5.6.7.EIGHT

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews both Frances Chiaverini and Robyn Doty, co-founders of Whistle While You Work — an organization dedicated to raising awareness around sexual harassment, discrimination, and workers' rights in dance. Prior to COVID-19, Frances was a Fellow at the Center for Ballet and the Arts at New York University, where she and Robyn held "messy talks" to discuss working conditions and how to include consent and boundaries into these environments. The pair has curated this content into material to help dancers on a wider scale.

Both Robyn and Frances are passionate about the good work that they do in the dance community, and their passion comes to the forefront on the podcast. The guests realize that there's a real problem that needs to be solved, but they're also confident that that real problem is solvable with enough training, openness, and courage. On the podcast, the pair discuss their company's origins and current work and how the current pandemic has primed the dance industry to redefine the working environment.

Moving Quotes:

"Spend time finding your own personal boundaries... There's a lot that needs to be done within the self. Practicing consent in your daily self is very important."

"The younger you empower a dancer, the more confident they will feel in their art form. Then, when they're older, they may think, 'Oh well. Maybe I am worthy of this leadership position.'"

"There are amazing choreographers, dance teachers, administrators, and programmers who are also not white, cisgender men. Hire them. They're great for it. Just do it already."

"Think about what else you like to do. And go do those things. And do as many things as possible. It will affect your dance, and I think it can only deepen your experience as a performing artist."

"In cultivating other interests, you're then changing the way you see your own value. This can help you from being exploited within dance."

"Don't work for free. Demand the best for yourself."

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

3:23: Frances and Robyn share information about their organization Whistle While You Work and the opportunity that COVID has afforded them to redefine "consent" in dance.

6:03: Both guests discuss the measurable outcomes they're looking to achieve through their efforts.

9:04: Frances discusses the reasons why there's a clear discrepancy between males and females in dance leadership — and leadership, in general.

12:16: Both Frances and Robyn give some practical ways that dance companies can "turn the tide" of gender discrepancy and move women and/or minorities into more leadership positions.

15:55: Robyn shares the story of how she and Frances met and ultimately formed their organization.

18:58: Both guests give some advice to young dancers around respecting yourself and making sure that clear boundaries are set at the outset.

22:27: Robyn and Frances speak to the importance of diversifying your skillset and cultivating other interests outside of dance.

27:57: Both guests discuss what's next for Whistle While You Work and how these ideas will expand its footprint in the dance community.

Bullet List of Resources –

Frances Chiaverini

• Bio on NYU website

Robyn Doty

• LinkedIn

Whistle While You Work

• Company Website
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Azizi Marshall — the Founder and CEO of the Center for Creative Arts Therapy, an art-based psychotherapy practice and training center in Chicago. The center has launched such programs and companies as Psychology Arts, Arts Playschool, Artful Wellness, and the Therapeutic Performance Initiative model. She has been featured in Oprah Magazine, Thrive Global, CNN, NBC News, Bustle, Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Glancer Magazine. Marshall is also an award-winning presenter, author, and teacher.

Marshall firmly believes in the power of movement to heal the deepest of wounds for persons of all ages and, specifically, believes that movement holds the keys to getting through this difficult pandemic that we find ourselves in. On the podcast, Azizi dives into her philosophies that tie movement to emotional and mental health, shares some information around how each of her businesses seeks to share these ideas, and gives some tips on how we all can rediscover our desire to move.

Moving Quotes:

"The arts touches us in a way that just speaking about something cannot."

"The arts can be so healing. People need to experience this for themselves."

"[To cope in difficult circumstances, find what you love and do it. Then you have a chance to connect with something that you may not be aware of in the moment, but when you look back, you think, 'Wow, that was so helpful for me in that moment.'"

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

3:54: Azizi describes each one of her several businesses and how each ties uniquely into the arts.

7:01: Azizi discusses why the arts is so important to our mental and emotional growth and wellbeing.

9:10: Marshall gives some tips around tapping into the arts to get through the pandemic.

10:41: Marshall shares her explanation of why we're so inclined to constantly move as children yet, as adults, we somehow lose that desire.

12:07: Azizi gives some advice on reigniting a love of movement.

13:24: Azizi highlights Artful Wellness — her company which revolves around incorporating movement into the corporate setting.

17:12: Azizi discusses why it's important to take retreats and remove yourself from your typical setting — something which Artful Wellness often does.

