In this conversation, Cat shares their journey as a dancer and choreographer, discussing their educational background, the creation of their dance company cat.astrophe, and the establishment of the aCatemy. They emphasize the importance of community, self-worth, and creating safe spaces in the dance industry. Cat also reflects on the balance between teaching, performing, and personal life, offering valuable advice for aspiring dancers and choreographers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cat Cogliandro

03:12 Journey Through Dance Education

06:07 Creating Community in Dance

08:49 The aCatemy: A New Approach to Training

11:41 Cultivating Class Culture

14:58 Finding Balance in a Busy Life

17:49 Embracing Change and Trusting the Process

20:45 Advice for Aspiring Dancers

23:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Cat:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cat_cogliandro?igsh=ZGxxZ3dlaXh2ZG9x

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cat_cogliandro?_t=ZP-8y3gNwBKKDO&_r=1

Takeaways

• Cat emphasizes the importance of finding oneself through education and experience.
• Creating a supportive community in dance is essential for growth and collaboration.
• The dance industry often perpetuates harmful practices that need to be dismantled.
• Education should focus on advocacy and personal expression rather than competition.
• Balancing personal life and professional commitments is a continuous journey.
• Trusting oneself and surrendering control can lead to greater fulfillment.
• Surrounding oneself with positive influences is crucial for personal development.
• Failure is a part of the journey; it's important to embrace it with a positive attitude.
• Community and collaboration are vital in the arts.
• Change is a natural part of life and should be embraced.