitimi was first introduced to professional dance at age 16, when she was awed by the "tricks" of the on-stage dancers. She truly could not understand how bodies could move as these dancers' bodies moved. However, Dr. Ojofeitimi came to realize one important truth — dancers can move because they are athletes. And she has dedicated her life to reminding dancers that they are athletes. On the podcast, Dr. Ojofeitimi discusses how she found her passion in dance physical therapy and, along the way, shares some practical tips around stretching, warming up, and finding joy in mobility.

Moving Quotes:

"Dancers are passionate people. They are athletes. I help see themselves as athletes... They need to be taken as seriously as their sporting counterparts."

"There's a criminal and a victim. It's not the criminal who is screaming. It's always the victim. The purpose of therapy is to find out who the real criminal is. And oftentimes, that criminal is living on the opposite side of the victim!"

"You have to understand that warming up and stretching are completely different things... Warming up is anything you do to increase your tissue temperature and get ready to move."

"Find that one thing you would do every day without getting paid for, and then you will find your passion. Physical therapy was it for me."

"Stretching goes way beyond your body. It goes into your mind. It goes into your spirit. It goes into your gut."

"There's no perfect body. You are your perfect body. What you have is perfectly made for you... Stop trying to copy somebody else. Do you. Learn you."

"I'm not a fan of overstretching — or of putting your legs up on something and then pushing down. When your body is ready to go there, it will. Don't force your body beyond any point that it wants to."

"I'm not a fan of fancy equipment. What does your body say? Give it time. If you train it, it will do you well. Don't force it."

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

3:03: Dr. Ojofeitimi discusses the first moment she truly encountered dance and realized that dancers are indeed athletes doing incredible things with their bodies.

7:21: Dr. Ojofeitimi explains how dancers should start thinking like athletes, in order to avoid injury and to perform at optimal level.

11:03: Dr. Ojofeitimi discusses the main ingredient to avoiding injury and gives some tips on effective stretching.

17:15: Dr. Ojofeitimi shares some advice for dancers with hypermobility.

18:16: Dr. Ojofeitimi explains how stretching doesn't require fancy equipment and can be accomplished using random items from around the house.

21:25: Dr. Ojofeitimi discusses how stretching and mobility can change — and has changed — the lives of non-dancers.

26:26: Dr. Ojofeitimi retells the incredible story of how she first got involved with Alvin Ailey American Dance Foundation, where she's now been for two decades.

34:50: Dr. Ojofeitimi discusses the importance of always keeping your eyes out for your passion — and shares advice on how to ultimately find that passion.

36:35: Dr. Ojofeitimi describes her three companies and how the three intersect with each other.

46:51: Dr. Ojofeitimi looks at the future and discusses what is next for her over the next few years.

Bullet List of Resources –

Dr. Sheyi Ojofeitimi

• LinkedIn

Alvin Ailey American Dance Foundation

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

• YouTube

Dance Ready Project

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

Synthesis Physical Therapy

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Clara Superfine, a dancer with the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam. Clara, a North Carolina native, attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and danced with the American Ballet Theater Studio Company for one year prior to joining the Dutch National Ballet. Clara is also an avid illustrator and showcases her work through the Superfine Collective, which merges design and ballet.

Over the past year, Clara has realized that dancers must exercise their voices as well as they do their bodies. Determined to use art to empower herself and others, Clara has set out a path to connect with dancers globally who are engaged in activism and who want to ensure more diversity and inclusion in the dance world. On the podcast, Clara discusses her belief that artists have the responsibility to drive change in their respective fields — something that she, herself, is seeking to do with ballet.

Moving Quotes:

"Artists must be at the forefront of change in their artform. I truly believe in the power that we have, as artists, to make an impact on our society. That we can be change makers."

"Every day, I ask myself, 'What do I want from this day? Do you love it still?' Because the dance world can be very difficult. And the thing that makes me most proud is that I still love to move. And I seek to discover something new, rather than just being successful."

"I feel inspired by my work. I love dance more than ever. And I look forward to going into the theater every day."

"As a dancer growing up in the dance world, it's really important to stay open to all different theories and teaching forms and techniques... I try to keep myself in a constant learning state."

"When auditioning, the number one thing is trusting yourself and being confident in what you know and what you're doing... Trust that you've done the work and these companies would be lucky to have you."

"I just want to be true to my dance and why I love to dance. I just want to share myself through this beautiful artform."

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

2:38: Clara walks through her entire journey from humble North Carolina to the Dutch National Ballet.

6:08: Clara describes her experience adapting to a completely different nation and culture at the young age of 19.

9:54: Superfine shares some wisdom around adapting to a new dance company, particularly one in a foreign country or location.

11:59: Superfine gives some advice around making sure your auditions are memorable and effective.

13:09: Clara, an avid learner, shares her thoughts on the one key component to learning as a dancer.

15:22: Clara gives some advice for staying healthy while traveling on tour.

18:18: Superfine, who is also an illustrator, discusses her other passion, the Superfine Collective, where she merges design and illustration with ballet and dance.

21:23: Clara discusses her efforts towards furthering diversity and inclusion in the world and, specifically, within the world of dance.

25:37: Superfine shares what she is most proud of from her entire career thus far.

28:37: Clara looks towards the future and shares some general and specific goals for herself.

Bullet List of Resources –

Clara Superfine

• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Dutch National Ballet

• Company Site

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Twitter

• YouTube

Superfine Collective

• Instagram

• Facebook