Breaking the Wall Podcast: Recent Episodes
Brandon Coleman
Hosted by NYC based dancer, teacher, and career coach Brandon Coleman, this podcast provides tools to help pre-professional and early career dancers navigate a professional career in the arts. Breaking the Wall is about demystifying the dance industry and taking real action to make our life long dreams come true. As dancers, we spend hours a day and years of our lives honing our craft, but as we step into our careers we need to ask ourselves what we truly want from this life. How is the dance industry changing? Where do I start my career? How can I enjoy the work I'm doing every day? Through stories of success and lessons learned from some epic failures, we will get honest about what we bring to the dance world and what we want our lives to look like in it.
Send Brandon a text with your questions or thoughts!
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Join the PROS fall 2024 waitlist HERE: https://brandoncolemandance.aweb.page/p/7b09d56e-cc15-4df4-b8e5-b946aa20a35f
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Send Brandon a text with your questions or thoughts!
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Join the PROS fall 2024 waitlist HERE: https://brandoncolemandance.aweb.page/p/7b09d56e-cc15-4df4-b8e5-b946aa20a35f
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Send Brandon a text with your questions or thoughts!
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Join the PROS fall 2024 waitlist HERE: https://brandoncolemandance.aweb.page/p/7b09d56e-cc15-4df4-b8e5-b946aa20a35f
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
For our first LIVE podcast interview, I got to chat with my friend and fellow UNCSA Summer Workshop teacher Brandon Cournay.
In our #Brandon2Brandon conversation, we dive into the benefits of networking early on, what to look for in a dance job, and how to develope skills/interests outside of the studio that you're interested in. Today, you can't just be a dancer. Finding other work that supports your role as a dancer is a must do.
About BrandonBrandon Cournay has performed in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, Morphoses, New York Theatre Ballet, The Chase Brock Experience, Schoen Movement Company, Dance Heginbotham, and KEIGWIN + COMPANY (2010-2018). TV/Film/industrial credits include PBS’ Great Performances, Musical Chairs (HBO), Puma, Sesame Street, and Target.
He has been an Associate Choreographer / Rehearsal Director for Larry Keigwin, Josh Prince, John Heginbotham, Chase Brock, Cherice Barton, Sydney Skybetter and has assisted on numerous creative projects in theatre, TV, film, and dance.
Brandon is a sought-after choreographer and educator, whose work has been commissioned by Works and Process at the Guggenheim and for music videos, stage productions, and universities nationwide. He has a passion for teaching all ages, abilities, and communities. Brandon is a teacher of Dance for PD® which offers free, specialized dance classes to people with Parkinson’s Disease around the world. He was honored to teach throughout Africa with DanceMotion USA, an artistic cultural exchange program developed by the US State Department and produced by Brooklyn Academy of Music.
He has worked with The Juilliard School, The Pennsylvania Ballet, UNCSA, Whim W’Him, Montclair State University, Marymount Manhattan College, Rutgers University, Barnard College, Southeast Missouri State University, and scores of universities, dance studios, and conventions.
Offstage, he has held administrative positions with multiple companies with roles varying from producing, curating, and company management. During his time with KEIGWIN + COMPANY, he became Rehearsal Director and Company Manager in 2015, Associate Artistic Director in 2017, and Managing Director in 2018. Brandon is a Founding Board Member of N-Squared Dance.
Brandon is the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Dance Device Lab (DDL). DDL produces student-focused, interactive, and engaging workshops at dance studios nationwide. DDL’s mission is to encourage creative thinking and risk-taking by creating a positive and encouraging space for young artists. All DDL events provide tools that are valuable to dancers as both artists and citizens that are transferable to both inside and outside of the studio.
Using his career as inspiration and DDL as a vess
Send Brandon a text with your questions or thoughts!
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Join the PROS fall 2024 waitlist HERE: https://brandoncolemandance.aweb.page/p/7b09d56e-cc15-4df4-b8e5-b946aa20a35f
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In June, my sister Jill invited me to do a 30 days of reels challenge with her. These days, Instagram is showing more reels to non-followers and she thought it would be fun to see what could come of it. I agreed.
In this episode, I'll take you through my journey and how I gained over 3 thousand new followers on Instagram by posting a reel a day. For me, it's not really about getting a larger follower count but more so the implications of the large following.
My people hiring me for jobs, dancers taking my class, and my real life community expanding.
Send Brandon a text with your questions or thoughts!
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Join the PROS fall 2024 waitlist HERE: https://brandoncolemandance.aweb.page/p/7b09d56e-cc15-4df4-b8e5-b946aa20a35f
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
https://brandoncolemandance.aweb.page/p/7b09d56e-cc15-4df4-b8e5-b946aa20a35f out here at UNCSA for the week and having a blast. I actually use to come out here every summer when I was a kid so I'm feeling some nostalgia this week.
I'm working with dancers from the age of 16-23 in both technique classes and creative process. One of the classes I was asked to teach was a marketing/social media class for dancers and was thinking about what I would do if I was new to IG or not an avid user.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the #1 video you need to post if you don't post anything else. In today's audition scene, directors and choreographers are using IG as both a tool to hire and vet dancers for auditions. If you don't have a good dance video online, in this episode I talk about why I would get one up ASAP.
Send Brandon a text with your questions or thoughts!
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Join the PROS fall 2024 waitlist HERE: https://brandoncolemandance.aweb.page/p/7b09d56e-cc15-4df4-b8e5-b946aa20a35f
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
CJ and I met back in 2016 while working with Shannon Gillen at Springboard. I was a year into my career and CJ was navigating the end of his college experience. As many dancer are in their early 20's, CJ was full of curiosity, drive, and ambition. Today, not much has changed. Now he spends his time between NYC and Europe as both a dancer, collaborator, and choreographer.
In our talk, CJ talks about big pivots he's had to make over the years, seeking out the worlds most inspiring choreographers, and how dancers can better navigate their careers.
About CJ:
A Chicago native, Cj is a dancer, choreographer, and movement director. After finishing his studies at The Chicago Academy for the Arts and Suny Purchase College, where he was awarded the Adopt-A-Dancer Scholarship, Claude then became a full-time company dancer with A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham from 2017-2022 where he became a Princess Grace 2021 nominee. Claude has gotten the opportunity to perform works by Kyle Abraham, Merce Cunningham, Trisha Brown, Aszure Barton, Johannes Weiland, Doug Varone, Kevin Wynn, Nicole Von Arx, Keerati Jinakunwiphat, Princess Madoki , and many more. As a performer and black queer artist, Claude dances to translate the human experience to audiences to recognize the art form of dance as the best catalyst to motivate self-expression and social change. In any artistic space he believes his responsibility is to increase the knowledge and perspective of his community’s vast experience.
Connect with CJ!
Instagram: @Cj4400
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The when is really out of our control when it comes to achieving the career goals we set for ourselves. Over the years we have to pivot, engage with new ideas, and much of the time learn on the job. When I first joined Visceral in 2015, Paige Fraser was one of those dancer's I looked up to.
In our conversation we dive into the life of a dance captain on Broadway, the importance of sharing your story, and how dancer's today can focus their energy when they want to do it all.
About Paige!
Paige Fraser (Bronx, NY) trained at Ballet Atlantic Academy and the Professional Performing Arts High School/Ailey School in NYC. She was a scholarship recipient at; ABT, DTH, Complexions, Jacobs Pillow, and The Juilliard School summer intensives. In 2012, Ms. Fraser graduated Cum Laude from Fordham University/Alvin Ailey BFA. Paige was a member of Ailey II for 2011-2013 seasons. In 2013, she became a founding dancer of Visceral Dance Chicago for 6 seasons. She has been a guest artist with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater since 2016. She is a Princess Grace Award recipient (2016) and a Dance Magazine “Top 25 to Watch” (2017). She has done commercial work with Beyonce, Chanel Iman, and Jussie Smollett; and has been featured in international campaigns with INTEL, ESPN Latin America, and ELLE Magazine. Ms. Fraser made her musical theatre debut in “West Side Story” at the Lyric Opera in Chicago (2019). She toured with the The Lion King, and is now the Dance Captain and Swing for The Lion King on Broadway. Ms. Fraser is the Chief Artistic Officer and Program Director of Dance for The Paige Fraser Foundation. She is currently getting her MA in Art Management from University of Denver.
Connect with Paige!
Instagram: @lovingthispaige | @thepaigefraserfoundation
www.thepaigefraserfoundation.org
www.paigefraser.net
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I remember talking to JBC for the first time in 2015 when I was considering a position with Giordano Dance Chicago. He is the definition of charisma and Mr. Chicago Dance World if you ask me! It wasn't until the following year that I got to perform a new solo by him and a friendship was formed.
JBC has been a great resource for me over the years and in our conversation we got to peak behind the curtain to see what it's like to be an Artistic Director, understand what the other side of the table sees, and what the hope is for the dance community as a whole. Enjoy!
About JBC!
Joshua Blake Carter is the Artistic Director of Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis, IN. Originally from Atlanta, GA, he spent 14 years in Chicago with Giordano Dance Chicago, first as a dancer and then as an administrator and Director of Giordano II, a position he held for 10 years. During his time at GDC, Joshua created three original works for the main company and nine original works for Giordano II. As a freelance artist, he has created works for dance companies, theater companies, and events across the nation. Joshua was the 2009 winner of Wonderbound’s (formerly Ballet Nouveau Colorado) national choreography competition dancemakers2.0. In 2013, he was commissioned to create a new work for DanceWorks Chicago’s DanceMoves choreography competition, and he was awarded the Producers’ Panel Prize by the Ruth Page Foundation for his work, Ripen. Joshua’s choreography for Disney’s Newsies at the Paramount Theatre was nominated for a Jeff Award and a Regional Broadway World Award. Other commissions include Missouri Contemporary Ballet, Nomi Dance Company, Visceral Dance Chicago, and Artifact Dance Project, as well as an original work for Embarq with Joffrey Ballet. In 2016, he created the finale for the event Sing! Featuring Elton John. Joshua has been an Artist in Residence with Brenau University, Glendale Community College, Illinois State University, Salve Regina University, and Southeast Missouri State University.
