We recently connected with Julia DiVerdi and have shared our conversation below.
Julia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
Many of us know the “dangers” of turning a beloved hobby into a job. Often the joy the hobby once brought is severely diminished with the pressure of being monetized, especially when it’s your primary financial support. Sometimes I long for a life where dance was just pleasure and no pressure BUT then I reflect at how lucky I am to be able to make a living doing something I love so wholly AND creating art practically every day! While it’s true I don’t dance for pleasure as often as I used to – I have been teaching and performing full time for over a decade (and part time for the decade prior) and I still wake up every day feeling that I have the best job on earth.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started learning belly dance when I was a teenager. I had been raised participating in a more classical dance background but was discouraged as my developing body did not fit the classic ideal that was lauded at the time. I found belly dance to embrace a variety of different bodies and celebrated the individual while still retaining the sense of community and collaboration that drew me to dance. This alternative belly dance scene in Denver ultimately led me to burlesque and I introduced Fort Collins/Northern Colorado to belly dance’s “racy sister” in 2009. Since then I have found the most loving and most welcoming community in both these dance disciplines here at my dance studio, Starlight Studio. We are a place for ANYONE! Maybe you danced as a child and want to try again? Maybe you’re never danced and are ready to give it a go? It doesn’t matter your age, size, gender, skill… As long as you are willing to get your feet on the floor I can teach you to dance.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Getting to do what I love every single day.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
It can be very challenging to be creative on demand. I find it critical to have enough lead time on creative projects to allow myself the opportunity to brainstorm, research, reflect and then CREATE! The best projects and ideas come from generous deadlines.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.juliadiverdi.com
- Instagram: @starlightstudio
- Facebook: Starlight Studio with Julia DiVerdi
Image Credits
Tru Iris Photography
RMH Photography
Legend Boudoir Photography