Kirsten Kemp is a former full-time professional ballet dancer turned High-Performance Mindset Coach for dancers, International Speaker, and Founder of The Confident Dancer specializing in helping dancers break through the mental blocks that have been holding them back and build a confident mindset that allows them to feel and perform their best consistently.

Kirsten and I dive into all things confidence in this episode. What confidence truly is (and misconceptions you might have) as well as how your rigid expectations might be fueling your self-doubt. Kirsten gives us lots of tangible strategies for building authentic confidence, especially for dancers struggling in the audition space. This is one my my most requested topics - get ready for a drastic shift in your mindset!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [2:04]
• Her transition to a professional dance career (and why she chose to go to college for dance instead of going straight into a company) [5:49]
• Why Kirsten chose to leave her professional dance career [9:13]
• Kirsten’s struggle with confidence as a young dancer [10:50]
• When you should leave a dance environment that isn’t serving you [19:17]
• What is authentic confidence? [22:19]
• Misconceptions about confidence [24:07]
• How rigid expectations fuel self-doubt [36:14]
• Strategies for dancers struggling with confidence in auditions [40:14]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [49:26]

Connect with Kirsten:

KIRSTEN’S WEBSITE: https://kirstenkemp.com

INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/kirsten_theconfidentdancer

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheConfidentDancer/videos

THE CONFIDENT DANCER PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-confident-dancer

THE CONFIDENT DANCER PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-confident-dancer-podcast/id1719883279

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Linnea Swarting is a professional ballerina currently dancing on tour with the Grand Kyiv Ballet. She previously danced with Los Angeles Ballet, Ballet Project OC, Nashville Ballet, and as a principal with Georgia Dance Theatre. She is also a contributing writer for Pointe Magazine and author of the Ballet Writer Blog.

Linnea’s honesty is incredibly refreshing. She doesn’t shy away from talking about the tough parts of her career, including struggles with body image and the disappointment of not getting the contract. We also chat about how she got started writing for the iconic Pointe Magazine as well as our shared passion for making ballet more accessible to all dancers. I connected to Linnea on so many levels and truly resonated with her story - I know you will too!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [2:13]
• Her transition to a professional dance career [9:01]
• Linnea’s struggles with body image [14:20]
• Navigating her dance career during a global pandemic [27:33]
• Linnea’s perspective shift as she approaches 30 [34:06]
• How Linnea got started writing for Pointe Magazine [40:10]
• Linnea’s passion for making ballet more accessible to all dancers [45:03]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [1:02:16]

Connect with Linnea:

LINNEA’S WEBSITE: www.linneaswarting.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/lswarting

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/theballetwriter

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Set up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

You’ve been working for days, months, even years for the coveted role in your upcoming production. You’ve put in the extra time and effort, practicing every spare minute. You feel confident that this is your year.

After waiting what seems like eons for casting to come out, you finally get the notification you’ve been waiting for. You anxiously open the email, scan the cast list…and a huge wave of disappointment washes over you as you see someone else’s name next to your dream role.

So what now?

Tune in to this week’s solo episode to learn my tried and trued strategies for dealing with casting disappointment and turn a frustrating experience into a positive!

Links and Resources:

BLOG POST: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/blog/howtodealwithcastingdisappointment

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Karen Mareck Grundy is the Artistic/Executive Director of Mareck Center for Dance. She performed extensively, including 11 years in Las Vegas, and her innovative style blends classical ballet and modern dance with influences from Las Vegas productions.