Connect with JBC!
Instagram: @jbcchoreography
Dance Kaleidoscope's handle: @dance_kaleidoscope_indy
Website: www.dancekal.org
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Although many dancers dream of making larger cities like NYC or LA their homes, this isn't the case for our Guest on todays episode. Elisa and I met back in 2018 when I took a road trip across the country with my friend Owen. We made a stop in Pittsburgh where Elisa took ous out and let us crash on her couch for the night. Years later she would invite me to teach at her FireWall Dance Theater Summer Intensive and we.d be friends ever since.
In our conversation we touch on the importance of community, building your own opportunities, and the blur of a work/life balance and why we love it!
More about Elisa:
Elisa-Marie Alaio is a native of Brooklyn, NY and a graduate of Point Park University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in dance with a primary focus in modern/jazz. Elisa is the founder and owner of fireWALL Dance Theater, currently operating as a drop in dance studio in Pittsburgh. fireWALL was established in 2013 as a modern/contemporary dance company, known for their ability to story-tell in an abstract and theatrical way. fireWALL currently has a resident professional dance company along with a team of young, aspiring dancers that perform and compete nationally. Over the years Elisa has curated and choreographed over twenty full length productions, many that have toured throughout the east coast and have been recognized in magazines, newspapers and critics. Elisa is currently a faculty member at Point Park University and Seton Hill University!
Connect with Elisa!
Instagram: @elisa_alaio | @firewalldancetheater
www.firewalldance.com
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
"Please stop expecting superior results from mediocre effort." -- Dr. Shante Cofield
This quote really hit me this morning as I was drinking my coffee and made me think about how we show up to class.
In this episode, Brandon rants about the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in class and workshops. While its important to just 'check the box' from time to time, we also want to find ourselves moving the needle of our effort more often than not.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
A lot of the time on this podcast, I speak with artists who are established or moved onto other aspects of their career. I'm excited to have Hannah on the podcast today because she is approaching her three year anniversary of NYC living.
In this episode, Hannah talks about her journey so far, what she recommends for dancer's who are interested in moving to NYC, and what she didn't expect when she moved here.
Hannah Weinmaster graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Dance. As a dancer, Hannah has worked with and performed works by choreographers such as Chelsea Thedinga, Peter Chu, Brandon Coleman, Martha Graham, Shannon Gillen, and Paul Taylor. Most recently, Hannah performed as a Radio City Rockette at Radio City Music Hall and has performed works for Dumbo Dance festival, Uptown Rising and White Wave Soloduo Festival in NYC. With choreography, Hannah has been selected as a finalist for Steps Beyond Choreography Lab, Made by Women Film Festival, Utah Dance Film Fest, CDC McClaine Timmerman Choreography Festival, and the Palm Desert Choreography Festival.
Connect with Hannah!
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hannahgraceweinmaster
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In our community, there is a lot of talk about working for free, valuing our talent, and being paid what we deserve for the work we do so well. A lot of advice around working for free revolves around early-career artists and the hoops they have to jump through. However, as some one who has worked for free in the past, there are times when I STILL would and times I never would and don't think you should either.
In this episode, Brandon talks about two types of jobs that he would still do for free and why. Our careers revolve around relationships and skills. How do we nurture both and find joy in discovering new ones?
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
It's that time of year again! Summer teaching and choreographing is how a lot of dancer's support themselves over the slower performing months. However, when we set our rate, no one ever tells us what the "right amount" is.
In this episode, Brandon breaks down what studio owners are thinking and what they probably wont be telling you. It important to set the correct value on your work so you can 1) support yourself and 2) not finish a job feeling resentful but fulfilled!
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Dancer's are no longer just one thing. They never really have been. But these days, dancers are simultaneously making their own work, teaching classes, setting other peoples work, and taking on additional skills/responsibilities.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the importance of being a multi-hyphen artist and why you can be even as you primarily focus on your dance journey.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As a mentor, I want to offer only the best tools and resources for the dancers I work with. However, what they do with that information is up to them.
In this episode, Brandon shares why decision making is such an important factor in a successful dance career. We face so many obstacles on our journeys and our ability to make decisions in the face of constant change is paramount for what were able to accomplish along the way.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As we start our careers, we create an idea of what it will look like. We build up stories and images in our minds about what it will be like to have success, and set goals around finding stability. More than that, we can feel like we have a grasp on what is correct and struggle to open our minds to other ideas. However, what if letting go of these ideas are the keys to our success?
In this episode, Brandon talks abut abandoning your ideas of success, security, and being right, to open up more possibilities. How can we move forward in our careers with abundance and be ready top pivot when needed.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I'm so excited to share this conversation with Ali with you. We dive into her careers, knowing when to transition, and what it takes to book work + build a fulfilling career today.
Alicia Delgadillo began her career with Hubbard Street 2 and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, was a founding member of PARA.MAR Dance Theatre in 2020, and later joined Gibney Company as an Artistic Associate from 2021-2023. Delgadillo has collaborated with a wide array of choreographers and institutions, including Crystal Pite, Ohad Naharin, Alejandro Cerrudo, The Art Institute of Chicago, and The Second City.
She graduated with Honors from the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program where she was able to foster her passion for arts outreach through JUNTOS Collective, a non-profit dance outreach organization. She has taught through residencies with NYU Tisch School of Dance and Bard College, and also served as Artistic Coordinator for Hubbard Street Summer Intensive, Company Manager for PARA.MAR Dance Theatre, and has produced various artistic projects. She is currently a Rehearsal Director with Charlotte Ballet.
Connect with Ali:
Instagram: @aliisabel
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As performers, we're going to face high stakes moment regularly. For some of us, that may mean dealing with nervousness and anxiety around performing more often than others. In this short mindset episode, I want to encourage you all to acknowledge those feelings WITHOUT projecting them onto your audience, even if it makes us feel better in the moment.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I'm in Phoenix for the weekend celebrating my little brother, Connor Coleman. BUT I was hanging out with my older brother Danny and we started diving into the different personality types we work with. The conversation was too good NOT to record.
See where you fall in the Big Five Personality Types HERE
About Danny:
As a trainer and coach for 12+ years, I learned that it didn’t matter how knowledgeable I was or how many certifications I got unless I understood people.
I became obsessed with psychology and behavior change. I read 450+ books (yes, I track them. I had a lot of free time in my twenties) on communication, motivation, influence, human development, business, management, and behavior change. The only fiction I’ve read is the Hunger Games series. Expanding my tastes is something I’m working on.
I took all of that information and wrote a book with my mentor and friend Dr. Jade Teta called “Next Level Tribe” and began speaking at colleges and online seminars, conducting workshops, and building programs for coaches and managers to improve their leadership skills. Things like:
- How to communicate in ways that actually influence behavior change
- Teaching in simple ways to make your ideas stick
- Building confidence and self-esteem to move through fear and anxiety
- Understanding key active listening skills that build connection and retention
- Utilizing the principles of motivation to make habits stick
In 2019, I joined a health and fitness company to build a $1M coaching program (with some amazing people) and oversaw hundreds of clients going through our curriculum, managed a team of brilliant coaches, and applied all that book knowledge with real human beings.
Now, I am the Head of Operations at JillFit, where we help trainers and coaches build and run online businesses. I also head up The Coaching Academy, where I teach coaches, managers, and leaders key skills that actually drive behavior change.
If you dig psychology and behavior change, let’s connect!
Get on the email list: https://www.takecarecoaching.com
Email: Danny@takecarecoaching.com
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Money has always been a touchy subject across industries. We were taught from a young age that talking about money was in bad taste or impolite. When it comes to the dance world, this isn't really the case.
Talking about dance is actually a great way to start growing your wealth. When we can talk about it, we can solve it. What are the things we should be doing? How can we know if were getting paid fairly? In this episode, Brandon is talking all about money and the benefits of bringing it up to your fellow dancers.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Ever wonder what goes into booking a job? Why do some people tend to book more than others? Why are we not getting to where we want to be in our careers?
In this episode, Brandon talks about what he calls, the SAT's of booking a job (not to be confused with the college test). When skill, availability, and trust intersect, dancer's will book work. All three are important to the equation and not all three are in our control. More about that in the episode.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
There are many days when when I wish I had the motivation to get up, make my coffee, and head to class. More often than not, the motivation ends after the cup of coffee hits. The truth is, motivation is hard to find, especially when it feels like you're pushing a boulder up the hill as you navigate your career.
In this episode, Brandon offers four ways to take action so that motivation can follow. It's important that we find creative way to still do the things we need to so that we can reap the rewards and opportunities down the line.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Think about the people in your life that you spend the most time with. If you're in school, its probably the dancer's you take class with. If you're in your career, it might be the people you work with. However, as you grow in your career you'll start to see a seperation. Some will continue to opt into their dance journeys whille other might opt out. Belle Jessen is a good friend of mine from a 2013 summer intensives to our first professional jobs in 2015 who continues to opt in.
In our conversation we touch on our early day in Chicago, her unexpected journey into the LA commercial world, and what dancer's can do to stay actively growing in their careers and hot to pivot if what you thought you wanted isn't serving you.
