Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Pent Rohm.
Hi Brittany, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve loved dance from a very young age. My mom sent me to dance class at the age of three. Without a doubt it was what i was meant to do. The studio i began my training in was very recreational so my mom had me move studios at the age of 8. I moved to a much more competitive dance studio and I was ready for intense training with a busy dance schedule. Many probably know of this studio today due to it’s recognition on a well known television show called Dance Moms. Dance consumed my life. I was at the studio Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays right after school until 10pm every night. On Wednesdays I practiced voice. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays were spent in Station Square nearly every weekend from January through May at a dance competition and convention. I loved nothing more than spending every day of my life dancing. June through December was consumed with nationals, learning new routines for the upcoming competition year & intense training. There was zero off time, but that was fine by me!! In high school I started to pursue musical theatre. I auditioned for a performing arts high school in downtown Pittsburgh. I was thrilled to continue my training during the school day. We had 3 academic classes, followed by lunch & a packed full afternoon in the major of our choice. In my case, I was studying musical theatre. My days were filled with classes focusing on dancing, acting and singing. My training didn’t end there. I auditioned all over the US vying for a spot in the top musical theatre programs. After much thought I chose to only move right down the street to Point Park University. Point Park is a very well known and sought after school for the arts! I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to stay in my hometown and still receive incredible training. I loved my time at Point Park. They helped me to prepare for life outside of school. I continue to purse theatre and dance today. I am a working professional dancer, choreographer, guest teacher and dance educator. I am so proud to have a career that allows me to follow my heart, pride and 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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. As I mentioned, I moved to a new dance studio at the age of 8. I was so far behind the other girls my age. I was also much heavier than them and was made less than, told to stand in the back and had my body criticized on a daily basis. Luckily i have very supportive parents who made me feel loved no matter what. If anything, this experience made me work harder to be seen. I remember a very transformative year of my life when I was 11 years old. My brother was away training and performing with the Radio City Rockettes. I made it my mission to be the best dancer that I could be. Over just a few months I pushed my training to the next level, took more ballet classes, focused on stretching outside of class, made healthier nutrition choices that allowed my body to do more and perform better. That year I grew into what I knew i could be. Before i knew it, the little girl that was far behind her friends was made as a new example in class. I was asked to demonstrate. I was moved from the back of the room to the front of the line. I worked so hard to get there and I was finally being recognized for my hard work! I was no longer living in my little brothers shadow. I was making a name for myself!
Another time in my life that was very hard and quite the bumpy road was during covid. I was living in NYC pursuing my dreams and dance career. I was booking theatre work back to back. I was high on life and having the ability to audition, take dance class and just BE in the city that i always dreamed of living in was a dream come true. Covid put a quick stop to it just as it did for everyone around me. I was terrified that theatre and dance would never make a comeback. I was so sad that all of my hard work booking these shows had gone right down the drain. I had to move out of NYC due to the city being shut down. I came home to live with my parents in Pittsburgh feeling so lost and defeated about what I would do next. But when one door closes, another one opens. Through covid I spent many hours teaching dance via zoom, honing my skills, updating my repertoire, and exploring the world of social media and how it could benefit me in my career. Since covid I have booked many jobs in dance and theatre, started choreographing for dance teams and theme parks across the US, co-founded a dance competition, began guest teaching in several states, and even met my now husband. We are expecting our first baby at the beginning of 2025. What felt like the end to my life/career only helped to open my eyes to several new opportunities!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional dancer, actor, choreographer, and dance educator. I launched my professional career with Disney Cruise Line right out of college. I have worked with several theatres across the US and continue to do so. I am known for my love of sharing musical theatre with my students, teaching them how to become a triple threat – a singer, dancer and actor, and giving them the skills to feel confident on and off of the stage! I continue to spread my love of musical theatre and dance through guest teaching and choreography!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I feel like the theatre and dance industry is ever evolving with such open minded artists. I have seen over the past few years as an actor in the commercial world as well as a professional dancer how technology has started integrating itself into more projects and shows. I think we may continue to see more increased use of virtual reality both on screen and on stage. I think theatre will continue to be more accessible. With Wicked being the newest hit movie musical to make it to theaters, I think that they just took a major step forward in sharing theatre with the world. You don’t have to only be in person for a theatre experience these days. It is also offered in movie theatres and from streaming services in your home. I also forsee and hope that our industry continues to allow for accessibility and diverse storytelling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brittanypent.com/
- Instagram: @brittpent
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/brittany.pent
- Youtube: @brittanypent6878
Image Credits
Shannon Ahlstrand Photography, Chris Henrickson Photography, Tony Moux Photography, Laura McMullin Photography, Always Antonelle Photography