Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Heather Pecorella. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Heather, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

Since the age of 3, dance has been my life’s passion. I feel so grateful to pursue dance as my full-time career. Over the past 12 years, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching dance, sharing my knowledge and skills with studios in Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York. As a proud graduate of Fiorello LaGuardia High School and a former New York Jets Flight Crew Cheerleader, my commitment to dance has always been unwavering. Additionally, I am certified as a group fitness instructor by the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), enabling me to effectively strengthen and condition my students.

It all began with a love for supporting dancers to feel confident in dance competitions, auditions, and performances. While juggling my full-time job, I gradually added more lessons to my schedule each week. As demand increased and my client base grew, I made the decision to leave my full-time job behind and fully dedicate myself to serving my clients regularly. My deep passion for what I do motivates me to persevere and continue moving forward.

Heather, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

TiltsnTurns LLC, “your dance technique tutor”, is committed to empowering dancers with the confidence necessary for success in the dance industry. My private sessions prioritize ballet training and focus on proper placement to improve technique. Through in-person or virtual sessions, I offer thorough conditioning and flexibility training to ensure dancers are well-prepared for their goals. My students are challenged with jumps, turns, and extensions while also promoting perseverance and self-belief. Transforming my passion for dance into a full-time career has always been a lifelong aspiration of mine. If you can envision it, you can achieve it. I feel extremely fortunate to work on my brand every day and to impart my love for dance to the next generation of dancers.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Watching the growth of young dancers is the most fulfilling aspect of being a Dance Teacher. Dance has taught me essential values such as punctuality, self-care, responsibility, and the ability to thrive under pressure, as well as the importance of teamwork. Dance is undoubtedly challenging, but witnessing the remarkable progress after years of dedication and hard work is truly rewarding.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic, I found myself juggling a full-time corporate job to make ends meet during these challenging times. While I prioritized paying bills and surviving, I had to put my love and passion for dance on hold temporarily. However, as months went by, I realized how deeply unhappy I was without dance in my life. Recognizing the need for change, I decided to take action and pursue dance as a full-time career.

I began offering virtual lessons to help dancers stay positive during the quarantine period. Gradually, these virtual sessions transitioned into in-person one-on-one sessions. As my business gained momentum, I made the decision to relocate from Brooklyn to Staten Island. This move allowed me to explore opportunities with new dance studios, enabling me to work with more students and contribute to their competition teams. Establishing a solid schedule, I now provide consistent one-on-one training to dancers, helping them grow and excel in their craft.

One piece of advice is to approach everything in your life with love and purpose. Maintain a positive mindset, smile, and continue to stay motivated. My favorite quote is “we become what we think about.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiltsnturns/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDuT_hRCkUIAGlQ81tZoI-A