Podcast Summary
Behind the Scenes of Strictly: Long Hours and Constant Learning: Dedication, hard work, and adaptability are crucial for a successful career in the performing arts. Rehearsals for shows like Strictly can last from August to the end of the year, with dancers putting in over 10 hours a day to create unique dances with their celebrity partners.
Being a professional dancer on a high-profile show like Strictly comes with intense dedication and commitment. Kevin, a four-time runner-up on the show, shared his experience of rehearsals starting in August and lasting till the end of the year, with long hours and constant learning from various choreographers. He also mentioned the excitement of meeting celebrities and being paired up with them. The schedule is demanding, with dancers putting in 10 hours a day or more to create dances with their celebrity partners. Despite the challenges, Kevin expressed his love for the creative process and the opportunity to learn from different choreographers. This interview highlights the importance of dedication, hard work, and adaptability in pursuing a career in the performing arts.
Merging Passion and Profession in Dance: Passionately pursuing a profession can lead to remarkable opportunities and experiences, but requires significant investment and perseverance. Supportive parents and balancing financial stability are key challenges.
Passion and profession can be merged for maximum fulfillment, as demonstrated by the interviewee's experience in dance. Despite the demanding and relentless schedule, the interviewee's love for dance kept them going, even through periods of doubt and financial struggles. The intersection of passion and profession can lead to remarkable opportunities and experiences, but it often requires significant investment and perseverance. In the world of dance, particularly ballroom, the path to success involves competing as an amateur for a long time while incurring substantial costs. The interviewee's journey highlights the importance of supportive parents and the potential challenges of balancing a passion with the need for financial stability.
Personal sacrifices and disillusionment in competitive dance: The pursuit of success in competitive dance can lead to significant personal sacrifices and a disillusioning experience, highlighting the importance of finding authenticity and purpose beyond the competition scene.
The pursuit of success in competitive dance led the speaker to make significant personal sacrifices, including living in their car and being fired from multiple jobs. The corrupt nature of the system, which required constant spending on lessons from influential teachers, left the speaker feeling disillusioned and questioning the authenticity of their achievements. Eventually, the speaker decided to quit the competition scene and seek a new path, finding inspiration in a dance company that prioritized performance and applause over competition results.
Breaking the rules for audience reaction: Focusing on audience reaction can lead to a more fulfilling experience in dance, even if it means sacrificing competition success.
Sometimes breaking the rules and focusing on audience reaction can lead to a more fulfilling experience in dance, even if it means not winning competitions. The speaker shared how he intentionally made unconventional choices on the dance floor to elicit strong reactions from the audience, despite the potential negative impact on competition results. Jason Gilkerson, a fellow dancer, made a similar choice by creating a dance company that pushed the boundaries of ballroom dancing. Ultimately, the speaker found more joy and growth in this form of dancing, even if it meant sacrificing competition success. This mindset shift allowed him to discover a deeper love for dance and find mentors who supported his artistic exploration. However, personal circumstances, including relationship pressures, eventually led him to leave dancing altogether and explore other artistic pursuits.
Follow your own path and dreams: Be true to yourself and prioritize your own goals and desires, even if it means going against others' expectations. Having your own identity and clear vision can lead to greater personal fulfillment and success.
It's important to follow your own path and dreams, even if it means going against the expectations or desires of others. The speaker shared his personal experience of feeling trapped in various paths that weren't truly his own, but now realizes that being more selfish about his goals and desires is not a bad thing. In fact, it can lead to greater personal fulfillment and success. He also emphasized the importance of having your own identity and not letting yourself be defined solely by your role in relationships or careers. The speaker's advice for others is to be true to yourself, even if it means pushing back against others' expectations, and to remember that leading others in a clear and focused direction requires having a clear vision for your own goals.
The importance of expressing personal accomplishments: Confidently sharing achievements can lead to self-worth and respect, while hiding them may hinder personal growth and relationships.
Having confidence in oneself and expressing personal accomplishments freely can lead to greater self-worth and respect from others. The speaker shares his experience of hiding his involvement in Strictly Come Dancing due to fear of coming across as arrogant, but after encountering a bold speaker at a workshop, he realized the importance of being proud of his achievements and expressing them openly. This realization led him to gain confidence, receive support from his loved ones, and ultimately, pursue his dream of selling property full-time. Previously, he felt the need to live for others' expectations and constantly seek their approval, which may have contributed to his past relationships and lack of self-belief. The Strictly experience provided him with validation and the courage to embrace his identity and aspirations.
Being authentic leads to confidence and growth: Authenticity and self-expression can lead to personal growth, attracting the right people, and forming partnerships. Be true to yourself and express your vision to inspire and attract others.
Being authentic and open about who you are and what you do can lead to greater confidence, personal growth, and attracting the right people into your life. Kevin shared his personal experience of finding confidence by introducing himself openly and authentically, leading him to pursue his goals and vision of financial education for the world. He emphasized that people will judge you regardless, so you might as well be true to yourself. From a marketing perspective, being open about your skills and accomplishments increases the chances of forming partnerships, finding mentors, and attracting the right audience. Authenticity and self-expression can lead to inspiration and admiration from others, and even if not directly related to their interests, people are drawn to those with a clear vision and volition.