In this episode, Karen pulls the curtain back, sharing stories from her days dancing in Las Vegas to her current role as Artistic Director. As Mareck Dance enters its 19th season, we learn what has led to the longevity of the company up until now as well as what Karen’s vision is for the future. This interview had me on the edge of my seat - truly a must-listen!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [1:55]
• Karen’s professional dance career in Las Vegas [3:58]
• Moving to Missouri to teach dance [9:17]
• The beginning of Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance) [14:56]
• What has led to the longevity of Mareck Dance [19:23]
• What Karen looks for in dancers when holding auditions [23:08]
• What she is most proud of as an Artistic Director [27:33]
• Karen’s long-term vision for Mareck Dance [29:24]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [31:13]

Connect with Karen and Mareck Center for Dance:

MARECK DANCE WEBSITE: mareckcenterfordance.org

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/mareck_dance

FACEBOOK: facebook.com/mareckdance

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Kara Tatelbaum is a dancer, choreographer, teacher, coach and writer based in New York City. She earned her BFA in Dance from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and MFA in Choreography from The Conservatory of Dance at SUNY Purchase. Kara is the founder of professional company independentdancemaker and author of Putting My Heels Down - a memoir of having a dream and a day job.

Kara’s memoir is to this day one of the most honest and hilarious books I have ever read and I am thrilled to share her story on the pod. Kara shares how she opened up performing opportunities for herself through her choreography and how she balances her dream and her day job. One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation was the power of having choices and the importance of not pigeonholing yourself as a dancer. Kara is one of those people who always finds a way to make her dream a reality - get ready for a huge dose of inspiration!

Key Moments:

• Early dance training [2:23]
• The decision to attend college for dance [6:06]
• Exploring her choreographic voice [9:10]
• Starting her own professional company at 22 years old [10:58]
• Balancing your dream and your day job [13:42]
• How asking for help will further your dance career [18:02]
• How Kara got started writing a memoir and her experience through the process [22:10]
• What Kara’s life looks like now as an author, instructor, choreographer, performer and coach [28:59]
• Why Kara’s story resonates so much with dancers [36:04]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [40:19]

Connect with Kara:

HER WEBSITE: karatatelbaum.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/karatatelbaum

Links and Resources:

Join the Brainy Ballerina Book Club

Get your copy of Putting My Heels Down: A Memoir of Having a Dream and a Day Job (affiliate link)

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Rian Wood is a professional dancer based in New York City and currently performing in the Medora Musical in Medora, North Dakota.

At just 25, Rian is wise and experienced beyond her years. We talk all about how Rian makes her freelance dance career work and how she’s finding artistic fulfillment and balance. We also chat about Rian’s experience in career mentorship and some of the hurdles she was able to overcome during our time working together. If you’ve ever been curious about pursuing a dance career in NYC, this is the episode for you!

Key Moments:

• Early training [1:34]
• Attending college for dance during a global pandemic [2:18]
• Moving to NYC to pursue dance as a fresh college grad [4:32]
• Finding balance between side gigs and dancing in the city [10:38]
• Rian’s first dance gig in NYC [12:23]
• How she ended up dancing in North Dakota for the summer [12:50]
• Rian’s experience dancing on cruise ships [18:16]
• What’s next for Rian and how she makes a freelance career work [22:15]
• Their biggest piece of advice for dancers who want to move to NYC and pursue a career [25:14]
• The power of community and asking for help in the dance world [28:20]

Connect with Rian:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/rian.wood

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Ultimate Audition Guide

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

One question I get a lot from dancers is “How do I manage my time more effectively?”.

What they’re really asking is “How can I get more done?“.

Here’s the thing: most dancers I know don’t have a time management problem. They have an overscheduling problem.

Tune in to this solo episode to learn the sneaky ways you might be overscheduling yourself without even realizing it. You’ll walk away with tangible strategies that will allow you to prioritize your time more effectively so you can reach your goals this dance season without burning out.

Links and Resources:

BLOG POST: thebrainyballerina.com/blog/realistic-time-management-strategies-for-dancers

1-1 CAREER MENTORING: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Kristin Deiss and Michelle Loucadoux, the founders of Danscend, are on a mission to bring mental wellness to the forefront of dance training by providing a space for education, application, and community to dancers, educators, and professionals.