21:29: Azizi, who is also a professional coach and mentor, discusses her coaching program and what she specifically offers her students.

25:09: Marshall looks to the future and projects what's next for her businesses.

Bullet List of Resources –

Azizi Marshall

• Personal Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Center for Creative Arts Therapy

• Company Website

Artful Wellness

• Company Website

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Dr. Linda Bluestein, M.D., Founder at both Hypermobility MD and the Bendy Bodies Podcast. As a former ballet performer and instructor, Dr. Bluestein has a special interest in treating flexibility since athletes and artists are at increased risk of hypermobility disorders. Dr. Bluestein's unique approach to evaluation and treatment enables patients to have less pain and be more accurately diagnosed. On top of practicing medicine, Dr. Bluestein is also an international speaker and podcaster on the forefront of research on pain, hypermobility and dance medicine.

Linda's passion for treating hypermobility disorders is abundantly clear on the podcast, as she gives listeners a primer on why proper treatment for these ailments is important. However, Linda also shares some invaluable life wisdom on remaining flexible with the twists and turns that life throws your way. Linda, who never dreamed of doing what she's doing today, knows that, as opportunities arise and doors close, it's important to stay positive and go with the flow.

Moving Quotes:

"My goal is to keep reinventing myself so that I can keep doing things that are useful, for as long as possible."

"One of the biggest things I learned in my journey is that, sometimes, some of the worst things that happen to us turn out to be for the best."

"I decided it would be selfish to keep my knowledge to myself. I should help other people."

"I'm generally a pretty risk averse person so I'm not going to lie — starting my own business has been challenging. It's often hard to know which path is the right one to take."

"I want to help as many people as I can, function as well as they can."

"Every part of a person's medical plan should be directed at a level that is necessary."

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

3:39: Linda describes her company — Hypermobility MD — and how the company is a culmination of her life's passions and her past work experiences.

8:11: Linda discusses hypermobility, including its symptoms and causes, and briefly shares about her podcast, which is aimed at informing physicians on hypermobility.

11:22: Bluestein describes in further detail her podcast work and how her most recent podcast came to be.

13:59: Bluestein describes her journey as an entrepreneur and how she had to push through her natural aversion to risk to accomplish her goals.

17:19: Linda shares how her current work was definitely not her career "Plan A" (or Plan B or Plan C) but that she's grateful for the "negative experiences" that got her where she is today.

21:00: Linda gives some advice on letting go of lapsed opportunities in order to seize new opportunities as they arise.

25:07: Bluestein discusses her love for knowledge-sharing and what she's always looking to accomplish through her teaching work.

30:02: Linda looks into the future and describes some upcoming plans for her work in hypermobility and for her podcasts.

Bullet List of Resources –

Linda Bluestein

• LinkedIn

Hypermobility MD

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Bendy Bodies Podcast

• Podcast Site
• Facebook
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Kevin Iega Jeff — Artistic Director, Executive Director and Cofounder at Chicago's Deeply Rooted Dance Theater. Throughout his career, Jeff has collaborated on a wide range of professional and community-based projects, including Spike Lee's She's Gotta Have It; The Academy Awards; and The Wiz on Broadway. Kevin has received countless accolades for his work, including being named one of Julliard School's top 100 Outstanding Alumni.

For Kevin, a dance company is only as good as its people. And, as an artist in dance leadership, it is his responsibility to look after the good of those that fall underneath him — and to do anything less would risk losing his organization. On the podcast, Kevin dives deep on his philosophies as a dance leader and gets "in the weeds" on how to build the foundation for a successful dance company that keeps its people at the center.

Moving Quotes:

"If my company was just about dance, we might have folded during the more difficult times. But that never crossed our mind because growing people is at the core of the work. To grow communities."

"In a capitalistic-focused society, we can tend to lose the spiritual value of how we engage with each other."

"If you can support people through their errors, on the other side of that, you build an incredible amount of trust. You build an incredible amount of visioning and a safe space for you to collaborate."

"Management is art, and art is management. Because you're engaging with people. And the reason why management is there is because things won't work perfectly, and people will need guidance."

"[We've thrived for 25 years because] we identified and began planting the seeds for intergenerational leadership, so that we could make the organic transitions that the organization required to thrive over 25 years, as needed."

"We [put rules in place around dialogues] so that we can move on with the productivity of the business of the organization, while also making sure that we're being accountable to the human engagement. Which is the only way things are going to work. If you lose the human engagement, you lose your organization."

