52. Say Yes to Yourself: Michelle Thompson on Creating Your Own Opportunities in a Dance Career

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Michelle Thompson - former dancer with Ballet Austin, seasoned educator, and freelance choreographer based in New York City.Michelle shares her remarkable journey from a spontaneous childhood dance debut at a neighborhood party to training at San Francisco Ballet School, a fulfilling 14-year career at Ballet Austin, and her transition into teaching and choreography.Michelle offers candid insight into the realities of a professional dance career - from balancing motherhood while performing, to navigating rejection, and the often unseen work of carving out a path as a freelance choreographer.This conversation is full of wisdom about longevity, resilience, community, and the importance of saying “yes” to yourself.Key Topics:✨ The lessons performing in company productions as a student taught her about professionalism✨ How hard work, consistency, and openness shaped her long career at Ballet Austin✨ What it’s really like being a dancing mom and how community made it possible✨ The importance of persistence through rejection and why “no” isn’t the end of the story✨ Michelle’s teaching philosophy beyond technique: consistency, communication, and a positive attitudeIf you're a dancer navigating the unpredictable world of auditions, contracts, or freelance creative work, this conversation will give you both practical guidance and soulful encouragement.Connect with Michelle:INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/michelle_thompson_ulerichDINNER PARTY PROJECT: https://www.instagram.com/dinner_party_project_nyc/EMAIL: [email protected] and Resources:Get your copy of The Intentional Career HandbookSet up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career callLet’s connect!My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.comINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerinaQuestions/comments? Email me at [email protected]