We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle Stanek. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle below.
Michelle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
I am so happy as a creative! I have also worked several “real jobs” – from a Director of Membership at a social club, Art History professor, Program Curator for a non-profit and so on.
I realize now I love the freedom to make my own rules, schedule, content, and money but I also need structure. I thrive in structure. So, as a creative and an entrepreneur I had to learn a lot about time management and mindset management.
This life is HARD. It’s scary. It’s a roller coaster of emotions.
But it’s incredibly awesome if you go for it!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Michelle Stanek is an internationally-recognized pole dance performer and instructor known for her signature “sexy contemporary” style that blends sensual movement with the grace, extension and control of her classical dance background. An early competitive pole dancer, Michelle won 5 out of the 6 competitions she entered including the 2012 United States Pole Dance Champion title. Her industry-changing performances are notable for their movement innovation, artistry and fluidity.
A passionate and dedicated instructor, Michelle co-created elevatED: pole dance fitness and flexibility teacher trainings, to help instructors provide informed, thoughtful experiences to their students. Michelle traveled the world offering her signature workshops, judging competitions, and performing. She is an instructor at Body & Pole and Body Art in New York City.
Michelle is a virtual wellness coach, partnering with BODi – the platform that helped her regain her strength – and then some – after pregnancy, c-section, and the wildly confusing postpartum period. Her team, Team Savage, is one of the greatest things she has ever created and is always open to others who want to feel better, get stronger, find peace and help others do the same.
Prior to her full-time pole dance career, Michelle earned a B.A. and M.A. in Art History, working at AIGA, the professional association for design, Pratt Institute and the Assisi Institute. In 2016, she was invited to present as a Main Stage speaker for “Adaptation: AIGA Design Conference” in Las Vegas. Her presentation + performance, “Pole Dancing, Preconceptions, and You,” was incredibly well-received as a stand-out presentation.
When not immersed in dance, fitness, and art, she loves exploring the NYC art scene, dancing, bike-riding, adventuring with her adoring and adored husband, a good rooftop pool, and snuggling her son Rocco to the max.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think the teaching. I know not all creatives are teachers, great teachers, or even want to teach. Sure, I can create, create, create all day. But the biggest reward is teaching what I know. Knowing that people are out there in the world feeling strong, confident, and creating their own work from something I have taught them is sublimely rewarding.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
How to monetize my s&^%! And understanding that it is OK to monetize your creativity, intellectual property, knowledge, skills, and teaching. Artist do not have to “starve.” Artists can thrive, financially too. I wish I had the business mentors I have now, 10 years ago. This is now one of my missions – to help creatives figure this out.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savagepoleandwellness.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellestanek/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.stanek
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ michelle-stanek-0b02865
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4bqD_fV0ivg2f5T7171XCA