"In my education, having parallel worlds between the professional and the academic were really important to me. I also think mentoring is key."

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

3:15: Kevin discusses the origins of his company — Deeply Rooted Dance Theater — and his current role with the company.

6:08: Kevin explains the secret behind Deeply Rooted's success, as it embarks upon its 25th year as a dance company.

11:44: Jeff describes the process that went into crafting his dance company's compelling mission statement and gives some tips for anyone looking to do the same.

16:32: Jeff sheds some incredible insight into how he managed to create a sustainable business plan for his dance company, while also honoring its core values.

22:26: Kevin walks through his earliest dance journey and discusses the value of hard work and delayed gratification.

28:05: Jeff explains what was most beneficial about his dance education.

32:19: Kevin describes the importance of self-positioning in order to make the best decisions possible and how he is spending his life helping others do that well.

Bullet List of Resources –

Kevin Iega Jeff

• LinkedIn

Deeply Rooted Dance Theater

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Ingrid Silva, an internationally-recognized dancer and serial philanthropist who has founded two empowerment-centric organizations — EmpowHer New York and Blacks in Ballet. Born in Rio de Janeiro, Ingrid's first exposure to ballet was actually at a social project in a nearby slum. Ingrid eventually found her way to New York City, where she's currently dancing her seventh season for the Dance Theater of Harlem. Ingrid's story has been featured in movies and publications such as Vogue and Glamour, Teen Vogue, The New York Times, ESPN Women, and many more.

On the podcast, Ingrid walks through her incredible story and discusses how she is now able to use her journey to encourage others to pursue their goals. Her unique experiences include delivering an address to the United Nations, collaborating with Alicia Keys, being on the cover of Pointe Magazine, and more. And in the discussion, Ingrid shares all of the details around how those experiences came to be and how each of those experiences furthers her goal to empower others across the world.

Moving Quotes:

"It doesn't matter how much you do. It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter how much success you have. You have to fight to express your journey. And your journey is special — only you can see the final project through. Don't be discovered by all of the no's."

"At the end of the day, we are responsible for our own happiness. If you're not happy, maybe you're not on the right path. You don't have to do something over and over again, just for the sake of being there."

"My own journey has taught me so much about me. We always look to other people for inspiration, but we never find it in ourselves... If I wasn't able to focus on the things I wanted to do, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish those things."

"The journey of a dancer is very particular. You have to find ways to listen to your call — to figure out what your journey in dance is bringing you."

"I've always had teachers along my journey that have always mentioned to me, 'You can be whatever you want to be.' I've been very supported since day one."

[On rejection in dance] "You don't have to put people down in order for them to overcome or for them to show you how good they are... This approach has been destroying people's passions for dance for years."

"A main point in finding your purpose and who you are is seeing how your upbringing has shaped you. Your family really affects the person who you will become — their support, their generosity, their way of believing in your dream."

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

3:19: Ingrid walks through her journey as a dancer and why she finds joy in dancing for the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

7:55: Ingrid shares about some mentors and role models in her life but also explores our ability to also find inspiration inside of ourselves.

10:12: Silva, who was the first African-Brazilian dancer on the cover of Pointe Magazine, discusses how that opportunity came about.

11:57: Silva, who delivered a speech on female empowerment for the United Nations, describes her speech and the organization she founded to fight for this same mission.

16:40: Ingrid describes the experience of collaborating on a project alongside Grammy Award -winning artist Alicia Keys.

19:09: Silva shares about her experience as a Brazilian immigrant to the United States and her organization Blacks in Ballet, which highlights Black dancers globally.

22:03: Silva explains her choice to put her formal education on hold to pursue a professional dance career.

24:18: Ingrid discusses the importance of family when finding your life's purpose and describes the dance industry's unhealthy view of rejection and critique.

29:28: Silva shares some tips on setting good goals and executing on those goals.

33:02: Ingrid, who is creating positive change for people groups across the world, shares some tips for leaders who want to bring positive change to themselves and their communities.

Bullet List of Resources –

Ingrid Silva

• Personal Website
• Instagram

EmpowHer

• Company Website
• Instagram

Blacks in Ballet

• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Ali Geraets of Just for Kix. You may remember Just for Kix from Episode 48 of the podcast, where Aleksandra interviewed the company's founder and executive director, Cindy Clough. Just for Kix is a youth dance organization that offers dance classes, summer camps, and special events to tens of thousands of youths around the country. Ali Geraets — Cindy Clough's daughter — has been a part of the organization for many years and has designed costumes, led virtual dance classes, and has carried out a myriad of other jobs for the company.

