What is a Brainy Ballerina?
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you know The Brainy Ballerina® is all about empowering aspiring ballerinas with the tools needed to be SMART dancers. But what exactly makes someone a smart dancer - aka a brainy ballerina?
I asked some of my incredible colleagues in the dance industry to share their take on what makes a dancer a truly brainy ballerina. Check it out! ⤵️
“A brainy ballerina is persistent. I use the word persistent because as artists we get the chance to create our own paths. I think that’s unique because in other professional realms, the path is laid out for us and other people are making choices for us. As an artist, if you are persistent, you hear the word “no” a lot, which can be really frustrating. Oftentimes we hear the word “no” without any explanation, which can be even more frustrating. You have to stay persistent, know yourself, and create opportunities for yourself. Nobody’s going to hand you an opportunity. You’ll hear “no” a million times and rather than waiting for that “yes”, why not create your own path?”
Krystle Frey, Host of the Pivot Ball Change Podcast
“A brainy ballerina is searching. If you’re searching you’re willing, you’re learning, and you keep growing.”
Nancy Paradis, Artistic Director of LA Dance Moves
“A brainy ballerina is prepared. You don’t know how many times in my career as a ballerina and an attorney I have been against people that were more experienced and knowledgeable. But because I was prepared, I had the upper hand.”
Cielomar Puccio ESQ, Founder of Brandllet Law
“ A brainy ballerina is somebody that loves to learn continuously.”
Susanne Puerschel, Founder of Pointe to Rise
“A brainy ballerina is authentic. It can be really hard to figure out who you are and what you have to say as a dancer. So many times we try to be Tiler Peck or Skyler Brandt but there already is a Tiler Peck! Just be you and people are going to be interested. Know what you’re good at and capitalize on that. Don’t be afraid to let your personality come out on stage rather than trying to pretend you’re something else. That makes you a super brainy ballerina.”
J
ennifer Milner, Founder of Bodies In:Motion
“A brainy ballerina is somebody who can synthesize everything they’re taking from ballet and not only apply it back into the studios, but learn how to apply it to other aspects of your life. That’s what makes dancers so successful in all aspects of life.”
Robert Fulton, Founder of The Ballet Scout
What is a brainy ballerina to me? Definitely all of the above!
However, if I had to choose one phrase to describe a smart dancer I would say a brainy ballerina is a problem solver. Dancers are constantly stepping into new situations and unknown territory. Whether it’s an audition, working with a new choreographer, dancing on a less-than-ideal surface, or dealing with an on-stage costume malfunction, we encounter obstacles every single day. Not knowing what to expect can be scary. But when you are a strong critical thinker, you know you can solve any problem that comes your way. When you’re met with a challenge you see it as an opportunity as opposed to a threat. You have confidence in yourself and your abilities and are able and willing to take the necessary steps to succeed. That all adds up to a strong, smart, capable dancer!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