Belle is a melting pot of trades and artistic endeavors. With 20 years experience in the dance industry, her career has dabbled in both the concert and commercial worlds.
Credits: Dua Lipa, Katy Perry, Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, Banks, Moby, The Voice, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Visceral Dance Chicago, Arrogant Elbow, Chicago Dance Crash, Point Park University
As an educator and mentor, Belle considers herself a true nurturer for the next generation of dancers. Her style blends her technical training with experimental movement and diverse musicality creating a melting pot of styles ranging from contemporary ballet to jazz-modern fusion.
Outside of her dance career, Belle is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Illinois. This venture has strengthened her skills as a business owner as through both industries, she is committed to providing unparalleled value through building long-lasting relationships based on trust and transparency.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Wow-- and here we are. I'm so excited to have made it to this point in the shows journey and looking forward to even more. Only 1% of podcasts get past 20 episodes and 90% of them don't even pass episode 3.
In this episode, Brandon shares three lessons he's learned from his time podcasting and how they can apply to your life as a dancer. How do we take action when were not feeling motivated, how do we let things take time, and how do we focus on the small wins to let the big successes form?
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
It's never ideal to lose your job, but losing it on your birthday feels like an angsty Alanis Morissette song. Early on in our lives and careers, we hear messaging that is pushing this desire for us to find job security. The issue here, especially in the arts, job security is more of an illusion than a tangible reality.
In this episode, Brandon share three ways to protect against and combat job loss. Although dancers traditionally move from job to job, how can we refocus our goals from job security, to job fulfillment?
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We move through two phases as we navigate our careers and most dancers (if not all) will start in the Growth Phase. Here, we are gaining new skills, experiences, and creating value for ourselves, but maybe not always getting the pay we want. Ideally, this phase will lead us to a Demand Phase where we have more autonomy over the jobs we do and create work that fulfills us artistically and financially.
In this episode, Brandon breaks down these two phases and emphasizes their utility as a guide to filter jobs and projects as we move forward in our careers. When is a growth phase necessary in order to reach a demand phase?
Additional Call to Action: I'm creating a new program and looking for a specific group of dancers to participate in the pilot season. If you meet at least 4 of the following criteria, I want to hear from you:
- In your first 1-2 years of a pro dance career
- Currently living in or near NYC
- Contemporary dance
- Actively looking or auditioning for dance jobs in the next 3-6 months
- Haven't had the best luck booking work OR haven't booked any fulfilling work in yet.
Shoot me a DM on IG if this is you and you want to hear more about the program.
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Booking a job is tough process. As a dancer you either know the struggle or will know the struggle at some point. In some cases, we get so close to booking a job or are always getting cut before the last round. But how long do we go through this process before we move on to another focus? How do we tell the difference between when someone leading us on and when the timing just isn't right?
In this episode, Brandon talks about 5 signs to look out for when things aren't resulting in a job. He talk about the importance of taking each rejection as information and using that information to make your next move. Although these are not one-size-fits-all situations, they are great check in moments on your professional dance journey.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Early on in our careers we can get stuck in this mindset of never feeling like we have enough resources. For some dancers, they have the privilege and opportunity to start their careers with the financial security thanks to their parents, guardians, or someone else who helps fund their career early on. Although this is nice and softens the blow of diving into the real world, it could become a crutch that keeps dancers from fully committing themselves to the career they dream about.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why it's not always beneficial to have someone else fund your life at the start. The early days of your professional career is a great opportunity to gain confidence in yourself and what you can accomplish with limited resources. If you do have financial backing, Brandon shares ways you can ease off their payroll and fully step into your financial independence.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Interested in working with Brandon? He works with pre-professional and early career artist to help them book and build fulfilling work. You can learn more about his coaching HERE
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I think one of the main reason dancer's don't continue to pursue a career in dance is because they get defeated before they even start. We face a lot of rejection early on and can't always see the bigger picture when it comes to a successful career.
In this episode, Brandon shares 4 ways dancers can stop living in the short term losses and focus on the long term success. Through consistency, awareness, and adaptability, dancers can stay present in their careers without feeling defeated by a wave of rejection.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Sometimes, it's just a no for me dog.
Early in our careers we tend to audition for every and any job. We're stacking ourselves against other dancers who are just graduating as well as dancers who have been in the field for years. In all the craziness, we don't always stop to ask if the jobs were auditioning for are right for us.
In an effort to unsubscribe from the "a job is a job" mentality, Brandon talks about why you should say no to a job. In this episode, he talks about four filters to go through when making a decision on weather or not to accept a position in a show, company, or process.
Book mentioned: "4,000 Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Thousand-Weeks-Management-Mortals/dp/0374159122
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We all navigate our careers in our own time. Some of us find that we love to dance but don't see it as a viable career option right away and decide to take some time off. Dispite what you're hard core ballet teacher has told you, you can always take a break and get back into dance. How you do it safely and consistently is the real question.
In this episode, Brandon talks about how to navigate your reentry into the dance world. Through Ihis own experience with taking time away, Brandon shares three things dancers can do to make sustainable choices as they dive back in (or maybe just dip a toe in at first).
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The wildness of a dance career comes in waves. Between shows, auditions, class, and anything else that can fill our days, we can go for weeks without having a full day off. As we go through these motions, we can start to feel the weight of our careers.
In this episode, Brandon shares three ways he finds useful to simplify the role we play as dancers. Through these mindset shifts we can make space for more joy and less intimidating stress in our busy day to day lives.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The freelance life is no joke. It takes time, energy, and a drive that isn't for everyone. However, if you're able to stick it out, you could have a stellar career like Christine Flores.
In this episode, I chat with my good friend and Freelance Queen of NYC, Christine Flores. We talk about the schedule of a freelancer, how we'll never like auditions, and the importance of listening to what you want to do and keeping an open mind.
Christine Flores is originally from Toronto, Ontario and has been working with Pam Tanowitz since 2016. She graduated from New World School of the Arts (Miami) in 2015 with a BFA in Dance and received additional training at Springboard Danse Montreal, the Contemporary Program at Jacob's Pillow, and Cunningham Fellowship workshops. Named one of Dance Magazine’s 2021 “25 to Watch”, Christine is currently based out of New York City and also performing with Company XIV, Danielle Russo Performance Project, Keigwin + Company, Dance Heginbotham, NVA & Guests, and Shinsa Collective.
Connect with Christine!
Instagram: @ChristineFl0res
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The life of a dancer is a busy one. We use a lot of energy physically and mentally each day and can get into routines that don't allow a lot of rest. However, every once in a while we get hit with a random day off and are left searching for ideas of how to fill it.
In this episode, Brandon talks about his best practices when it comes to taking advantage of a day off. It's important that dancers find an array of restorative activities they can implement when they have the time to so they aren't left with decision fatigue about how to spend their time.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
One of the more common job offers for dancers fresh out of school is and apprenticeship. These positions have varying responsibilities form one company to the next but you can't know what to expect until you're in it....right?
In this episode, Brandon talks about what to consider before accepting a role as an apprentice. What questions should you ask up front and what experience are you looking to have? We step into these positions with specific goals or hopeful outcomes. What do you need to figure out so you can have a positive experience and avoid being left with nothing but resentment and disappointment.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Unfortunately, getting a job as a dancer is not the easiest process straight out of college and many dancers will find themselves without work right away. Although this is true, how can dancers find the bright side of the time they have?
In this episode, Brandon talks about the highlights of being under or unemployed and the unique opportunities this situation presents. He dives into his own journey and talks about how he used the time to prepare and push Ihis career forward. This career is full of ups and downs, how we spend out time in both is a game changer.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The options after we graduate or enter the workforce are numerous. For some, the need to fill gaps in training or education bring them to a variety of training programs in order to book the jobs they want.
As useful as these programs are, they come with a cost. Between the time, money, and energy commitment, these programs may not be suited for everyone.
In this episode, Brandon ways the cost of training programs and highlights some major components that dancers should consider before they register for them. Each program is different and each will create a different outcome for their participants. Dancer's need to know exactly what they are getting into so they can maximize the value for their investment.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Auditions are one of the most stressful parts of being a professional dancer. For many, especially at the beginning, auditions are the main way to book a job. Between the high stakes and poor conditions that can come with an audition environment, it's easy to feel burned out or avoid this process all together.
In this episode, Brandon talks about how to make an audition fun. Through his own experience, he shares five ways to not only make an audition environment bearable, but actually fun to be in. If auditions are a barrier to the jobs we want, how can we better navigate them as to not crush our soul.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Join his Email List: HERE
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As artist and performers, we get to do some pretty exciting work. We tour the world, perform on the biggest stages, and get to create work that does not exist in the world. These however are the highlights of the career but not necessarily the norm.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the mundane life of the performer and how we can stay engaged in our work. The life of an artist is challenging and dancers need to check in with how their needs are being met and if/when to find fulfillment elsewhere.
How can we keep our work interesting, continue to learn, and recognize the benefits of the work we need to do?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
A part of building a sustainable career means being able to do consistent work. Sometimes that means making the work yourself while you wait for work to show up on your doorstep. The challenges of this career are guaranteed but how we deal with them is up to the individual.
In part two of this episode, Brandon continues to shares how to build a career that is sustainable through the highs and lows. To build a more sustainable career we need to:
- Give ourselves many different experiences early on
- Celebrate both the big and little wins
- Practice abundance over scarcity.