For Ali, the joy of dance is its versatility and variety — being able to wear a wide variety of "hats" and go where the need is. To be a utility player — a Swiss Army Knife. As Ali and many others know, there's much more to dance than performing on a stage. On the podcast, Ali speaks to a wide variety of topics related to dance but, most importantly, how dance has afforded her many different opportunities that have allowed her to use her talents in many different ways.

Moving Quotes:

"Your career doesn't have to be over if you don't dance professionally... There are so many different paths you can take."

"I think that's what's so awesome about my job — I'm incorporating what I love to do. I love dancing and definitely wanted to do the professional route... However, I also love teaching and all of the other things I get to do while maintaining a 'normal life.'"

"Work hard for what you want, and you will surprise yourself."

"Set your goals big and don't settle. It all comes back to hard work... I love kids that will work for it. If you can have a good work ethic, no matter what your talent is, you can get to where you want to get."

"Expose yourself to as much as you possibly can. Expose yourself to as many people as you can... Ask for feedback. Ask others, 'What can I do better?' The more you want that feedback, the stronger you're going to become."

"I think it's good for kids to not always win... I think it's good for them to learn how to be humble when they win and how to be a good sport when they don't win."

"So much of [leadership] is confidence and risk-taking. I feel like a lot of women are scared to take the risks... We need to keep molding young children to be leaders and become what they want to become."

"Those experiences [where you fail], as hard as they are at the time, can be the pivotal moments that happen to you that change the person you're going to become... You need those."

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

3:18: Ali gives a high-level overview of Just for Kix and how she fits into the ever-expanding organization.

7:27: Ali discusses her role, personally, has expanded since she joined the family business out of high school.

9:34: Ali, who has danced in several Super Bowl halftime shows, tells the story of how she got involved in these performances.

13:55: Geraets shares a humbling failure, which involved a performance on a nationally aired TV show.

17:02: Garaets discusses the many different options one can take as a job inside of the dance industry and how her job has allowed her to "wear many hats."

20:11: Ali discusses her perspective on why there are so few women in arts leadership and how women can better pursue these types of roles.

21:01: Ali sheds some light on her personal role models and why taking in different perspectives is so important.

23:18: Geraets describes the ongoing nature of learning and why a nonstop willingness to learn is critical for success.

25:14: Ali shares some great insight on why she sees great value in competition.

30:00: Ali ends the podcast by giving some advice for young, aspiring dancers on the value of hard work and determination.

Bullet List of Resources –

Ali Geraets

• Instagram

Just for Kix

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Kia Smith, founding Executive Artistic Director at the South Chicago Dance Theatre. Kia, a Chicago native, trained at various notable Chicago institutions such as Story Catchers Theatre, ETA Creative Arts Foundation, Hyde Park School of Dance, and the Joel Hall Dancers and Center. Her training launched her into national and international tours, including runs with the Lula Washington Dance Theatre and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company. And, of course, she has a wide variety of dance credits with Chicago-based dance companies.

Considering her extremely accomplished career, Kia has ample room to boast; however, her drive to succeed isn't about self-glory but is, rather, about revitalizing communities through the arts. For nearly two decades, Kia has been using her art to bridge gaps between history, cultures, and people groups through movement. On the podcast, Smith discusses how her life's ambitions are now being met through her dance company, not only on the south side of Chicago but also nationally and even internationally.

Moving Quotes:

"I don't think there's anything that sets me apart [from other entrepreneurs]. I just follow through. I'm not anything special — we all have the ability to create and execute a dream. I just follow through."

"When it comes to 'success,' you never really get there. I mean... I have a 75-year vision for South Chicago Dance Company."

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

3:17: Kia talks about her dance company — South Chicago Dance Theatre — and the three pillars that her company stands on.

5:51: Kia discusses South Chicago Dance's cultural diplomacy program, where her company has partnered with a company in South Korea to produce a new work.

9:20: Kia speaks to her relationship with the Chicago Urban League and her work in the Chicago African American community through that organization.

11:54: Smith explains what she believes is the "x factor" that has made her successful in her entrepreneurial endeavors.

