We recently connected with Brianna Cooley and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From the moment I could walk, I cannot remember nor imagine myself doing anything else other than dancing. From the time I was 2, which was when I took my first dance class, I immediately fell in love with the floor, and haven’t left since.

In school growing up, I had a pretty good relationship with my guidance counselor. Her name was Tia Breckenridge, and i vividly remember being pulled into her office time after time to talk about my wants, needs and life goals. There was one moment when she asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I responded by saying “I want to be a superstar diva dancer for Beyoncé.” She and my mom laughed at the thought of that. Not because they didn’t believe in me, but because they did believe in me, and knew that I was very serious about that response. Who would’ve thought that at such a young age, I could have such big dreams.

As I got older, I continued to train at many different places with many different people, gaining endless experiences. I’ve had the opportunity to train and perform with the Joffrey Ballet, Rock School of Ballet, DADA (Debbie Allen Dance Academy), Washington Redskins Jr. Allstar Cheerleaders, and so many more other opportunities!

I’ve been inspired and poured into by so many great dancers. Vincent Williams, Fran Peters, CJ Hitchcock, Elise Posey, Janette Gillis, and Christina Broadnax, just to name a few! There are so many others that I greatly appreciate!

All of these moments, opportunities I’ve had, and people have helped give me clarity on my journey to becoming the person I am today.

By the time I graduated high school, I had some set backs that made me stop dancing for about 1 year. That one single year seemed like forever! I didn’t stay away from the floor for too long though. During my time away from the floor I quickly realized there was no place I’d rather be than on the dance floor. So what did I do? I found a small studio based out of Hyattsville, MD and started teaching! This was in 2017.

Fast forward to August 2020, post COVID, I met and connected with none other than Grace Johnson-Wright ! During my interview with her, she asked me what it was that I wanted to do, and what my bigger goal was. I shared with her that I already had a brand and wanted my brand to expand to eventually become a performance based company. She advised on how to develop my people skills, my teaching skills, how to rebrand, feedback on how to be a better choreographer, and even more pouring into me and trusting me.

If you were to ask me today, “what do I want to be when I grow up?” because growing never stops, I’d say “I want to be just like the women in my life.” They have all poured into me and shaped me to become who I am.

I am grateful for all of my life lessons and even more grateful to be living out my dream as a choreographer. I never lost sight of being involved in the community of dance. I just gained full clarity of what Gods purpose is for me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Brianna Cooley, and I’m the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Before the Encore Dance Company. I’m a dance educator, choreographer, mentor, and movement storyteller with over 15 years of training and now 8 years working in the industry. My path into dance wasn’t the traditional ballet-tap-jazz beginning—it was rooted in passion, self-expression, and a deep connection to music and movement from an early age. I’ve always been drawn to the power of dance to tell stories, build confidence, and connect people on a soul level.

Over the years, I’ve trained extensively under leading instructors and performed at nationally recognized venues including the Kennedy Center, FedEx Field, and Walt Disney World. My performance background includes being a Washington Football Team All-Star dancer, a Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker cast member, and more—but the stage was only one part of the calling. My true fulfillment has always come from teaching and guiding others through their own journey in dance.

I previously served as the Head of Dance Curriculum & Education at a public charter school in Washington, DC, where I helped build a strong foundation for young dancers. Today, I work more intimately with special needs students—supporting them not only academically, but emotionally and creatively. This work is deeply personal and powerful, and it’s strengthened my belief that movement and mentorship go hand in hand. I advocate for inclusive learning environments, and that same mindset shows up in everything I create through my company.

Before the Encore Dance Company was built to be a safe, intentional space for dancers to evolve—not just in skill, but in identity and purpose. Our programs are designed to meet artists before their big moments—before the stage lights, the applause, or the encore. It’s about honoring the process.

What sets Before the Encore apart is our holistic, heart-first approach. My mission isn’t just to create incredible dancers—I’m here to build confident, self-aware, spiritually grounded people who understand their worth and potential. Every rehearsal, every conversation, and every performance is rooted in excellence, care, and purpose.

I’m most proud of the students and artists who have grown with me—especially those who walked in with doubt and left with drive. The transformation is always the most beautiful part.

For anyone looking to work with a brand or mentor that prioritizes growth, authenticity, and impact—Before the Encore is a space where your full self is welcome. We celebrate who you are while guiding you toward who you’re becoming.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is walking in the purpose God has placed over my life. I’ve been anointed to create, minister, and lead—not just through dance, but through discipleship, mentorship, and service. As an evangelist and the current dance ministry leader at my home church, I know without a doubt that this is kingdom work. My movement is ministry. My teaching is spiritual. And my calling is much bigger than performance—it’s about impact.

Over the years, I’ve had the blessing of working with hundreds of children and young people. From public schools to dance studios, private sessions to performance programs—each child I’ve encountered has left an imprint on me. I’ve taught beginners, rising professionals, students with learning differences, and dancers who’ve walked into spaces unsure of themselves but left feeling empowered. And the truth is—they inspire me just as much, if not more, than I inspire them.

Watching a student grow, not only in skill but in confidence and self-awareness, is one of the greatest rewards. I’m motivated to keep going because of them. Because I know that for many of the youth I serve, I may be the first person to speak life into them, to affirm their gifts, or to make space for them to feel safe and celebrated. I don’t take that lightly.

These kids remind me daily why I do what I do. They stretch me, challenge me, and fill me with purpose. It’s a mutual exchange of light—I pour into them, and they pour right back into me. That’s the beauty of being an artist rooted in purpose: every gift I give multiplies. And with each new season, I carry their stories, their breakthroughs, and their dreams with me.

This journey isn’t just about choreography or performance—it’s about legacy. A legacy of love, leadership, and lifting others up through movement, mentorship, and ministry.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

People who aren’t creatives don’t always understand what this journey really takes. Not just emotionally, but spiritually, physically and financially. I currently work a 9-5, and I truly do appreciate it. It gives me some stability and helps me support my goals as a creative and an entrepreneur. But the truth is, my heart, my time, my efforts—they aren’t rooted in the financial aspect. I used to be a lead teacher and curriculum developer, and I made the choice to take a financial step back so I could have peace. Less stress, more room to breathe and walk in purpose.

Everything I do is for the kids. Whether I’m in the classroom, at rehearsal, in a private session, or teaching ministry—I’m showing up for them. I pour into them because I know what it’s like to need someone to believe in you, to see you, and to guide you with love and intention.

This path hasn’t been easy. I’ve had moments where I didn’t know what I was going to eat. I’ve had to figure out how to pay my bills. I’ve cried. I’ve prayed. I’ve worked through exhaustion. And even in those moments, I’ve kept my faith. I’ve stayed resilient. I’ve trusted that God would carry me through—and He has, every single time.

What people don’t see is the grind behind the curtain. The sacrifice. The countless hours. The heartbreak and hope. A 9-5 provides security, sure—but this calling? It’s soul work. This is obedience. This is legacy.

My 9-5 funds the dream. But my heart beats for the work I do outside of it. And at the end of the day, they don’t have to understand it. This journey is between me and God. Those who truly believe in me and what I’m building—they get it. And that’s more than enough.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.briannacooley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianna.cooley?igsh=bnpwc2VoOHFlOGd6&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/before.encore?igsh=NGhwa2phYjRrY3V1&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/unifyedvisuals?igsh=MXdicWRlc2VvOGJ6Mw== Unifyed Visuals by Justin Williams and Mychal Keels