Podcast Summary
A mother's support led to a successful dance career despite no family background: Passion and family support can help build a career in dance, even without prior experience
Passion and support from family can lead to building a successful career and business in the dance industry, even if the parents have no prior experience in it. Lindsay Arnold, a professional dancer, choreographer, and model, shared her story of starting dance at the age of 4 with no dance background in her family. Her mother, not being a dancer herself, recognized her daughter's passion and opened a dance studio for her and her sisters to train. Lindsay's success in Dancing with the Stars and her entrepreneurial ventures in cosmetics, clothing, and jewelry lines are a testament to the power of nurturing talent and passion. It's a reminder that one doesn't need a dance background to support and build a successful career in the industry.
Starting a dance studio: A labor of love: Passionate involvement in students' lives and diverse dance backgrounds can lead to positive impacts and career opportunities
Starting a dance studio is a labor of love, not a guaranteed moneymaker. The passion and dedication of the studio owner are crucial for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students to learn and grow. From the perspective of someone who benefited greatly from her parents' dance studio, Lindsey emphasizes the importance of being involved in young dancers' lives and the potential career opportunities that come from a diverse dance background. Cross-training in various dance styles can set dancers apart and open doors to more opportunities in the industry. Ultimately, the goal should be to make a positive impact on students' lives, rather than focusing solely on financial gains.
Versatility is key to a successful dance career: Being adaptable to various dance styles and having a strong work ethic leads to opportunities and rewards in the dance industry, beyond monetary incentives.
Having a diverse dance background and being versatile in various styles is crucial for a successful dance career. The interviewee emphasized the importance of being able to adapt to different dance genres and being the "yes man" who can do everything. They shared their experience of competing in various dance styles and the rewards being primarily the honor and passion for dancing rather than cash prizes. The drive and dedication of dancers to compete and improve without monetary incentives is a testament to their love for the art form. If the interviewee had not ventured into the world of television, they would have likely continued competing and made money through teaching and performing at events. The better the competitive record, the higher the demand and price for lessons.
Exploring Opportunities in the Dance Industry: Dance is a diverse industry with numerous professional paths for dancers, including competition, teaching, TV shows, Broadway, choreography, and dance-reality shows. The journey to a professional career can be challenging, but embracing various opportunities can lead to success.
Dancing may not be an Olympic sport yet, but it's a vast industry with various professional opportunities for dancers. These include competition and teaching, TV and unscripted shows, Broadway, and choreography. Dancers can also audition for dance-reality shows without getting paid during the audition process, but they might get paid if they make it to the touring phase. The road to a professional dance career can be long and unpredictable, and dancers might need to adapt and explore different avenues to succeed. The speaker encourages young dancers to consider various paths, including choreography, and to embrace the journey.
Unexpected opportunities can lead to career advancements: Stay focused and committed to your passions, as unexpected opportunities can lead to significant career advancements
Being open to opportunities and putting your all into what you're doing in the moment can lead to unexpected and significant advancements in your career. Lindsay's experience on "So You Think You Can Dance" served as her audition for "Dancing with the Stars," and she didn't even realize it at the time. Her passion and dedication to dancing propelled her into the next level, even though she wasn't actively seeking out the opportunity. However, her first experience as a pro on "Dancing with the Stars" with a difficult celebrity partner was a learning experience, and she later returned as a background dancer before becoming a pro again. Despite the initial setback, Lindsay's determination and hard work paid off in the long run. It's important to remember that opportunities can arise when you least expect them, so it's crucial to stay focused and committed to your passions.
From setbacks come growth: Setbacks can lead to personal growth and new opportunities. Seize every chance and learn valuable lessons from them.
Setbacks and challenges, even if they seem devastating at the time, can ultimately lead to personal growth and new opportunities. The speaker shares her experience of being demoted from a professional dancer to a backup dancer on Dancing with the Stars, which was initially a blow but eventually helped her mature and discover her unique entertainer persona. The experience also came with a significant pay cut, but it taught her valuable lessons about money management and independence. The speaker also emphasizes that there are countless people who would give anything for such opportunities, and it's essential to seize them when they arise. Overall, the experience was a crucial stepping stone in her career and personal development.