Dilemma of staying true to art vs selling out: Recognizing the importance of inspiration and commercialization can ultimately enable us to pursue our passions
Artists, including dancers, often face the dilemma of staying true to their art or selling out to gain opportunities and financial stability. Kevin, a dancer, initially refused to participate in Strictly Come Dancing due to fear of losing his artistic identity. However, he later realized that participating in the competition opened doors for him and his wife to establish their own dance company and put their art in the spotlight. Similarly, as an artist, I once believed that avoiding others' work would keep my art original. But, recognizing the importance of inspiration and commercialization, I now understand that being smart about making a living can ultimately enable us to pursue our passions.
Embracing the power to evolve as an artist: Artists can adapt and reach wider audiences by embracing both indie and commercial aspects of their craft.
Artists have the power to evolve and adapt, embracing both indie and commercial aspects of their craft to reach and inspire larger audiences. The speaker shares their personal journey from feeling misunderstood as an artist to desiring commercial success, inspired by bands like Coldplay and influenced by choreographers like Matthew Bourne. They recognize that there's no need to shy away from the term "commercial" or "selling out," as it can simply mean reaching a wider audience and making a bigger impact on people's lives. By opening themselves up to new opportunities, artists can broaden their reach and continue to create art that resonates with many.
Defining moments in a dancer's career: Success in dance or any field requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to change. Fulfillment comes from engaged audiences and validation through achievement, even after years of hard work.
Success in dance, or any field, doesn't come easily and often requires perseverance, adaptability, and a willingness to change. The speaker shared two defining moments in his career as a dancer. The first was when he felt fulfilled as an artist, performing on Broadway with Burn the Floor and experiencing the energy of an engaged audience. The second was when he finally made it onto Strictly Come Dancing after being rejected multiple times and having to change his appearance to fit the show's image. Both moments represented a sense of achievement and validation, but they came after years of hard work and determination. The speaker also touched on the importance of not letting bitterness or negativity hold you back from pursuing your goals. Instead, it's essential to reflect on what truly matters to you and keep pushing forward.
Embracing fears and expressing oneself authentically: Push past fears to discover joy and connection in expressing oneself authentically, as people will judge you regardless.
Personal growth and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to transformative experiences. The speaker shared his journey from feeling self-conscious about dancing to embracing it and even becoming a successful public speaker. Both dancing and public speaking were initially daunting experiences for him, but he pushed through his fears and discovered the joy and connection that comes from expressing oneself authentically in front of an audience. He emphasized that people will judge you regardless, so it's essential to be true to yourself and not let fear hold you back. The energy and connection in a crowd can be a powerful motivator and an experience that artists, including speakers, aim to create for their audience.
Exploring opportunities for innovation in ballroom dance industry: The ballroom dance industry could benefit from disruption, focusing on performance opportunities and financial support for dancers beyond competitions and exams.
The ballroom dance industry, with its focus on competitions and exams, may be in need of disruption. The speaker, who is passionate about both business and dance, expressed concerns about the limited opportunities for performance and the potential for dancers to face financial hardships. They shared their vision of creating dance shows and companies to provide opportunities for dancers to learn and perform outside of competitions and exams. With the large viewership of shows like Strictly Come Dancing and a growing interest in dance, there seems to be a significant opportunity for innovation in this industry. The speaker's goal is to inspire and create opportunities for dancers to pursue their passion beyond the traditional competition and teaching paths.
Beyond the Competition: The Impact of Strictly Come Dancing: Strictly Come Dancing provides opportunities for financial growth, business development, personal fulfillment, and transformation for dancers and celebrities. It also serves as a valuable marketing and branding platform for the ballroom industry and its dancers.
Strictly Come Dancing plays a significant role in the ballroom industry and the lives of its participants beyond just the competition aspect. For the dancers involved, it provides opportunities for financial growth, business development, and personal fulfillment. The industry and individuals risk missing out on these benefits if Strictly Come Dancing were to disappear. Moreover, the show serves as a platform for personal growth and transformation. Dancers and celebrities alike can gain confidence, discover new passions, and find joy in dance beyond the competitive arena. For instance, Karen's experience with Louise Redknapp demonstrates how Strictly Come Dancing can help individuals rediscover their identity and confidence, making the journey just as important as the outcome. Furthermore, Strictly Come Dancing offers a valuable opportunity for the ballroom industry and its dancers to reach a wider audience and gain recognition. With millions of viewers tuning in every week, the show presents a significant marketing and branding platform for dancers to expand their careers and reach new audiences. In conclusion, Strictly Come Dancing is more than just a competition; it's an essential part of the ballroom industry and a life-changing experience for many involved. Its impact on the industry and individuals is far-reaching and should not be underestimated.
Finding joy in others' success and positive impact: Though personal achievements are fulfilling, focusing on the positive impact we have on others is the greatest gift. The property world uniquely fosters this mindset with a collaborative community.
