06. Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable with Emily Baker

Emily Baker is a professional dancer currently in her 6th season with Newport Contemporary Ballet, formerly Island Moving Company. She has also danced professionally with Inland Pacific Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet Tucson, Impact Dance, Colorado Ballet, Mareck Dance (formerly Missouri Contemporary Ballet), and The Big Muddy Dance Company.In this episode we dive deep into Emily’s path as a professional dancer, the power of connections, knowing when it’s time to pivot and getting really comfortable being uncomfortable.Key Moments: Early training with Inland Pacific Ballet [1:55] Moving across the country for her first professional contract at 18 [3:48] Moving back home after a setback [5:00] Joining Ballet Tucson after a crazy audition experience [6:30] Making connections and branching out in Colorado [8:05] Shifting into contemporary ballet with Mareck Dance [16:29] Taking the leap to contemporary with Big Muddy Dance Company [22:43] Experiencing burnout and taking a year off from dancing professionally [31:58] Going back to company life with Newport Contemporary Ballet [35:23] Pursuing passions beyond being a performer [40:36] Her biggest piece of advice for dancers pursuing a career [46:29]Connect with Emily:HER WEBSITE: emilybakerdance.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/emilybaker8Links and Resources:Click here for one FREE month of Danscend’s Council for Educators with code BRAINY1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]