Financial instability for backup dancers in the entertainment industry: Backup dancers in the entertainment industry face financial instability due to unguaranteed contracts and income from the show, leading to intense competition for limited spots.
Being a backup dancer in the entertainment industry, particularly on shows like Dancing with the Stars, can be financially unstable as seasons and contracts are not guaranteed. Dancers rely on their income from the show to live, and the competition is intense due to the financial incentives. The show's format, which pays dancers per season or week, can significantly impact their earnings. Additionally, the increasing number of seasons per year and the financial responsibilities of dancers with families further emphasize the importance of having multiple sources of income. The natural competitive nature of dancers and the financial implications of staying on the show contribute to the intense competition.
Competing on Dancing with the Stars: Long-term career benefits: Competing on DWTS offers increased exposure, potential endorsements, opportunities for future work, and financial gains.
Participating in a competition like Dancing with the Stars, even if you don't win, can have significant long-term benefits for your career. These benefits include increased exposure, potential brand endorsements, and opportunities for future work. Additionally, some cities may even pay the show to come film there, providing an extra financial boost. From the perspective of international dancers, making it on Dancing with the Stars in the United States could be considered the ultimate dream come true, given the show's popularity and reach. Overall, the value of being on television, especially on a major network like ABC, can be substantial, with each minute of airtime potentially worth thousands of dollars.
Dancing in the US: Opportunities and Contracts: Understand the implications of contracts and negotiate confidently for fair compensation when opportunities arise in the dance industry.
The opportunity to dance in the US holds significant appeal for many dancers around the world due to the various opportunities and cultural experiences it offers. Additionally, contracts for dancers are not as straightforward as in sports, with the possibility of being released at any point. It's essential for dancers to be aware of their worth and negotiate their contracts respectfully when the opportunity arises. Emma, Sasha, and Sharna, among others, aspired to dance in the US, and the representation of diverse cultures in the industry adds value and education to the show. The speaker, who started dancing on the show at a young age, shared how she signed a 7-year contract without fully understanding its implications but was grateful for the experience. When her contract expired, she negotiated her new one herself, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's worth and being confident during negotiations.
Confidence and Calmness in Conversations: State demands, allow silence, know worth, seize opportunities, have support, avoid regrets.
Having confidence and being calm in conversations, especially when asking for something, is crucial. This can be achieved by stating your demands and then allowing a brief moment of silence to let the other party fully understand and resonate with what you've said. Additionally, knowing your worth and capitalizing on opportunities when they arise can lead to new income streams and a successful career. The speaker, a professional dancer and influencer, shares her experience of starting her own businesses and taking risks to avoid regrets. She emphasizes the importance of having a good support system and seizing opportunities when in a prime position to do so.
Collaborating with Brands: A Low-Risk Approach to Entrepreneurship: Partnering with established brands can offer valuable industry knowledge and experience, while minimizing financial risk for entrepreneurs and passion project pursuers.
Starting a business or pursuing a passion project doesn't always require a significant upfront investment or the assumption of all the risk. Instead, collaborating with existing brands and leveraging partnerships can be a viable strategy to minimize financial risk and learn from industry experts. Lindsay's approach of working with brands she's passionate about and promoting their products has allowed her to gain valuable experience and potentially pave the way for future entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, as seen in her past experiences, such as appearing in High School Musical 3 before Dancing with the Stars, sometimes the most exciting opportunities come with minimal financial gain but invaluable learning experiences.
Early dance experiences shaped careers: Valuable opportunities from early dance gigs fueled passion and drive, but tour life isn't always glamorous
The early experiences in dance, including a $100 3-day gig on High School Musical 3, provided invaluable opportunities and opened doors for the dancers, despite the challenges. These experiences, which came before their TV movie and Dancing with the Stars careers, fueled their passion and drive. Furthermore, going on tour with a Dancing with the Stars cast member involves separate negotiations and a different company, with varying levels of comfort and amenities. While some shows may offer better facilities, tour life is not glamorous as one might think, with limited access to showers and no pooping on the bus. However, strategically choosing certain tour stops can lead to better accommodations and a more enjoyable experience.