While personal achievements can be fulfilling, the greatest gift is the impact we have on others. The speaker shares his experience of coming in second place in a competition four times, and although it was disappointing, he found joy in seeing his sister's success and the positive impact he had on others through his work in property. He emphasizes that the property world is unique in this regard, as people are more willing to help and share knowledge, making it a rewarding experience for all involved. Ultimately, the speaker encourages focusing on the positive impact we can have on others rather than solely pursuing personal achievements.
Creating a supportive environment for personal growth: Providing a fun, balanced environment helps children develop essential skills, confidence, and academic performance.
Creating an enjoyable and supportive environment is crucial for personal growth and development, whether it's in dance, golf, or any other activity. The speaker shared her experience of seeing the positive impact of dance classes on a shy girl's confidence and academic performance. She also emphasized the importance of balancing fun and pressure, as too much of either can hinder progress. The speaker's personal experiences with her own children and their involvement in various activities further underscored the importance of ensuring that children are having fun and not feeling undue pressure. The ultimate goal is to inspire a love for the activity and help children develop essential skills and confidence.
The importance of supportive and challenging figures in personal growth: Having a balance of supportive and challenging figures in our lives contributes to personal growth. Constructive criticism and challenges help us improve, while support and encouragement keep us motivated.
Having supportive and challenging figures in our lives can significantly contribute to our personal growth. The speaker shares how his experiences in golf and dance have shaped his perspective on this. In golf, he appreciates the social aspect and the community of nice, well-rounded individuals. His parents and mentor have pushed him to excel, providing him with the balance of freedom and expectations. In dance, his mentor, Jason Gilkerson, has been both supportive and challenging, pushing him to be his best on the dance floor. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having people around us who can provide constructive criticism and challenge us to be better, as well as offer support and encouragement. He also mentions the influence of the documentary "Mister Kawasaki" and its portrayal of a father-son relationship where the father pushes his son to be the best he can be. Overall, the speaker's experiences highlight the importance of having a balance of support and challenge in our lives to help us grow and reach our full potential.
The power of collaboration: Collaborating with experts in different areas can lead to greater success than trying to do everything alone. Be clear on your goals, find the right people, and trust their expertise to achieve them.
Focusing on doing what you do best and collaborating with experts in other areas can lead to greater success than trying to do everything alone. The speaker shares his experience in the ballroom industry, where everyone tries to prove themselves as the best and do everything themselves. However, he learned that there are better people at handling certain aspects of a project and that working with them can result in a much better outcome. The entrepreneurial mindset often makes people feel the need to do everything themselves, but everything in life and business is a collaboration. By opening up to the idea of working with others and trusting their expertise, one can achieve their goals more effectively and enjoy the process. The speaker also mentions the importance of being clear on what you want to achieve, finding the right people to help you do it, and loving every minute of it. This shift in attitude is a significant departure from his previous way of thinking, and he finds it strange yet rewarding. Additionally, the speaker encourages taking action and perfecting things later, rather than dithering and worrying about every detail.
Embrace imperfection and seek help: Starting a project or business doesn't require perfection. Embrace imperfection, seek help, and focus on your strengths to succeed.
Starting a project or business doesn't require perfection or extensive knowledge from the get-go. Arnold Schwarzenegger's success story is a testament to this, as he wasn't an excellent actor in his early films. Instead, it's essential to put the project out there, and when help comes along, embrace it. A friend of the speakers became an integral part of their business by handling administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on what they excel at. Being open to inspiration from various sources, such as dance, music, business, and public speaking, can lead to innovative ideas. And finally, studying other niches and disciplines with an open mind is an excellent way to innovate.
Borrowing ideas leads to innovation and success: Ideas from various sources can inspire innovation and success, imitation is not plagiarism, seek inspiration from high-end brands, art, music, and people, and always give credit to the original source.
Borrowing ideas and getting inspired from various sources can lead to innovation and success in business. It's important to recognize that imitation is not plagiarism, and putting your unique spin on an existing concept can create something new and valuable. Additionally, seeking inspiration from high-end brands, art, music, and meeting great people can provide endless opportunities for idea generation. Remember, giving credit to the original source is essential, and they will appreciate the recognition. So, don't be afraid to borrow ideas and work collaboratively with others to create something remarkable.
Entrepreneur's appreciation for meaningful conversation about entrepreneurship policy: Entrepreneurship demands unwavering commitment and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue for valuable insights and opportunities.
Effective communication is crucial for a successful entrepreneur. During a lengthy discussion lasting an hour and 45 minutes, the entrepreneur expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about entrepreneurship policy. Although the conversation was long, it highlighted the importance of persistence and resilience in the face of disruptions. The entrepreneur acknowledged breaking the record for the longest disruptive entrepreneur interview, but viewed it as a testament to his passion and dedication to his cause. Ultimately, the conversation reinforced the importance of staying focused and engaged in conversations that can lead to valuable insights and opportunities. So, while the length of the discussion may have been unusual, the key takeaway remains that entrepreneurship requires unwavering commitment and a willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
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