We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Doreen Saly a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Doreen, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

When I was 2. I started dance lesson because I was a born klutz. Turns out the fluid in my ears were unbalanced. The doctor prescribed dance lessons for me to learn how to balance myself, (I was always covered in black and blue marks).
Then Shirley Temple movies started to air on television. I was hooked. I knew this was my path in life.
Throughout the years I had the beautiful guidance of a few dance teacher mentors. I was given scholarships to most of the studios, my family was also unable to provide financially. My mentors saw my drive and fed me the knowledge to pursue a professional career.
The rest is history. Dancer, acrobat, specialty hand balancing act, my sons career as a hand balancer, my grandchildren pursuing acrobatic careers.
PS: I am still a klutz when something is not choreographed

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have performed in a variety of dance shows worldwide. My career has included “behind the scenes” experience in the field of entertainment. I studied dance at Princeton Ballet Society in New Jersey and Broadway Dance Center in New York. I began my professional career with the opening of Atlantic City’s 1st casino performing with mega stars Ben Vereen, Donald O’Conner, Debbie Reynolds, and Gene Kelly.
My show credits include “Bal du Moulin Rouge”, Cirque du Soleil’s “Worlds Away”, “An evening at La Cage”, “Hello Hollywood Hello”, “Live from the Roosevelt” and “Keep Smilin America”. I was also a member of the specialty hand balance act “The Roman Statues”. In addition, I have performed on numerous television shows, appeared on billboards and in magazines. My touring credits include Jupiter’s Casino in Australia.
I taught and choreographed acrobatics, jazz, ballet, and tap throughout New Jersey, Florida and Las Vegas. I have also
judicated dance competitions . Recently I worked as the lead costume care technician for Cirque du Soleil’s Beatle’s LOVE and various television events.
I have 2 adult children, Jessica and Kristofer, and 4 grandchildren. Kristofer was part of the hand balance act “The KriStef Brothers”. They placed 6th in the finals of “America’s Got Talent” in 2013. My granddaughter is a competing silk aerialist. My 3 other grandchildren are competing gymnasts.
In retirement from a 21 year of performing, I have found numerous craft and odd jobs to keep myself busy. Also taking Zumba and classes at a Sun City community center where I now reside.
I am most proud of my children pursuing their dreams, following in my footsteps along with the tradition continuing for my grandkiddos

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I was never a competitor to get that trophy or medal. The most important lesson I learned at an early age was to compete within myself. My drive to be the best I could be came within. Most creative students are lacking the love and drive from within their inner self. They have the tricks but not the drive of love for their art. When taking class, I would always say to myself, express and give it your best. You can always do better. If I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror, whether physically or emotionally, I would change my attitude and always, always love art.
This is what makes a performer. Express the love of your art and the tricks magically come to life

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In my early teens, doctors discovered I was born with a heart defect. After a great deal of testing, I had pinholes in my heart. Doctors tried to convince me to take medications for the rest of my life. I refused and decided to go the route of controlling my heart beat spasm myself through my own discovery of breathing when a spasm occurred. This controlled breathing was my weekly life until I was about 45. My heart doctor and family friend told me in 2004 about a surgery to fix the pin holes. The pin holes were fixed and I haven’t had a issue since. Amazed at my complete recovery.
Also in 1979, I became violently sick. Doctors found out I had a kidney birth defect!
Being the stubborn and persistent girl I am, I was not going to let the doctor cut me up leaving huge scars. This could have a huge impact on my performing career.
I insisted on a cosmetic surgeon to join my surgery team. He did and my lovely 10 inch scar would always be hidden. (Considering the scar was originally to be all the way up my back.) The surgery was another success.
My drive to do what I love was always a factor. If at all possible, disabilities should not hinder your drive. Do what you can to help yourself be the best you can be. Overcome what you can and continue to reinvent. Persistence always is your positive goal