We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hellevi Woodman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Hellevi , thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes, I’ve been able to earn a full-time living from my creative work since the age of 17, when I joined the professional ballet company in Caracas as an apprentice. It wasn’t easy, but with discipline, consistency, and dedication, I’ve made it happen for over 35 years.

From the beginning, I knew that to sustain a career in such a competitive industry, I’d need to step outside my comfort zone. I embraced the fear of uncertainty and did it anyway. Over time, I expanded beyond my original training, taking on new challenges to adapt to an ever-evolving industry. Whether it was learning different dance styles, transitioning from professional dance to becoming an aerialist and a female illusionist, it was about trusting my instincts and following my passions.

Looking back, I believe that stepping into the unknown and continuously learning new skills to stay relevant and broadening my opportunities was key. While I can’t say I would have sped up the process, knowing what I know now, I wouldn’t change a thing. The journey has been rewarding, taught me resilience, and every step forward has been part of the growth that has sustained my creative career.

Hellevi , 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’ve been immersed in the entertainment world for over 35 years, starting as a professional dancer at 17. My career has taken me across the globe, performing on cruise ships and stages of all sizes. Over the years, I’ve evolved from classical ballet to becoming an aerialist and, most uniquely, a female illusionist—one of the few in a traditionally male-dominated field.

What sets me apart is my ability to blend these different disciplines—dance, aerial work, and stage illusions—into performances that are visually stunning and emotionally impactful. Specializing in large-scale illusions, including daring feats like straight jacket escapes over 25 feet in the air, my work fuses athleticism, artistry, and illusion, creating unique experiences that captivate audiences.

I’m most proud of my ability to face challenges, especially overcoming imposter syndrome and fear. By pushing through these barriers, I’ve inspired others to follow their passions, no matter how unconventional. I hope my journey shows aspiring performers that it’s possible to build a career by following your dreams.

Recently, I became a member of the UNESCO International Dance Council, which allows me to honor my dance roots in a new way. I’m now merging my experience with integrative therapies to highlight the healing and transformative power of dance. Dance, as a universal language, transcends borders, fostering unity through movement and expression. It offers physical, mental, and emotional benefits for all ages—promoting coordination and confidence in children, mental clarity and fitness in adults, and balance and cognitive health in older adults.

In holistic wellness, dance therapy helps individuals release emotional blocks, access deeper self-awareness, and connect mindfully with their bodies. By integrating dance into wellness practices, we create a joyful, transformative way for people to connect with themselves and others.

Whether through my performances or my work in dance therapy, my goal is to inspire others to live boldly, face their fears, and embrace creativity in all its forms.I’m

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

In my view, the best way for society to support artists and creatives is to invest in accessible opportunities for education, mentorship, and funding. Creativity flourishes when there is support in both the early stages of exploration and in professional development. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have a few key mentors who supported and trusted me at pivotal stages, providing the insight and encouragement I needed to keep moving forward. Their belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to take risks and evolve, and their guidance has been instrumental in shaping my journey. By offering more grants, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities tailored specifically for the arts, we allow creatives the freedom to take similar risks without the constant fear of financial instability, enabling them to fully develop their talents.

Another important factor is creating spaces—both physical and virtual—where artists can collaborate, showcase their work, and connect with others. Whether it’s through community hubs, online platforms, or industry events, fostering an environment where ideas can flow freely and where artists feel encouraged to experiment is essential for a thriving creative ecosystem.

Society also needs to shift its perception of the arts from a “luxury” to a necessity. Art and creativity are fundamental to culture, mental well-being, and innovation. By recognizing the arts as an integral part of society and integrating them into education from a young age, we can help nurture the next generation of creatives who will continue to push boundaries and inspire change.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the freedom of expression and the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about taking an idea, a feeling, or a vision and bringing it to life in a way that resonates with an audience. Whether it’s through a performance, a piece of choreography, or an illusion, I get to share a part of myself with the world, and in return, people connect with that energy in their own personal way.

I also love that being a creative allows me to continuously evolve. It’s a journey of constant growth—exploring new ideas, learning new skills, and stepping outside of my comfort zone. Every new challenge or project pushes me to expand my boundaries, and that’s something I find deeply rewarding.

But above all, the most gratifying aspect is inspiring others. When someone tells me that my work has touched them, encouraged them to follow their own dreams, or helped them see things in a different light, that’s when I truly feel the impact of what I do. Knowing that my art can inspire, uplift, or ignite passion in others is the most meaningful reward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hellevi.info