Paula Ayotte is a professional dancer, entertainer, former marine scientist, model, actress and inspirerer based out of Los Angeles.  Paula Ayotte started her professional dance journey in the 1980s when she was in her 20s, working gigs such as the Disneyland Christmas Parade, Sesame Street Live U.S. tour, the Las Vegas Show “Splash at the Riviera” was a backup dancer for a Latina Artist in Mexico City and roller skating as an Apple on the Newhart show.  She had a shift in careers in the 90s and turned to corporate consulting and only danced on the occasion for fun.  A career in Hawaii later, it wasn't long after a life event changed her perspective on the need to pursue her dream of dancing. 

Paula’s credits include Ariana Grande, I Can See Your Voice, Ellen, Kelly Clarkson and commercials for Beis Luggage, Piercing Pagoda, Sherwin Williams, and Etsy and modeling for many more.

In this episode, Ariana and Paula discuss Paula’s career, returning to college to pursue her dream job as a marine scientist, auditioning for her music videos and feeling her purpose is to inspire people on her journey to show that your dreams have no boundaries or age requirements.  Your time is now.

Follow Paula and her journey on her Instagram: @paulaayotte

• Starting to dance in the 80s then heading into corporate consulting
• Returning to school in her 30s to pursue her next chapter: marine science
• Trying to fill her cup with the occasional classes - searching for more
• Losing a mentor and what that meant for her
• Landing a commercial with A list artist - the start of the dream
• Imposter syndrome - in a dance room full of 20 somethings
• Pursuing acting - understanding that she’s learning something new
• "Aging is not a bad thing, getting older is not a bad thing- "
• Reassurance from other creatives
• Vulnerability, unafraid and unashamed
• Analysis Paralysis gets you no where you want to go!
• Making a decision and using her gift to inspire - breaking barriers