- Be willing to show up when others don't
- Know everything comes to an end
- Just stay in the game the longest
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Growing up as dancers, we hear a variety of messages about what to expect in our careers. Teachers, parents, and other mentors tell us how our time is limited, how how competitive the field is, and how only the strongest survive. This does have some truth to it however, this kind of thinking can lead to some limiting ideas that might hold us back from thriving in this career.
In this episode, Brandon shares how to build a career that is sustainable through the highs and lows. To build a more sustainable career we need to:
- Give ourselves many different experiences early on
- Celebrate both the big and little wins
- Practice abundance over scarcity.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Were back with new episodes for 2023!
With the start of the new year comes many auditions for companies and shows across the country. This can be a stressful time for many dancers who are just diving into the professional world. It's important to find ways to navigate this challenging time in a sustainable way that wont lead to burnout.
In this episode, Brandon gives his top four tips for navigating audition season this year.
- Don't mistake showing your technique with using it
- Don't take "no's" personally
- Don't label yourself too soon (or at all)
- Audition the auditioner
We've heard the in-studio audition tips year after year and it's time to get our mental strength up to where our physical strength is.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We all want to book jobs more easily and efficiently. We also all know those people who seem to always be booked. Instead of waiting hours in a cattle call audition, how can we get to a place where were waking up with job offers in our DMs. This is where direct bookings become the goal.
In this episode, Brandon talks about how dancers can get on the path to direct booking. Through many small, consistent, and purposeful practices, dancers can create relationships that fuel there career in a way that relieves them from the stressful audition process. By investing in our relationships and letting people get to know us inside/outside the studio, we can better position ourselves to book jobs we love and pay us what we want.
How to Book Yourself Workshop Waitlist--
SIGN UP HERE to receive early access to this program
http://eepurl.com/dtRu35
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Whenever we see dancers doing the things that we want to be doing, many times it is because they built the project, tour, event, or show themselves. In the "Build it Yourself" series, I share my own projects and how I built the first iterations of them. I hope these episodes bring some clarity to the potential every dancer holds to build a career they love.
In this episode, Brandon talks about how to build your own drop in class and why now is the best time to start. From renting space, promoting, and getting paid for your class, there's a specific order he recommends to achieve success. Furthermore, Brandon talks about the mindsets and practices he holds onto to keep yourself and your students engaged and showing up week after week.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Asking for money only gets easier with practice but for many dancers, they struggle to justify rate increases even if they know they aren't being paid enough. The world is constantly changing the worth of a dollar and the artists need their price tag to match the value of their work the changing landscape around them.
In this episode, Brandon outlines four times when dancers, teachers, and choreographers should consider increasing their rate. Artists can take too much time to increase their rate and it results in them being underpaid and resentful of the jobs they do.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Any professional dancer who can practice resiliency is bound for a great career. Because our industry is riddled with problems and bouts of failure, it's important that dancers are able to navigate that terrain in a healthy way.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the importance of resilience and how to become more resilient. More times than not, this industry is about staying in it the longest. It can feel like pushing a boulder up a hill at times. With the right tools we can find ways to deal with failure and bounce back quicker by creating our own way forward.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I work with two types of dancers:
1) The dancer thats knows what they want and we're striving for a specific goal
2) The dancer who that doesn't have a clear idea of what they want and might subconsciously be putting their dance career on the back burner.
There's nothing wrong with not knowing what you want, BUT we need to know that a dance career doesn't "just happen." You need to go all in if you want the career you envision for yourself.
In this episode, Brandon breaks down three steps dancers need to take to put their careers first. It's important that dancers make the transition of thinking about dance as a career instead of a hobby. To do that, they need to invest in it and take risks that support that vision.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As dancers, many of us grow up in a discipline that teaches us to be seen in not heard. But for many dancers, they find themselves in professional environments that ask them to give input and collaborate with a choreographer. When we are in these situations, we need to know when and feel confident about the ideas we're presenting to a choreographer or director.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the importance of speaking up in a collaborative environment and how timing is everything. Dancers need to have an idea/solution and be able to articulate it in an effective way.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In the contemporary world, collaboration is a daily practice. If we can hone our skills as a collaborator, we will prove to be more valuable in creation process and also get a head start on our own choreographic or teaching journeys.
In this episode, Brandon kicks off the "Collaboration Series" by talking about manipulating phrases. How do we take information or movement provided by a choreographer and make our own or improve it to support the greater piece? How can we practice manipulating movement before we are in professional settings? In this episode, Brandon offers ideas and tools to help you find your own collaborative voice.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When we find ourselves in the real world after college it can feel like a challenge to find our place in a new city. We crave connection and community but don't know where to find it or where we fit in.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the ways he found community when he moved to NYC and the obstacles he felt were in his way. He offers ideas in how you can create better connections with the people you meet and the importance of patience when it comes to building a community that will last.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I sometimes forget what the college work load was like, but when I think back to it, I remember how dense the schedule and workload actually was. Between school work, technique classes, rehearsals, and trying to my #LifeLongFriends, I remember feeling overwhelmed at times. However, I also feel like there was great value to what that experience brought me.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the value of overwhelm and why it can be good to seek out while you're in school. How do we look at our schedules and fill in space where we can challenge ourselves? Could biting off more than we can chew have benefits for once we enter the real world?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Imposter Syndrome can feel like you're in the wrong room or will be found out as a fraud. This idea is common in our community and can stem from the idea that dancers have to pay their dues in order to earn a place in a respectable show, company, or class. The truth is, we have to believe we belong and that may require a little faking at first.
In this episode, Brandon breaks down a real life imposter syndrome moment he felt in 2017 and how it affected his ability to be hired from auditions. He talks about ways to reframe situations when imposter syndrome creeps in and how to seek out rooms that you are inspired by instead of rooms that feel comfy and fitting.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
It's really hard for dancers to know when to move on. It's also a challenge for them to have the courage to make a big change after working so hard to achieve a life long dream. Most of the time, the picture we build in our head isnt the reality when we book the job. This is when we have to get honest and take action that is going to be the most beneficial to our physical, emotional, and mental health.
In this episode, Brandon breaks down the differences in dance jobs and how we don't always know what we want until we experience it ourselves. What are the signs that it's time to quit? How do we pivot to a different job or career all together? When does one bad day start to add up and become a bad week, month, or year?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We're in an industry where paid opportunities are few and far between. When it comes to solidifying one of these opportunities (teaching jobs/choreographic commissions) for ourselves, we need to be able to clearly show how capable we are to do these jobs.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why it's so important to document your work and why you need to start NOW. Clear video footage, behind the scenes photos, and in-process documentation are vital parts in advancing your career and work. Get good footage of your phrase work and piece (both finished and in process).
You ever get that nervous butterfly feeling when you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone? It’s that kind of energy I’m constantly looking for. I want to engage in activities that make my armpits sweat… at least a little bit.
In this episode, Brandon talk about why it’s important we challenge our nervous systems and step out of our comfort zones regularly. With summer approaching it’s important for dancers to hone new skills and learn skills that they can’t learn in their normal day to day training schedule.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Through this podcast, I hope to share new ideas and shifts so that you can incorporate your many different interests in your dance career. In my conversation with director, producer, choreographer and environmental activist, Kelly Ashton Todd, we dive into we can continue to create work that reflects what we care about most.
About Kelly:Kelly Ashton Todd is a performing artist, filmmaker, and environmental activist. She received a Master’s in Sustainability Leadership from Arizona State University 2021. She currently performs with Sleep No More, NYC. Todd’s choreography has been awarded the Brooklyn Arts Council Grant, Jerome Hill Foundation Finalist, F21 NYSCA in Media Grant, Puffin Foundation Grant, LEIMAY Fellowship, Human Impacts Institute Environmental Health Fellowship, NYFA Fellowship in Choreography, Springboard Danse Montreal Emerging Choreographer 2022, and commissioned by immersive experience Meow Wolf. Her award winning environmental dance film series, Under Review, has attended over 20 film festivals nationally and internationally.
Connect with Kelly!
Website: www.kellyashtontodd.com
Instagram: @kellyashtontodd @underreviewseries
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I see it time and time again. When I go to a show and open my program the longest dancer bios will be from the youngest dancers. I think we feel pressure early on to match the caliber of artist that we share the stage with, but in fact, those dancers will end up having the shortest bios.
In this episode, Brandon talks about how to write your first bios and the value of keeping them short and sweet. How do we cut down the embellishment, the word count, and added extras that end up shining a light on our lack of experience instead of highlighting the accomplishments we should be proud of.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When we start our careers, we have a desire to have all the things to make us look more professional. The best websites, 150 business cards, a email footer/signature. In reality, these things generally take away from what we can do to move our career forward.
In this episode, Brandon reflects on the mistakes he made when he was first starting his career and talks about the ONLY four things you need when you're stepping into your career. Instead of focusing on making ourselves look more professional, we can add value to ourselves and our community by showing up and letting the "shiny objects" wait.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Remember that adrenaline rush you got in auditions for jobs you really wanted? That's the energy that is probably missing from your self tapes. This form of auditioning isnt going away anytime soon so it is important for dancers to learn how to separate themselves from the 1,000 other self tapes landing in casting directors inbox's.
In this episode, Brandon breaks down four ways to raise the stakes of your audition tapes and why it's so important to let them see you sweat/be polarizing. How do we drop into a phrase with the right amount of energy when its just us and a camera in a room?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As a coach/mentor, I have to bight my tongue sometimes when dancers tell me their career goals. After being around the block for a few years now, I've experienced my fair share of toxic work environments. I'm here to provide tool, insight, and resources to help these dancer's navigate their careers but I never want to tell them what they should or shouldn't do with their careers.