13:03: Smith describes her company's mentorship program and how that program quantifies success.

15:40: Kia discusses how "success" is different for every individual person and can address both short- and long-term goals.

19:44: Smith, whose business has been thriving in the pandemic era, sheds some light on how her company has had to adjust to the "new normal."

22:18: Kia retells her own dance journey and how she knew from a young age that she wanted to run her own dance company.

24:38: Kia shares some thoughts around why she believes there are so few women leaders in the dance world and how we can all work to curb this trend.

26:42: Kia looks to the future and shares what's next for the South Chicago Dance Theatre.

Bullet List of Resources –

Kia Smith

• LinkedIn
• On Company Website

South Chicago Dance Theatre

• Company Website
• Facebook
• Instagram

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye, Ballet Master at the Oklahoma City Ballet. Originally from central Maine, Ryan began his training at the age of 16. During his run as a professional dancer, he danced for ballet companies across the continent and with some of the most sought-after choreographers in the industry. Most recently, Jolicoeur-Nye left his position as Artistic Director of the NWA Ballet Theatre. Now, he and his wife both hold leadership roles at the Oklahoma City Ballet. On top of all of this, Ryan is an award-winning choreographer, who has created numerous works for a variety of major ballet companies.

At this point in his career, Ryan has held a wide variety of roles in arts leadership, and, on the podcast, he discusses a wide variety of topics, including changes he'd like to see happen in the ballet world, what is inhibiting innovation in the United States, and how to find and act upon one's passions. Ryan also explains his perspective on what he believes is most important for young dancers looking to break into the ballet industry, which may not be what you're expecting.

Moving Quotes:

"As a director, the value that I place on my ability to work with someone that is positive and enthusiastic in the studio sometimes outweighs physical talent... Your openness can carry you through your entire career."

"You can learn the technical things. You can't learn the passion."

"Where I don't see a pathway, I try to create one."

"We're not missing passion; we're just missing a willingness to take the risk. As a society, that's something we should be more willing to help people pursue."

"Every artistic director wants something different. Your job [as a dancer] is to give whichever version they want."

"Perhaps performing arts needs to move a bit more in the direction of [technological innovation] ... Creating really brilliant feature films that can live on. The valuable thing about performing arts is that it has one life — you see it on stage, and it will never be the same again. So, there's value in that. But when we're given a [global pandemic], we must move in the direction of virtual creativity with real production value."

"Education should train students for the real-life workforce — for what artistic directors are looking for in a dancer. And I would say, primarily, the answer is versatility."

"In this business, everyone is in your life for a season because dancers move around so often. You get so many different experiences with lots of different people and cultures. That's been a huge guiding force for me in developing myself as a leader, choreographer, and artists."

"A huge challenge that we've faced with dance in the past is getting stuck on the 'right' or 'wrong' ways to do things."

"What we have in the United States is a network of companies that produce the same tapestry of work over and over. So, we're behind the world in innovation and creativity."

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

2:00: Ryan talks about his move from the NWA Ballet Theatre to the Oklahoma City Ballet and his vision for his new company.

4:55: Ryan discusses his ideas behind changing ballet company norms, including shifting traditional contract terms to give dancers more security.

8:11: Ryan describes a flaw in the United States dance and arts sectors which paralyzes many companies from doing truly innovative work.

13:30: Jolicoeur-Nye discusses the most important thing that can be taught to students as a part of dance education.

15:33: Ryan explains what he believes is the most marketable skill for dance students that are looking to break into the industry.

18:42: Ryan discusses his thoughts on whether or not dance teachers should be required to obtain certifications to teach dance classes.

21:01: Ryan describes his personal role models and speaks to the importance of learning from peers as you move from company to company.

24:27: Jolicoeur-Nye explains how to properly adjust to change in a dance career where one may essentially operate as a nomad, moving locations from season to season.

27:58: Ryan discusses the nature of personal passion and how to take action on that which you're passionate about.

30:03: Ryan shares the story of how he got started in ballet and pushed through adversity to ultimately become what he is today.

Bullet List of Resources –

Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye

• Instagram
• Facebook

Oklahoma City Ballet

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra interviews Damani Pompey, an NYC-based lighting designer, movement artist, and choreographer. Additionally, Damani has been involved in a great deal of TV and film work, and his credits include notable festivals like Sundance. Pompey is also the architect of Magnus Works — a continuous archive of his own creative and choreographic projects, which ultimately seeks to investigate the many different languages of movement and expression, from generation to generation.

