Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Sloan

Hi Caitlin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

Hi there! I’m Caitlin, a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI. I founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. I have worked with dancers all over the U.S. to give them the skills and confidence they need to pursue professional dance careers successfully.

I started dancing when I was ten and spent my formative years training at Rochester School of Dance in Michigan. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri. I danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). I have taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. I am currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.

Most importantly: My passion is helping aspiring ballerinas develop the skills they need to thrive in a professional ballet career both on and off the stage.

I know how it feels to be uncertain, confused, and frustrated by a process that doesn’t always make sense. When I entered the world of professional dance, I had the technique, the artistry, and the passion. What I didn’t have was industry knowledge. While I was fortunate to have many wonderful mentors in my life, I didn’t have someone solely dedicated to helping me navigate the business side of dance. For many dancers I work with, this is the missing puzzle piece to breaking into the dance industry with less stress and more joy!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Absolutely not!

The dance industry is notoriously competitive – I have heard A LOT of “no’s” in my career. My first audition season out of college, I attended over 30 auditions before receiving my first contract offer. As a young dancer, it was disheartening. Each rejection felt incredibly personal and made me question whether I was cut out for a dance career.

Looking back, I can now see that every “no” was leading me to something better. I ended up in the perfect company for me and had an incredibly fulfilling career working with world-class choreographers and dancing my dream roles. I was given leadership opportunities that changed the course of my future. And perhaps most impactful, I developed relationships that will truly last a lifetime.

My career did not turn out the way I had planned, and thank goodness for that! It is easy to get stuck in the idea of what you think your life should look like, but everything changed for me as soon as I opened myself up to all the possibilities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

I’m on a mission to empower dancers with the tools to build smart + sustainable careers in the dance industry.

I founded The Brainy Ballerina® to give dancers they tools they need to succeed in a professional dance career both off and on the stage. Through 1-1 career mentoring, workshops, and digital resources I empower dancers with the knowledge to determine success on their terms and pursue the career of their dreams with confidence.

As a former professional ballet dancer, I understand how difficult navigating a dance career can be. It can feel overwhelming and insurmountable when you’re first starting out.

As a Dance Career Mentor, I help dancers find intention and clarity in their career goals, demystify the world of professional ballet, and put a strategic plan in place with actionable steps.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

My favorite thing about Madison, WI is the people! It is all about community – everyone here is truly kind and just a pleasure to be around. Think small-town vibes with big-city amenities! I can’t get enough of the food scene, the lakes, and of course the farmer’s market!

My least favorite part about living in Wisconsin is definitely the snow – winters are tough!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thebrainyballerina

Image Credits

Krista Brinkmeier, LG Patterson, Scott Shy