In this episode, Brandon shares three situations dancers should lookout for when negotiating if their work situation is potentially harmful. Is your employer defensive when confronted with problems? Do they gaslight you or make you question your reality? Maybe they constantly compare or criticize your character. This episode is designed to help you identify this problematic behavior and notice the frequency in which it happens.
Disclaimer: I am not a mental health expert. When I say "toxic," I mean there is concern for emotional or mental health safety due to poor practices from an individual or within an organization.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Dancer's are generally pretty familiar with in-studio coaching. They are use to honing their technique and artistic voice in the studio but when it comes to creating and navigating a career in dance, they can feel lost, unsure, and frustrated with the process. This is where career coaching comes in.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why dancers today need a coach more than ever. With the ever changing audition world, limited job opportunities, and a variety of paths to take, dancers are feeling stuck and not sure what action to take. Brandon breaks down the reasons dancers can benefit from having someone in their corner and the tools that will help them find joy in both the journey and the destination.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Sometimes I talk to dancers who feel like they need to move to a big city in order to have a fulfilling career. However, if there is anything this pandemic has taught us, it's that dance can happen anywhere.
In this episode, Brandon makes an argument for NOT moving to the big city and investing in smaller communities. When considering your own values, does a life in NYC, LA, or Chicago really offer you what you want? When it comes to having a fulfilling career, where can add the most value and fell valued for our work?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When we think of networking, we sometimes think that it's about how it happens in "the real world." We don't always realize that the networking we need and can utilize right away has been happening for years.
In this episode, Brandon talks about networking and why your current relationships matter more than the ones you think you need. It's important that we invest in new relationships but we also need to realize that our first jobs are probably going to come from the people we know and who are already in our corner.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Breaking the Wall Podcast is 1 year old! Thank you to everyone who has joined me for any part of this wild ride.
As dancers, we only have so much time and energy in a day. We want to take class, go to rehearsal, post on IG, write grants, meal prep, connect with our loved one, and it can be completely exhausting.
In this episode, Brandon gives his tips on how to create a more sustainable schedule and focus in on your priorities. He talks about when he has the most energy in his day and when it's important to just let things go undone.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In part 2 of my interview with Jen Passios, we dive into all things grant writing. We talk about why ways we can improve our writing skills, the materials we can gather before hand, and how we can use grant writing to better define who we are as artists.
About Jen PassisosJen Passios is an artist-athlete, wordsmith, and dance educator committed to building agency through improvisation.
She has spent the past 8 years performing throughout the United States, bringing dance to spaces ranging from law firms to museums, and church sanctuaries to sand dunes. Jen has had the pleasure of performing for audiences at events including the Inside/Out Festival at Jacob’s Pillow, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston’s First Friday Series, TEDxCambridge, and New Balance’s 2018 International Conference. During her professional career, Jen has performed work by a notable roster of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists including: Yin Yue, Shannon Gillen/ VIM VIGOR, Marco Goecke, Itzik Galili, and Lorraine Chapman. In December 2019, she made her on screen debut as a principal dancer in the feature length film “Little Women” (Columbia Pictures) directed by Greta Gerwig and choreographed by Monica Bill Barnes. She spent the 2020-2021 season traveling the USA with CoGRAVITY partner Jacob Regan uncovering one pathway for a life in the arts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pair continue to create, improvise, teach, and write about the current state of dance through a choose-your-own adventure lens.
In addition to her performance work, Jen uses her skills as a storyteller to help performing artists from Boston to Berlin secure the resources they need to bring excellent art to life. Through grant writing and strategy services, she has successfully obtained funding and expansion opportunities including awards from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, Boston Dance Alliance, the Boston Center for the Arts, the New England Foundation for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Boston Mayor’s office of Arts and Culture, Mass MoCa/ Assets4Artists, Ballet Hispanico, The Boston Foundation, The Barr Foundation, the Western Arts Alliance, and Arts Midwest. As a result of these wins, her clients have been able to tour internationally, recoup money lost during the COVID 19 pandemic, make the leap from part time to full time operations, sustain a cast of 6 for an entire season, fund the creation & production of evening length works, expand educational programming, reclaim over 500 hours of studio time, and accumulate a total of $60,000 in institutional funding.
Connect with Jen!
Instagram: @nonjenue
Email: jenniferpassios@gmail.com
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In part one of my interview with "nomadic artist-athlete and educator" Jen Passios, we dive into her life as a professional dancer, creator, and grant writer. Throughout our conversation, we talked about taking advantage of happenstance and the importance of defining your boundaries and values around your career wants/needs.
About Jen PassisosJen Passios is an artist-athlete, wordsmith, and dance educator committed to building agency through improvisation.
She has spent the past 8 years performing throughout the United States, bringing dance to spaces ranging from law firms to museums, and church sanctuaries to sand dunes. Jen has had the pleasure of performing for audiences at events including the Inside/Out Festival at Jacob’s Pillow, the Institute of Contemporary Art Boston’s First Friday Series, TEDxCambridge, and New Balance’s 2018 International Conference. During her professional career, Jen has performed work by a notable roster of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists including: Yin Yue, Shannon Gillen/ VIM VIGOR, Marco Goecke, Itzik Galili, and Lorraine Chapman. In December 2019, she made her on screen debut as a principal dancer in the feature length film “Little Women” (Columbia Pictures) directed by Greta Gerwig and choreographed by Monica Bill Barnes. She spent the 2020-2021 season traveling the USA with CoGRAVITY partner Jacob Regan uncovering one pathway for a life in the arts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pair continue to create, improvise, teach, and write about the current state of dance through a choose-your-own adventure lens.
In addition to her performance work, Jen uses her skills as a storyteller to help performing artists from Boston to Berlin secure the resources they need to bring excellent art to life. Through grant writing and strategy services, she has successfully obtained funding and expansion opportunities including awards from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation, Boston Dance Alliance, the Boston Center for the Arts, the New England Foundation for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Boston Mayor’s office of Arts and Culture, Mass MoCa/ Assets4Artists, Ballet Hispanico, The Boston Foundation, The Barr Foundation, the Western Arts Alliance, and Arts Midwest. As a result of these wins, her clients have been able to tour internationally, recoup money lost during the COVID 19 pandemic, make the leap from part time to full time operations, sustain a cast of 6 for an entire season, fund the creation & production of evening length works, expand educational programming, reclaim over 500 hours of studio time, and accumulate a total of $60,000 in institutional funding.
Connect with Jen!
Instagram: @nonjenue
Email: jenniferpassios@gmail.com
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I'm not a big resolutions person BUT I think it's important to have big dreams and take important action towards those dreams. Every pre-pro and professional dancer has a variety of ways to get to where they want to be but if we do what everyone else is doing, how are we going to get to the place we want to be specifically?
In this episode, Brandon outlines three major action steps that dancers can take right now and why they are game changers.
1) Invest in your education
2) Be proactive instead of reactive
3) Think big, and work small
By doing these three things, dancers will find that their dreams are not only achievable but can happen sooner than they might think.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Whether your are a new teacher or have been teaching for years, I think there is always a way to tweak and improve our class offerings. In the contemporary class world, the range of techniques, style, and information is vast. One contemporary class is not like any other. Because of this, it's important that we take steps to clarify the kind of class we teach so that our students to better grasp the ideas we want to share.
In this episode, Brandon shares three ways to improve your contemporary class in 2022. The ideas are broad but can be applied to anyone who is currently teaching or in the process of forming a class.
1) Take the mystery out of your class
Class description by Dual Rivet for Gibney Dance Center: Dual Rivet’s Contemporary Floorwork class explores intense physicality through strength building techniques, attention to placement and weight, and a curiosity to move. Beginning with a warm up, across the floor, and then robust phrase work, the class emphasizes our maximum physical capacity as movers. Inspired heavily by capoeira, street dance, acrobatics, and release technique we will focus on softening and delving into safe practices while learning. The result will be momentous, seamless and sustainable movement, allowing for freedom within our form and personal exploration of style and musicality.
2) Decide what your class IS NOT
3) Find what is consistent
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
It's the New Year and we're already thinking about summer! It's about this time when all the summer workshops and intensives start putting out their dates for summer 2022 and it's important that we know what we're looking for.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why it's important to get more critical about the summer intensives we attend. What do you really want to get out of the experience once the week is over. He will break down when it's the best time to jump into new experiences and techniques and when it's time to get specific about where you want your career to go.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As we navigate our childhoods and move through our college careers, we gain a wide range of mentors from our parents to teachers etc. When we step into adulthood, I think we crave that same guidance and sometimes bestow that responsibility on our employers. Of course people can be both, however, separating the two has its benefits.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the importance of having a mentor and why it's important to know the difference between a mentor and an employer.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In the Fall, I had some performing plans fall through and because of that I had to pivot and find a new way of making money. I decided to conduct a mini experiment and see how a serving job would affect my physical, mental, and emotional heath.
In this episode, Brandon breaks down how his four month serving job affected his overall energy and motivation. He dives into positive aspects of quick cash or "knick knack" money but how his creativity, drive, and desire to work on his craft started to dwindle.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Young dancers are bombarded with messages about how a career in dance is risky, short term, and not a viable career choice. This leads to many dancers taking time and energy away from their dream of becoming a pro to focus on a back-up plan. I'm no stranger to the dual degree/ back-up plan journey, but we need to go all in if we want a career in dance to work.
