We were lucky to catch up with Anna Cuffari recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I am both a creative entrepreneur as well as a full-time corporate employee. For me, having a consistent income was important and necessary. After I graduated with my degree in Dance, I had no guidance as to how to live the life of a Freelance Dancer in NYC. Now I know that being a Freelance Dancer/Artist really means you are most likely also other things. It is very difficult to make a full-time, live-able wage in NYC simply being an artist. Very few people can confidently say they live a comfortable, non-stressful life doing so.

At one point I was a part-time studio manager, part-time Dance instructor, part-time dog-walker, and part time retail supervisor. I was miserable. Not making any money to do anything of substance . Not having any time to train in my art form. No time to research and apply to job opportunities or spend entire days in waiting rooms crossing my fingers waiting to MAYBE be seen by a panel of casting directors. For me, which is my own unique situation and should not be compared to whoever might be reading this, I hated where I was at didn’t seem to be getting anywhere. I also wasn’t receiving any outside support to accomplish my goals…which also needs to be taken into consideration when you do see people Freelancing and doing nothing else.

The past three to four years, I have been working a full-time job as well as actively Dancing, performing, creating, and teaching. I believe the structure of a full-time career enabled me to develop a consistent routine in both my life and in Dance. It allowed me to release the fear of not being able to pay my rent. It granted me the ability to be sick and know I would have health insurance and even make money when I needed a day off.
It gave me the funds to be able to afford private sessions, headshots, and studio rentals.

Ultimately, you have to go through the trial and error of life to find what works for you.

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 been a Dancer my entire life. I always knew I wanted to perform – there is nothing comparable than the rush of a full house and the thunder of applause. When I was trying to figure out how to receive an income with Dance, I constantly applied to opportunities found online. I also received certifications during my Undergraduate studies in Movement Therapy for people with Autism and Cancer. Along the way, I found many teaching opportunities and decided to give it a go.

Now I find myself teaching part-time with various companies and have begun my own company teaching group classes & parties, coaching private clients, and creating and directing video concepts – along with performing when the opportunity arises.

My energy, empathy, attention to detail, and technique-oriented nature sets me apart from the crowd. My clients share that they gain a better understanding of their vessel and how to move. They feel supported by my constant cheering and know I will always be there to put them in check when they express any self-doubt or apologize for taking up space. My clients have all expressed an increase in confidence, body awareness, and drive to continue learning Dance to better their skill but also develop a greater sense of self-love.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When my clients reach out to me in moments of joy. When they tell me how meaningful Dance has been to them. When they tell me they love themselves more than ever. When they share how much fun they had in class. When I see them smiling from ear to ear. I do what I do because of the positive impact it has on others. My footprint on this Earth is meant to uplift and inspire. I see that in all I do. For that, I am immensely proud.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

The only resources I wish I knew were the people I had not met.

A lot of this industry is due in part to the people you know, which I why I constantly promote the work of my peers and the idea of collaboration.

Always work hard and be kind. You never know who will be the next person to open the door for you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @a_cuffs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anna.cuffari
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annacuffari/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnnaCuffari
• Other: https://versd.page.link/9i5w https://app.castingnetworks.com/talent/profile/250123836

Image Credits
David Tufino @the.thief.of.time @werkhauss_photos