Staying true to oneself in pursuing a career: Follow your intuition and be true to yourself for greater success and happiness in your career. Don't conform to expectations just for the sake of it.
Key takeaway from this conversation with Lindsay Arnold is the importance of staying true to oneself in pursuing a career. Arnold emphasized that if something doesn't feel right or authentic to who you are, it's not worth doing. She shared her experience of trying to fit into a corporate banking role despite feeling miserable because she thought it was what she was supposed to do. However, she eventually realized that following her intuition and being true to herself led to greater success and happiness. Arnold's advice is especially relevant in the entertainment industry, where there can be pressure to conform to certain expectations. By staying true to who you are and doing what feels natural, you can unlock opportunities and possibilities that may seem unimaginable. Arnold also shared about her various businesses, including her own jewelry company and tanning product, which can be found on her social media and various websites.
Behind the Scenes of Dancing with the Stars Tour: Dancers endure long hours, travel challenges, and competition pressure to put on an impressive live show, while fans' dedication to their favorite teams inspires awe
The Dancing with the Stars tour is an impressive display of entertainment despite the challenging conditions behind the scenes. The dancers face long hours, travel in cramped buses, and strict rules, including no use of the bus bathrooms. The intensity of the competition is also evident, with dancers like Lindsay Arnold facing unexpected setbacks and having to grind it out for years before achieving success. For fans, attending the live tour is a must-see experience, and the dedication and talent of the dancers are truly remarkable. Additionally, the Buffalo Bills fans' unwavering loyalty to their team, despite decades of heartbreaks, is a testament to their passion and resilience.
Learning from setbacks leads to growth: Acknowledge mistakes, learn from setbacks, and help others find success in their strengths.
Growth and success often come from facing challenges and learning from setbacks. The story of Lindsay, a hockey player who was demoted and later found success, illustrates this idea. She acknowledged that she wasn't ready for the professional level when she was first promoted and took ownership of her mistakes. Her experience as a backup dancer, despite the hard work and minimal rewards, ultimately led her to where she needed to be. Another insight gained from the conversation was the importance of valuing people and placing them in situations where they can thrive. As a coach, it's crucial to recognize when someone isn't succeeding and help them find a better fit. In the world of reality TV, it's easy to assume that everything is scripted for ratings, but the truth may be more complex. While there might be some influence from producers, the contestants' actions and abilities play a significant role in their progress.
Reality TV: Boosting Ratings with Controversy: Producers intentionally keep controversial cast members on reality TV shows to boost ratings, even if they generate negative attention. Cities or businesses may pay to be featured as a form of advertising or PR.
Reality TV production companies may prioritize casting controversial figures to boost ratings and viewership. The speaker shares his opinion that producers intentionally keep controversial cast members on the show, even if they generate negative attention, as long as it drives viewership. He also mentions the possibility of cities or businesses paying to be featured on these shows as a form of advertising or PR. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about his experience on The Bachelorette and the unexpected visit from friends during filming. He also hints at receiving payment from the show. Overall, the discussion highlights the business side of reality TV and the strategies used to maintain high ratings and viewership.
Investing in and producing popular shows: Exploring the business side of entertainment, the podcast features discussions with investors and showrunners, offering insights into producing popular shows and starting one's own businesses in the industry
The business side of entertainment can be quite intriguing. During the discussion, it was mentioned that an investor bought the rights to produce "The Bachelor" tour, and while they have some input on the show's hosting and guests, the overall production is mainly run by the showrunners. This concept of investing in and producing popular shows is fascinating, and it would be intriguing to hear from someone who has actually done it. Additionally, the episode featured Lindsay Arnold, a professional dancer, discussing her journey from starting her own dance studio to various forms of dance and her own businesses. The episode was a great exploration of the entertainment industry, and the guests coming up on the podcast include Alex Rodriguez, La La Kent, and Corporate Natalie, among others. Overall, the podcast offers unique insights into various industries and is definitely worth tuning in for.