In this episode, Brandon talk about why it is so important for dancers to invest full in their career early on. Sometime's we become so fearful of the unknown that we solidify an alternate career path before we allow the career we've been trying to build to take off. Invest less time in the back-up plan and more time in making your dance goals a reality.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Pursuing a career in dance means you'll have to navigate the expectations of the friends, family, and mentors around you. These people may want the best for you, but navigating their expectations of what you "should" be doing, is not your responsibility.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the ways to ignore the expectations of others and refocus on what you're currently doing. By realizing you'll never measure up to the expectations of others, you'll be able to engage with more projects that better serve you.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Audition season is here and seems to be happening on a rolling basis this year. This is great news because it means there are so many opportunities for dancers to book jobs they love. Whether we are auditioning professionally for the first time, or a seasoned pro, I hope these tips will help you navigate the scary audition process in a more proactive and relaxing way.
In this episode, Brandon gives his best audition practices that anyone can bring with them into the studio.
- Know what you're auditioning for
- Don't wait for an audition to invest
- Practice a "I Don't Need this Job" mindset
- Pay Attention to what's getting attention
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I took a trip to Brooklyn last week to chat with Georgia Usborne about her life as a dancer and curator here in NYC. In our discussion, we dive into what it's like to transition into roles outside of just being a dancer, and why it's important for dancers to be open to more than just performance opportunities.
Georgia continues to dive into her career and unveil more opportunities that align with her natural gifts and interests. Through our discussion, Georgia shows us why "success" is a relative term and why it is important for dancers to find jobs where their talents can shine through.
Georgia Usborne is a British born dance artist performing, creating and teaching out of Brooklyn, New York. She is the Founding and Director of CreateART, performance and residency platform building community and supporting artists in New York City.
Following her training at Central School of Ballet in London, Georgia danced with contemporary repertory company Bern Ballet in Switzerland under the direction of Cathy Marston. In Bern she had the pleasure of working with choreographers including Orjan Andersson, Alexander Ekman, Adonis Foniadakis, Johan Inger, Didy Veldman and Noa Zuk. In 2014 she joined Andrea Miller’s Gallim Dance in Brooklyn, New York, with whom she continues to work as a guest artist, teacher and assistant to the choreographer. From 2018 - 2019 Georgia worked as Gallim’s programming coordinator, launching and managing performance events, residencies and classes at Gallim’s Brooklyn studio. She is currently Event Curator for women led non profit East Village based Arts on Site, and a teaching artist with Arts By The People.As a freelance dancer Georgia has worked most recently with Annie Rigney, Bare Opera and Hivewild.
Learn more about Georgia and her work HERE
Follow Georgia and CreateArt:
@GeorgiaUsborne
@CreateArt
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We're taught to be grateful for any job that comes our way and "a job is a job." Most recently I heard the phrase, "don't be one of those dancers..."
The truth is, we are allowed to be picky and should be picky if we want the vision of our careers to align with reality. The days of being grateful for every/any opportunity are over IF you make choices and take scary action to make it so.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why you should turn down certain jobs and how to better align yourself with fulfilling opportunities. How do we combat the feeling of uncertainty and confidently move forward into the unknown? When should we settle...or should we ever!?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Each college and university program is unique and offers different opportunities and resources to their students. The truth is, these institutions don't have the time or resources to offer their students every opportunity they would like to. In fact, these schools would prefer to limit their offerings in order to differentiate their program from others.
For that reason, dancers need to create their own opportunities outside of the confines of the school.
In this episode, Brandon asks his listeners to think outside of the box their college/university has created for them. In the real world, dancers who are making big moves are doing so because they decided to create them themselves. Brandon provides three ways dancers can make a big impact in their careers NOW.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Dancers are notoriously poor communicators and since the pandemic, certain small talk questions prove to prompt basic responses or just feel impersonal. As artists, we're meeting new people all the time. How do we navigate conversations to build strong relationships both professionally and personally.
In this episode, Brandon provides three questions for dancers to delete from their vocabulary and some alternatives that support more open-ended conversations.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In an industry over run with white/male Artistic Directors, Chelsea Ainsworth and Jessica Smith are creating women led organizations that thrive and fill a void the NYC dance world desperately needs. In my interview, we dive into how these two leaders pivoted during the pandemic and the importance of building organizations that encourage creativity, power, and resilience.
Dual Rivet is a women-led dance company focused on creating and sharing highly physical contemporary dance to a wide audience. Based in NYC, Dual Rivet creates work for stage and film that exchanges a cinematic and visceral language to influence both platforms. The company teaches a myriad of classes, throughout the United States, with an emphasis on contemporary partnering and floorwork. Led by Jessica Smith and Chelsea Ainsworth, Dual Rivet aims to share what it means to be female leaders in the arts.
Arts On Site is a women-led nonprofit arts organization dedicated to providing artists with opportunities. Arts On Site began as an event to showcase artists. The event was an initiative from professional artists Chelsea Ainsworth, Kyle Netzeband, and Adrian Rosas, to connect artists from multiple art forms. As the event grew, a diverse community of artists grew and the concept for Arts On Site was born.
Chelsea Ainsworth is a graduate of the Dance Department of The Juilliard School. She has worked with Johannes Wieland/StaadtstheaterKassel in Germany, Lorena Egan, Flexicure, Amber Sloan, Bryn Cohn + Artists, The Bang Group, Zvidance, and was on the modern/ballet dance faculty at Cap21 musical theater school and Chen Dance Center. Currently, she is creating work through Dual Rivet.
Jessica Smith is a New York City based dancer from New Orleans, Louisiana. She studied at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, London Contemporary Dance School, and received her BFA in dance from the Department of Dance at Purchase College. She’s currently a performer at Sleep No More NYC, Vim Vigor Dance Company, and ZviDance as well as Associate Director of Arts on Site NYC. She is the Co-Choreographer and Director of Dual Rivet, a women-led dance company based in NYC.
Connect with Chelsea and Jessica!
https://www.instagram.com/ainsworthchelsea/
https://www.instagram.com/jaesmith9
Dual Rivet:
https://www.dualrivetdance.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dualrivet/
Arts on Site:
https://www.artsonsite.org/
https://www.instagram.com/artsonsite/
Special thanks to Emma Thesing for her assistance in organizing material for this episode of BTWPod.
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In part 2 of 2, Brandon and Omar dive into the specifics of navigating a career as a choreographer. What do dancers need to know when pursuing this path? How do you find creative/administrative balance? What are the best practices of being a freelance choreographer?
Omar Román De Jesús (Bayamón, Puerto Rico) is a recipient of the 2020 Jacob's Pillow: The Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellowship. He has been commissioned twice by Instituto de Cultura de Puerto Rico to create work for the International Dance Festival of Puerto Rico, where he was awarded the Ambassador of Dance medal. Omar has won choreographic competitions including the Joffrey Academy of Dance's Winning Works Choreographic Competition and the Whim W’Him’s Choreographic Shindig. He has received awards including the Audience Award at The Dance Gallery Festival, 1st place prize at the Reverb Dance Festival and the Parsons Dance GenerationNOW Commission for their 2017 Joyce Season. He has also created work for Bruce Wood Dance, Jacob Jonas The Company, and educational institutions like The Ailey School, James Madison University and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. His work was recently presented at Chop Shop: Bodies of Work Contemporary Dance Festival and will be presented, online and live, at the upcoming: PRISMA International Dance Festival in Panama, the Jerusalem International Choreographic Competition and the Palm Desert Choreography Festival.
Omar is fond of education and has experience teaching workshops and master classes all over the world for dancers, non-dancers, and children on the Autism Spectrum.
Connect with Omar!
https://www.bocatuya.com/
www.instagram.com/bocatuya____
Special thanks to Emma Thesing for her assistance in organizing material for this episode of BTWPod.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In part one of this two part interview, Brandon sits down with dancer, teacher, and choreographer Omar Román De Jesús to talk about his journey as a choreographer and how he views his place as a choreographer.
Omar Román De Jesús (Bayamón, Puerto Rico) is a recipient of the 2020 Jacob's Pillow: The Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellowship. He has been commissioned twice by Instituto de Cultura de Puerto Rico to create work for the International Dance Festival of Puerto Rico, where he was awarded the Ambassador of Dance medal. Omar has won choreographic competitions including the Joffrey Academy of Dance's Winning Works Choreographic Competition and the Whim W’Him’s Choreographic Shindig. He has received awards including the Audience Award at The Dance Gallery Festival, 1st place prize at the Reverb Dance Festival and the Parsons Dance GenerationNOW Commission for their 2017 Joyce Season. He has also created work for Bruce Wood Dance, Jacob Jonas The Company, and educational institutions like The Ailey School, James Madison University and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. His work was recently presented at Chop Shop: Bodies of Work Contemporary Dance Festival and will be presented, online and live, at the upcoming: PRISMA International Dance Festival in Panama, the Jerusalem International Choreographic Competition and the Palm Desert Choreography Festival.
Omar is fond of education and has experience teaching workshops and master classes all over the world for dancers, non-dancers, and children on the Autism Spectrum.
Connect with Omar!
https://www.bocatuya.com/
www.instagram.com/bocatuya____
Special thanks to Emma Thesing for her assistance in organizing material for this episode of BTWPod.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Whenever we see dancers doing the things that we want to be doing, many times it is because they built the project, tour, event, or show themselves. In the "Build it Yourself" series, I share my own projects and how I built the first iterations of them. I hope these episodes bring some clarity to the potential every dancer holds to build a career they love.
In this episode, Brandon talks about his experience of building his first teaching tour and the benefits that came from it. He talks about organizing, promoting, and executing each step of the process and encourages dancers to find a way to build their own.