In this episode, we talk allllll the things mental wellness. Everything from finding balance, to dealing with negative self talk and forging an identity outside of being a dancer. We dive into the power of community and the importance of feeling supported in your dance career. Kristen and Michelle are incredibly open in sharing their stories and tools to help you better navigate the world of dance.

Key Moments:

• Kristin & Michelle’s dance background [2:17]
• How Danscend was born [6:25]
• Finding balance and setting boundaries [9:03]
• The importance of finding the fun in dance [18:23]
• Kristin and Michelle’s biggest struggles with mental health throughout their dance journey [21:31]
• Tools for dancers struggling with negative self-talk [27:35]
• Tools to help dancers discover their identity outside of being a dancer [33:10]
• The power of community for dancers [38:17]
• Their biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [49:45]

Connect with Danscend:

THEIR WEBSITE: danscend.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/danscendoffical

Links and Resources:

Click here for one FREE month of Danscend’s Council for Educators with code BRAINY

Set up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

On this episode, I am joined by Antuan Byers, the Dancers Vice President of the American Guild of Musical Artists and Nile Ruff, a dancer with Dallas Black Dance Theatre to discuss recent events at DBDT that have rocked the dance world.

Antuan and Nile give us an inside look into the events leading up to the sudden firing of an entire company of dancers. We discuss the impact this has had not just on the dancers directly affected, but on the dance community as a whole. This moment in history is one that every dancer should be watching - tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the power of unionization and what can happen when we work together for the greater good.

Key Moments:

• Overview of AGMA and how they support dancers [2:19]
• The events that led the dancers of DBDT to unionize with AGMA [3:40]
• How DBDT leadership began to retaliate against the dancers [5:47]
• AGMA has issued a Do Not Work Order for DBDT - what does this mean and has it happened before? [10:52]
• The power of the support the dancers have received from Dallas and the dance community [13:51]
• The impact this moment in history will have on the future of quality standards of work for dancers in the US [15:43]
• What needs to change at DBDT for the dancers to feel safe and comfortable in the work environment [19:51]
• How you can support the dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre [31:08]

Support the Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre:

GOFUNDME: gofundme.com/f/help-dbdt-dancers-overcome-job-loss

SEND A LETTER TO DBDT LEADERSHIP: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/081fd9efe5c5c55e7e6c61867bdd9fee02fbe939

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/dancersofdbdt

Links and Resources:

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

Joanne Curry is the Head of Client Success & Principal at Creative Fundraising Advisors. Rooted in her ballet training, Joanne is passionate about empowering nonprofit organizations to achieve their utmost potential.

In this episode Joanne shares what brought her to the realization that a professional dance career wasn’t for her and how she pivoted into the world of nonprofit administration. As a nonprofit expert, Joanne gives us valuable insight into what a nonprofit business really is and the most common misconception people have. We learn the biggest mistakes nonprofit dance companies are making in becoming financially stable and three things companies can start doing today to turn things around. Joanne also shares how dancers can contribute to the financial success of their company (and in turn, get paid more!).

This conversation is incredibly eye-opening for anyone running or employed by a nonprofit business (aka, most ballet dancers!). Together, we can move from the starving artist mindset to one of financial prosperity in the arts.

Key Moments:

• Early training [1:50]
• Attending college for dance [3:00]
• Realizing she didn’t want to pursue a professional dance career (and how she pivoted) [5:43]
• Transitioning into the world of nonprofit administration [10:08]
• What is a nonprofit business (and the most common misconception about nonprofits) [14:50]
• The biggest mistakes nonprofit dance companies are making [16:45]
• How to appeal to donors and drive giving [21:36]
• The three things nonprofit dance companies can do today to become more financially stable [35:44]
• What dancers can do to contribute to the success of their company [37:58]
• Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [43:40]

Connect with Joanne:

CREATIVE FUNDRAISING ADVISORS: https://creativefundraisingadvisors.com/

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-curry-7760184b/

Links and Resources:

The College Dance Decision: thebrainyballerina.com/the-college-dance-decision

DRT: www.drttix.com/create-event (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]