Pompey is a renaissance man and deep thinker, and, on the podcast, he discusses the origin stories of some of his most renown works. He also spends some time explaining how his fascination with lighting was born out of an innate curiosity and a willingness to seize an opportunity while in school. Damani also highlights some of his work in film and sheds some interesting light on the differences between dancing on film versus dancing in a studio.

Moving Quotes:

"Lighting for me is all about the sensation and the mood… But it's important to listen to what the work is calling for and what the music is doing. You can't have beautiful, fancy, cool lights if the person is standing on stage not doing anything."

"What I'm focused on right now for the future is world health and happiness. And more authenticity in my work. Anything that comes out of that, I will feel I've deserved because I've truly put in the time."

"We all have the power to critically think. We all have the power to make. That's how we've existed this long as humans. We know how to build, but we sometimes lack the tools. I just want to remind everyone that we all have the same types of memories, just in a different way."

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

2:55: Damani kicks off the conversation by discussing the scope of his catalog of creative work, Magnus Works.

5:52: Damani explains how the work that comprises Magnus Works came to be.

9:10: Pompey drives a fascinating discussion around the differences between dancing for film and dancing in the studio.

13:04: Pompey shares some advice for dancers who may be looking to get involved in dancing for the big screen.

16:19: Damani retells how his fascination with lighting came to be and shares some thoughts on the importance of good lighting in dance.

22:31: Pompey shines some light on three short films that he recently worked on, including one in partnership with BMW.

24:52: Damani looks at the future and, though he is unsure of exact plans, he discusses some themes he is currently focusing on in his work and life.

Bullet List of Resources –

Damani Pompey

• On IMDB
• Twitter
• Instagram

Magnus Works

• Company Website
• Instagram
• Vimeo
• Facebook

This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Erica Hood, Chief Executive Officer at HoodFit, a fitness company that features Erica's signature method in live and online classes and is all about promoting strong women. In fact, the company boasts a tagline encouraging women to Rep Your Womanhood. With a background in professional dance, Erica builds her effective workouts by focusing on energy, rhythm, and choreographed precision — all of which connects the body with the soul.

Erica's energy is extremely contagious and made for a fun, entertaining conversation spanning a wide variety of topics. On the podcast, Erica walks through her journey into establishing HoodFit, including the difficulties (and blessings) of building a company in the middle of a pandemic. Erica also shares some thoughts around the magic of journaling, the right mentality for entrepreneurship, and how technology is changing the dance world for the better.

Moving Quotes:

"Women are so powerful and so strong. We are capable and do so many things. I think the most important thing is that women receive support and encouragement from other women."

"As an entrepreneur, you have to roll with the punches and learn as you go."

"I think there's a lot of power in technology these days to continue putting dance out into the world and making the arts more shareable with people."

"When you feel like you're at your lowest lows, always know there's something you can learn from it… It's more of a 'you win or you learn' rather than 'you win or you lose.'"

"I have all of my ideas written out in my little book. I'm constantly writing them down. Because I know that, when the timing is right, it will all come to fruition."

"It's great to have notebooks and journals around at all times. So that any time you feel creative or have a thought that pops into your head, just write it down. Even if it seems crazy and doesn't make sense to you at the time. Because it's something that, once you put that pen to paper, it's not just a forgettable thought."

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

2:44: Erica talks about her company — HoodFit — and the birth of her company's catchphrase: Rep Your Womanhood.

8:13: Erica discusses the current state of her business and how her business is looking to grow and expand.

12:45: Hood, a firm believer in journaling, describes the power in putting pen to paper and writing down your ideas and goals.

19:58: Erica explains the importance of flexibility and "rolling with the punches" when building a business from scratch.

22:08: Hood retells some events in her life that added to her preparedness in starting her own company.

27:18: Erica, who was pushed by her parents to get a non-dance degree in addition to her dance degree, encourages young dancers to follow the same path.

30:23: Erica speaks to the amazing power of technology in sharing the arts on a mass scale.

33:44: Hood looks to the future of HoodFit and is, in a way, thankful that this difficult year has forced her to digital media, which has ultimately expanded the "walls" of her studio.

Bullet List of Resources –

Erica Hood

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

HoodFit

• Company Website
• Instagram
• YouTube