Special thanks to Emma Thesing for her assistance in organizing material for this episode of BTWPod.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As the pandemic (hopefully) comes to a close in the US, our in-person lives are getting more and more busy. We'll start to fill our time with class, rehearsals, meetings, and other work but I want to encourage you to keep seeing live shows. Outside of the entertainment aspect, seeing live shows is a great way to connect to your community, experience new ideas, and network.
In this episode, Brandon share his reasons why seeing live performances is a MUST. Whether you're new to a city or have been a part of a community for a long time, seeing live shows allows us to connect with one another both professionally and personally.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We're taught from a young age to be true to your word and stick with your commitments. However, in a freelance career, you need to take the great opportunities that come your way and that may mean letting go of commitments that no longer fit into your schedule.
In this episodes, we talk about the strategies and possibilities that go along with breaking future commitments. These can be both teaching obligations that you can no longer commit to and even dance jobs that you have to step away from. It a complex situation and there is no fool proof way to navigate it. Brandon shares his practices when he lands in this situation and how he cushions the blow of breaking commitments.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Resumes are a staple in the dancer audition process. The issue is resumes are not a "one size fits all" situation. We have to tailor our resumes for each individual job and make sure we are highlighting the content that is most important to the people hosting the auditions.
In the episode, Brandon outlines the important aspects every resume needs to have. He also tackles myths about what casting directors value on a resume. How do we organize our resumes to paint us in the best light possible and how do we know whats going to be important?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Dancers need new photos all the time. Whether thats for audition headshots or social media content, photoshoots can get expensive. Of course we want to make sure our photographers get the pay they deserve, but we can't always afford regular photoshoots for hundreds of dollars a session.
In this episode, Brandon shares his tips to have great photoshoots on a budget. How can we get more bang for our buck and find more creative ways to get the photos we want.
Episode Shoutout
Mallory Peetee— @maljpetphoto on Instagram
www.maljpetphoto.com
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I always hear dancers who want to move to a new city say, "I want to give it a shot and see how it goes in a year." The problem is, a year doesn't allow you enough to for you to immerse yourself in what the city has to offer. It takes at least two years to build connections and have those connections turn into potential jobs.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why it's important to invest more than just one year in a new city. He shares ways dancers can stay actively involved in their new home and focus on how the can contribute instead of what they can get from the community.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
I am here to help dancers thrive and open any door that I can. However, when a relationship feels one-sided or like they only want to connect when they need something... it can feel frustrating. No one likes to feel used and it actually can hurt more than help.
In this episode, Brandon tells a story about a person named "John" who only slides into Brandon's DM's when he they need a favor. How do we avoid transactional relationships and find better way to get what we want out of our career?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The number of dancers who are working as freelancers throughout the US is growing. With a decline in full time dance company positions, dancers are finding more opportunities to connect with multiple choreographers instead of joining rep based companies.
In this episode, Brandon talk about the methods, the pros, and the cons of working as a freelancer. As a freelancer himself, he's learned that not all jobs are going to make him fulfilled but finding autonomy in your career is worth the trial and error period. It's important to get specific and be open about what you're looking for in you career.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
These days, directors and choreographers want to know more about dancers as individuals. Of course, they want to see your dancing but they also want to know your intentions, goals, and ideas for the company. It's important to that in your interviews and artist personal statements you make it clear about why you want to be a part of this company or show.
In the episode, Brandon breaks down important information that needs to be shared during an interview or personal artist statement. Many dancers make avoidable mistakes at this stage of the audition process and it is costing them a spot in the organization.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When asked about their success in celebrity interviews, I remember them saying things like, "I just worked very hard from a very young age." For me, that is only part of the story. There are so many other factors that contribute to success outside of "hard work."
In this episode, Brandon talks about how opportunities play into someones individual success. Based on work by Malcom Gladwell, Brandon dives into three factors he finds that contribute to someones opportunities. He outlines Malcom Gladwell's story of Bill Gates and then talks about his own journey of success and opportunity.
Outliers by Malcom Gladwell
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As Instagram and other apps continue to evolve, their software and how they decide which posts get seen is getting more complex. I see a lot of artist getting frustrated with their work, posts, and stories not being seen and they feel like the algorithm is working against them. For me, there are other aspects of this creative life id rather focus on than cracking the algorithm.
In this episode, Brandon explains why the Instagram Algorithm is so complex and why it's best to just ignore it. Throughout the episode, he shares three things to focus on instead of the algorithm and how these can benefit artists in the long run.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Social media makes it easier than ever for us to connect, communicate, and share. These days, you're more likely to get some to reply to your DM than an email. Being able to communicate effectively and create positive relationships in your DM's is a great way to utilize this tool.
In this episode, Brandon talk about when, why, and how to reach out in the DM's. Past that, he also talks about some common mistakes dancers make and why they should let go of expectations.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When I coach dancers, many of them wonder if they should separate their personal and professional lives on social media. I understand the desire to do so BUT labeling our accounts as only one thing, limits the sharing possibilities and doesn't represent us as whole people. These day's, directors are not only hiring dancers/teachers/choreographers for their talents but also for their personalities, values, and beliefs. It is all important.
In this episode, Brandon explains why he believe one IG account is more than enough. He talks about why it's important to run a consistent and active Instagram account and how adding a second account will make it more work than is needed.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The best art reflects the times and society. I also think that the best art challenges the times and society. Dancers (and artists in general) have a responsibility to create spaces that support creativity, new ideas, and reflect our community.
In this episode, Brandon shares four ways to make your social media accounts more inclusive. Making changes like, sharing your pronouns, capitalizing each word in hashtags, and adding image descriptions and closed captions to your videos are effective ways to promote inclusion on social media. In this episode, Brandon talks about these strategies and why they're important in our lives today.
Image description examples:
@2ndbestdance
@AIMKyleAbraham
@actsofmatter
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We've made it to the end of our 4 part Utilizing Instagram series and in this episode we are talking about one of IG's newest features, reels! These are a great way to engage with the social media sight because the add an editing element that was missing in the past.
In this episode, Brandon will share three types of reels that dancers should be creating and sharing. There are a lot of ways to use this instagram feature but overall it's a great way to show off your creativity.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Social MAY-dia continues and today we are diving into part three of our Utilizing Instagram series. Stories are a great way to take followers into your day-to-day lives. It gives everyone the opportunity to be the star of their own reality show. What makes stories even better is that they create easy access for people to connect.
In this episode, Brandon talks about ways we can utilize stories as dancers. He shares ideas of what people can share throughout their days both professionally and personally. In these days, it's important that casting directors know both the dancer AND the human. Stories are a great way to show both!
Episode Shoutouts:
Jill Coleman @JillFit
Danny J @DannyJDotCom
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As Social MAY-dia continues, we bring you part two of four in our Utilizing Instagram series. Some dancers don't know what to post and some get annoyed or frustrated that they need to be posting at all!
In this episode, Brandon talks about what makes a good IG post and what dancer's should focus on as the use Instagram. He talks about the power of good quality videos, images, and captions and how dancers can construct these themselves or with the help of others.
Episode Shoutouts:
Alice Klock and Florian Lochner of FLOCK
The Story Factor by Annette Simmons
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We are celebrating Social MAY-dia over here at Breaking the Wall Podcast!
All month long, look out for 8 new episodes focused on how dancers can better use these online platforms. How can make them personal, interesting, and enjoyable to use. My goal is to make using social media less of a chore and more of a thing you enjoy.
In this episode (Part 1 of 4), Brandon talks about how Instagram is a great visual resume for dancers. We can share photos, videos, bio info, and external links to share our personal AND professional lives. He talks about how to construct your bio in a way that represents you, what you've done, and what you love.
The big take aways from this episode:
1. We need to see your face
2. We need to see your name
3. We need to see where you are and what you're doing
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In reference to @Garyvee's viral call to action to new graduates, people between the ages of 22-26 have the most time, energy, and lack of responsibilities they will ever have in their lives. Therefore, the first five years of you creative/artistic lives are the best time to dream big and take risks.
In this episode, Brandon outlines the first five years of his post grad life and the risks he's happy to have taken in that time. He will also explain why you should you should do more NOW and why he views this career as a marathon with sprints.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In every other industry outside of dance, interviewing or auditioning for a position is free for the person applying. In some cases, companies pay people to audition for them. Somehow, the charging dancers audition/application fees has become a common practice in our community.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why he's resistant to paying audition fees. This year hit the arts (and specifically dance) community especially hard and may dancers and companies are struggling to stay afloat. However, this year has also given our community time to reflect, restructure, and create new/better practices as we move forward.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When we think of how we invest in our careers, we may think about all the time and energy we've put in to get to where we are. However, there's something to be said about investing with money. In the dance industry, money can be tight for a lot of dancers but when we invest our money in the right places (and the right people), we can see incredible returns.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why it's important to invest in opportunities that provide an experience, information, or access. He'll also explain why class, workshops/intensives, and media, are great places to start investing regularly.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In college we are told to "get good at auditioning" or "auditioning will be your job." But what happens when you are already booked and another opportunity is presented to you? You might feel inspired to go and "just be seen" or use it as a "networking opportunity." Before you show up and put on that number, theres a few things and alternatives you should consider.
In this episode, Brandon talks about why you should stop auditioning for jobs you cant do. He'll offer solutions and alternatives that will help dancers maintain positive relationships with new and current employers/collaborators.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
People LOVE asking dancers to work for zero to no money. And when I say people, I'm talking about directors, choreographers, and other people who want to exploit a dancers love for their career. Advocating for fare pay for dancers is a must, but what do you do in situations when money is limited? What should we consider to be a fair payment for our expertise and services?
