We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Haley Colbert. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Haley below.

Hi Haley, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Although my family fully supports my dance career, I was always told to have a backup plan. Because of who I am and the experiences I’ve been through, I don’t know if I would ever be comfortable looking at dance as my means to live and survive. I think about dancing full-time every day, but even though I love to dance and am the happiest when I dance, I know I would be more concerned with the stability of my career. Not only in terms of financial, but physical. One accident could end my dance career and I would have no backup plan.
I can have a “regular job” and still pursue my dance career. I do it every day. I use my paychecks to buys leotards, tights, and dance shoes. I use my weekends, holidays, and vacations to create and produce content. I am content in knowing that I can continue to do what I love and provide for my family and future.

Haley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have been dancing for as long as I can remember. And either thanks to my family or a self-induced infatuation, I have always been inspired by Michael Jackson. As much as I love dancing and performing, choreography always has a special place in my heart, and any opportunity to do that, I jump on it. Because of that notion, I have become a dance instructor with a few companies and a non-profit organization. Being a teacher is extremely rewarding, especially when working with children who had never been exposed to any form of art/creativity. I understand that they may not like dance, but the effort they put into trying something new is worth more than getting them to follow the steps.
All that being said, the best part of dancing and choreography is that I stay true to my art. I do not have to do things according to someone else’s guidelines (a strict contrast to my accounting career). I dance what I feel. I hear music and immediately my mind is putting together a piece, equipped with costumes, lighting, and location.

: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The goal that drives my creative journey is happiness. Not happiness through material possession or people, but happiness with and within myself that keeps a smile on my face no matter the situation. I feel the happiest when I am dancing.

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

Most non-creatives do not see what we do as an actual job or arduous work. Like me, most creatives have other jobs and responsibilities that supplement our creativity. We are all not able to be fully supported by our art, (yet). We stay up late and wake up early to work and study, then we use our “free” time to craft our techniques. People forget that although we are creatives, we are still parents, students, and employees. There is a lot of work done by creatives that people do not see or do not acknowledge as work, because we enjoy doing these things. From a dancer and choreography perspective, there is an added physical commitment to my body. Oftentimes, I am on my feet at my day job for eight hours and then I must teach dance for another five hours.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://haleycolbert.wixsite.com/mysite
• Instagram: HaleyAngel549
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-colbert-23b61418b/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjxskbTD7NzvQGTZtjQ8tw

Image Credits
Alyssa Askew Photography Photography By Misty Zeh Digital