Artists Becoming

This week, tune in for a capsule collection of AB archive spotlights that still ring rich with resonance. Featuring the magnetic voices of Connor Holloway, Sarrah Strimel Bentley, and Harper Watters - these takeaways will inspire you to rediscover the ritual of your artistry, indulge in the character study of your own self, and grant yourself permission to captain your own ship. Dive in with us ✨

Follow: 

@conholl

@sarrahstrimelbentley

@theharperwatters

This week, we’ve mined the rich AB archives for gems from conversations with THE Lynne Charles, Leah Smart, and Karine Plantadit. The well of this wise council reaches deep—be it indulging strengths, leaving comfort zones behind, or embracing the evolution of your artistry—these take-aways are for keeps 👑x3 Enjoy! 🪞💫

Follow the 👑Council: 

@charlynballet 

@leah__smart

@karineplantadit 

Kara Duval embodies the word teacher in its every essence. From managing her relationship with criticism (as a former dancer) to building a business around her core compass, Kara has unlocked a lifetime of movement freedom for herself, and the loyal following that tunes into Range, her stunning platform offering sustainable movement classes. Enjoy the awe-inspiring journey of her Becoming. 💫💫💫

Follow Kara Duval: 

@karaduvalpilates

range.karaduvalpilates.com

Dani Rowe is redefining leadership as the Artistic Director of @Oregon.ballet.theatre. Discover her path to becoming a world-class choreographer, what fuels her creative process, and how she translates her past, perspective, and position to lead with intention. Enjoy! 💫💫💫

Follow Dani Rowe: 

@_danirowe_

@oregon.ballet.theatre

Photo credit: Alexander Reneff-Olson

In Part 2 of ‘Becoming Beyond the Stage’, we welcome two more brilliant minds to the career transition conversation—Desean Taber and Kirsten Evans. What a gift it is to learn from their thought processes, career insights, and impassioned journeys towards roles & realizations beyond the stage. In intimate voice notes, these lovely artists indulge us in reflections of their becoming, sure to inspire and empower our own. Please enjoy and share with a friend 💛

Follow Desean Taber:

IG: @deseantaber

Follow Kirsten Evans:

IG: @keeksevans

Photo credits
@jamesbarkleyphotography - Desean Taber photograph
@jamesjinimages - Kirsten Evans photograph

Giuliana Hazelwood is bridging the gap between art and medicine. Tune in to hear how her work as the Director of Health & Wellness at Joffrey Ballet School in NYC (and over here @bedside.manner) challenges the dysfunctional narratives we too often subscribe to, and provides artists with tools to heal and protect our mental health. Enjoy! 💫💫💫

Follow Giuliana Hazelwood: 

IG: @bedside.manner 

In this new format for Artists Becoming, we dive deep on a theme close to our hearts and the Artists Becoming community - Career transitions. With two magnificent artists and humans who have chosen to continue their careers beyond the stage, we ask the questions that so many artists reflect on and ponder while making leaps to new chapters. How do we continue to evolve beyond our artform? Who are we beyond the stage? When do we know that it is time to make a departure from the stage lights we’ve fought to call home? In intimate voice notes, Garen Scriber and Ellen Overstreet share their journey. Please enjoy and share with a friend. We can’t wait to hear what you think of this new format we are introducing💛

Follow Garen Scriber:

IG: @garenscribner

Follow Ellen Overstreet:

IG: @ellenoverstreet

Susan Magsamen is an expert in neuroaesthetics—a field that highlights the power of art and aesthetic experiences to heal and transform our brains and bodies. This conversation offers an indulgent dive into her deep well of wisdom. From managing uncertainty and skill transfer to nostalgia and embodiment, we discuss a sweeping range of subjects covered at length in a book she recently co-authored with Ivy Ross: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Please enjoy. 💫💫💫

Follow Susan Magsamen:

IG: @yourbrainonartbook

Read: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us

LinkedIn: Susan Magsamen 

Maria Kochetkova is the definition of ingenuity—from her original studio style to her value-driven career moves, she’s paving courageous paths for ballet dancers to take ownership over their roles and relationships with performance art. We chat about exercising autonomy in dance as a profession, the pressing need for female representation in choreography, and how Maria is embracing vulnerability—both on and off stage—to gear up for her “most important work yet,” motherhood. Enjoy! 💫💫💫

Follow Maria Kochetkova: 

IG: @balletrusse 

http://mariakochetkova.com/

Photo Credit: Frederic Aranda

Words are pale to describe the depth of this glimmering artist. Sasha De Sola is a Principal Dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, where she’s been radiantly gracing stages for the past 16 years. We chat about her journey towards authentic artistry, mold-breaking career moments, seeking out growth intentionally, and owning enough-ness. Captivated by this one from curtain up. Enjoy! 💫💫💫