In this episode, Brandon breaks down forms of payment that might actually be acceptable in place of cash. How can we do the projects we enjoy and still get compensated/feel respected for the work we do? In this episode we dive into this and why exposure is not an acceptable form of payment.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As many of us found our social media scrolling time increase in the last year, we may have also found ourselves comparing ourselves even more to our peers. Sometimes it can feel like everyone else is working or doing big things and meanwhile we feel stuck, unsuccessful, or unhappy with how we are spending our time.
In this episode, Brandon talks about his own struggle with the comparison trap and his solutions to this epidemic facing creative social media users. How can we better focus on ourselves and our achievements and stop comparing our success to what our colleagues are achieving?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
It's audition season and I know you're all working hard to book jobs from other people. However, what do we do when no one is offering us a job?
Answer: We build the job ourselves!
Many of us think of our careers happening in this order: Dancer ---> Choreographer ---> Teacher. However, each of these take years of practice and play to master. What we need to do is start investigating these other avenues now.
In this episode, Brandon talks about the importance of creating your own work and the benefits and adds to your dancer tool belt. He talks about projects and work you can do TODAY with the resources and time you have available.
Book mention: "Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art" by Stephen Nachmanovitch
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Job descriptions for these types of positions vary from company to company. Unfortunately, many of these positions are unpaid and many dancers agree to them without understanding the responsibilities that they include. What questions do we need to ask and how do we make sure we have all the information we need to make good and informed decisions.
In this episode, Brandon explains the benefits and shortcomings of working as an apprentice or intern. He also talks about how these positions are traditionally misleading and what to be aware of when you take on this kind of job.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When you're growing up, it's normal to hear "You can do anything you want in life!" But there's a moment (or a few moments) when you're approaching adulthood that your parents start asking what "actual" plans you have for the future.
It's not easy to dive into a career in dance but convincing your parents you're going to make it work is a challenge in and of itself.
In this episode, Brandon reflects on his own talks with his mom and how their conversations evolved over time.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
More often than not, dancers find themselves lacking the financial education they need to generate wealth in their lives. Although many dancers have consistent income throughout their careers, they lack the skills the manage their money and understand how their money comes in and out.
In this episode, Brandon will introduce B-A-S-E, which is a framework designed to help dancers build healthy money habits through generating income, understanding how their money comes in and goes out, the benefits of a emergency fund, and how to continue their financial education moving forward.
Resources mentioned:
I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
How to Money Podcast
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to run its course, companies and shows are utilizing virtual auditions and video submissions more than ever. Many of these institutions are strongly considering permanent implementation of these practices moving forward. Even after the pandemic comes to an end.
Slating is a short introduction which usually includes your name, agency, and other basic info about yourself. This part of your submission SHOULD be short and simple. However, many dancers tend to make mistakes. Some are technical, like lighting and background noise, while others have to do with speaking too fast or adding distracting movement.
In the short episode, Brandon will talk about common mistakes he's found when watching dancers slate at the beginning of their video submissions. This episode will help simplify slating and have you slating with confidence in not time!
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Making a performance reel is a right of passage for dancers as they approach graduation. Some people edit and create new reels for every audition they submit for. We want to present ourselves in the best light but don't always know how to put our reels together.
What do casting and artistic directors want to see?
What's a good length and how do we pick the right footage.
In this episode, Brandon provides an outline for dancers to create a great reel they can be proud of.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Gig work is super popular right now and a great way to make some cash in a short amount of time. Sometimes, details can get lost in translation when you're accepting a job and you might be signing up for more than you thought (or less when it comes to money).
In this episode, Brandon will three money questions you should ask before you accept a gig:
Whats the pay?
Whats the time commitment?
When/How will you be paid?
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
You may be seeing "2 years professional experience required" on a handful of audition postings. The truth is, dancers are booking these jobs without meeting this requirement. So why not you?
In this episode, Brandon will explain how he made the jump from dancing like a student, to dancing like a professional. Many collegiate dance programs prepare dancers to be strong technicians and help dancers prepare for long careers. When it comes time for dancers to work professionally, what can they bring to studios and auditions that take them past being strong technically?
**This episode is for dancers who are about to start auditioning for professional jobs. Holding onto a student mindset is helpful as you continue your further education.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
We are accepting all questions through the Breaking the Wall Podcast Instagram page! Last week, a dancer wanted to know: "What books do we recommend for early career artist?"
Check out these MUST READ books and hear Brandon's thoughts about them in the episode!
I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay, PhD
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
If you have a book you love, reach out and let us know!
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Setting your rate is such a challenge! With every studio facing challenges and costs of business, we need to keep our rate fluid and changing on a case-by-case basis. How do you put a numerical value on your teaching ability? At first, talking about money can feel weird or uncomfortable, but we have to be able to articulate how much our time and knowledge are worth. More importantly, we need to be able to talk about WHY our time and knowledge are valuable.
In this episode, Brandon talks about four factors to consider when setting your rate as a teacher:
- Location- Where are you teaching?
- Constancy- How often are you teaching?
- Time Cost- What do you pay out of pocket to teach?
- Time Value- What is your time worth?
Here, you'll be able to find a rate that works for you AND the people who are employing you to teach their dancers.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
The covid pandemic really turned the dance industry upside down and in March of 2020, dance teachers around the world moved to teaching virtually. Some chose to share their class via social media like Facebook or Instagram, while others brought their class to Zoom. Anyway, they chose to do it, teaching online provided greater accessibility to dancers who wouldn't have the opportunity to take teachers classes in person.
In this episode, Brandon talks about his own teaching journey and how to start your own process of teaching online. There are a lot of tough realities we have to face when it comes to teaching and teaching online specifically. How to we confront and overcome these challenges and create a class that serves our students needs?
The ideas shared in this episode will help you find more joy and confidence as you start teaching online.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Brandon in no stranger to the side hustle. He worked at a late night jobs at a pizza shop, walked dogs, sold his plasma, served ice cream, and delivered wine by foot. In this episode, he'll talk to you about the importance of finding a side hustle that works for you and your life. As dancers, we are resourceful and creative. How can we make use we utilize the time we have and make the money we need to continue to live our dreams?
Here, Brandon will take you through four questions to ask yourself as you go through your personal hierarchy of needs. The goal of Breaking the Wall Podcast is to provide tools and practices that will lead to you to living the life you've always dreamed of. How can we incorporate our side hustles and odd jobs to make that dream reality through ALL aspects of our lives.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Rejection is just part of the deal. Some of us will feel the burn of rejection on a daily basis while others will only feel it from time to time.
In this episode, Brandon shares four way for dancers to better deal with rejection through proactive strategies and stories of rejection from his life. There are a variety of reasons we don't get the jobs and opportunities we want and think we deserve. We need to know how to acknowledge and manage these upsets to keep moving forward.
Episode Shoutouts:
Abe Lincoln
James Coleman
Kelly Todd (@rootedgingeryogi)
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Sometimes we picture our careers being a consistent upward trajectory in terms of success. Every year will lead to more money, more touring, and more status. Maybe we see ourselves starting with smaller jobs and then work our way up to bigger and better opportunities. But what happens when the plans and dreams you have don't work out the way you plan?
In this episode, Brandon gets personal about his success and shortcomings through great dance jobs, drowning in thousands of dollars in debt, sleeping on air mattresses, and riding a roller coaster of highs and lows.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
Connecting with dancers, teachers, and choreographers after a class or audition can feel intimidating. Putting ourselves out there can feel super vulnerable because we don't want to come off as needy or annoying. How do we instead come off confident and excited about the relationship moving forward?
In this episode, Brandon helps you get clear about your goals when writing a following up email and when reaching out is a good idea. With these ideas, you'll feel confident when reconnecting with someone you want to work with again.
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
In the final months leading up to the start of your career, it's easy to feel stuck and unsure of how to best utilize the remaining days you have in school. With the lack of in-person auditions and online class burnout, it's easy to feel unmotivated.
In this episode, Brandon shares six ways to make the most of your final weeks in school. He shares what he wish he took advantage of in his final days of undergrad and the practices that saved him repeatedly throughout his career.
Episode Shoutouts:
Whim W'Him (@WhimWhimgram)
Rambert (@RambertDance)
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
When Brandon asks pre-pro dancers what they want to do, the most common answer he gets is "I want to do it all!" As dancers, we have many options in our career path. We want to dance on Broadway, background for celebrities, and in Europe. The issue is, we need to be specific about what we want to do first, and go all in. How do we make choices and then take action?
In this episode, Brandon gives four ways for dancers to make some hard decisions on what direction they want to take in their careers. He'll offer four ideas to make picking a career that makes sense for you!
Episode Shoutout: Taylor Mitchell (@mitchellmovement on IG)
Interested in working with Brandon? SIGN-UP for a FREE Coaching Consultation HEREBrandon helps pre-professional dancers find their voice as they navigate their careers and helps them stay accountable when pursuing their goals.
Through coaching, Brandon helps dancers define whats important for them and redefine what a successful life/career looks like.
Learn more here: http://www.brandoncolemandance.com/career-coaching
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www.BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP
"Please welcome to the podcasting stage.... Breaking the Wall Podcast!
Hosted by NYC based dancer, teacher, and career coach Brandon Coleman, this podcast provides tools and stories that are designed to help early career artists THRIVE!
In each short episode (all under 20 minutes), Brandon will help emerging dancer navigate the exciting, uncertain, and beautiful world of a career in the arts.
Cover art by Abby Tatro (@AbbyTatroDesign)
Cover photo by Spencer Weidie (@SpencerWeidiePhotography)
Connect with Brandon!
Instagram: @itsBrandonColeman | @BreakingTheWallPodcast
Website: www. BrandonColemanDance.com/BTWP