We recently connected with Shelby Taylor and have shared our conversation below.

Shelby , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is ‘Cabaret,’ a recent show our co-op, Fleet Cooperative, created and performed at The Pearl on Main in Midvale, Utah. This project was especially significant because of the magical process we had as a team. Each member had full creative autonomy to craft and perform pieces that truly resonated with them. We developed a central theme, but how each dancer navigated their journey was entirely their own. There was a strong improvisational element, which made it feel like we were experiencing the show alongside the audience in real-time.

What made this experience even more powerful was how different it felt from the often hostile and damaging environments that are so common in the performing arts industry. Many of us had encountered situations that lacked respect for artists, where creativity could be stifled. In ‘Cabaret,’ we focused on mutual respect and collaboration, fully understanding the beauty and growth that comes from working together.

The process itself was a huge learning experience, especially as we worked with a large cast, learning what it takes to produce a full-scale show. The best part was that, throughout it all, we maintained our goal of fostering a nurturing, supportive environment where we could challenge and learn from each other. By the end, the sense of pride we each felt was overwhelming. The audience response was incredibly positive, and the experience has only inspired us to keep growing and pushing the boundaries of what we can create together.

Shelby , 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?

For those who may not be familiar with me, I’m a multidisciplinary artist, performer, and producer. My work spans dance, music, theater, and film. I’m also the leader of Fleet Cooperative, a local collective of artists committed to creating works that satisfy our souls and bring joy to our communities.

I got into the performing arts industry because I’ve always been drawn to the power of storytelling through movement, music, acting, and visual arts. Dance was my first love, but over the years, I’ve expanded my craft. I am always seeking ways to express myself and connect with audiences. What truly deepened my passion for the arts was learning how to collaborate with other artists, understanding that the magic of creation often lies in the exchange of ideas and energy.

Fleet Cooperative was born out of a desire to create an environment where artists could thrive creatively while feeling respected and supported—something that’s often lacking in our industry. Many of us in the co-op have had experiences in environments that felt stifling, where the focus on competition or personal gain overshadowed the joy of creation. We wanted to change that narrative and build a space where collaboration, respect, and artistic freedom were at the forefront. We provide performance-based creative works, particularly through live shows, where each artist has the autonomy to explore their own ideas while working within a collective vision. Our recent projects, ‘Monomyth’ and ‘Cabaret,’ exemplified this approach by allowing each dancer to shape their own journey within the show’s theme. We also embrace improvisation, which brings a sense of spontaneity and freshness to our performances.

One of the problems we solve is giving artists a safe space to explore their full creative potential, free from the pressures that often accompany the performing arts industry. We aim to nurture not only our own artistic growth but also the cultural growth of the communities we perform for. What sets us apart is our commitment to fostering a collaborative process, allowing for full autonomy in creation, and our focus on creating art that resonates both with the artists and the audience.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve built. Fleet Cooperative is more than just a group of performers—we’re a family. We support each other in ways that extend beyond the stage, and we’ve created an environment where creativity thrives because respect and care are at the core of everything we do.

What I want potential clients, followers, or fans to know about our work is that everything we do comes from a place of genuine passion and love for the arts. Our goal is always to create something meaningful, not only for ourselves but for those who experience our work. We believe that art has the power to inspire, to heal, and to connect, and that’s the energy we strive to bring into every project.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that a successful dance career can only exist in places like New York, LA, or overseas. For so long, I thought I had to be in one of those major cities to make meaningful work or be seen as a ‘serious’ artist. The narrative around the dance industry often makes it seem like you need to be in one of these cultural hubs to succeed, but that’s simply not true.

While Salt Lake City comes with its own cultural quirks and challenges, I’ve realized that it’s entirely possible to create work and have processes that are just as meaningful, impactful, and high-quality as anywhere else. What’s more, I’ve found inspiration in taking the reins of my own creative process here, in a place that really needs more artists. Instead of waiting for someone in a big city to ‘discover’ me, validate me, and then hire me for a short-term, low-paying gig, I’ve embraced the opportunity to build something of my own in a city where there’s space and a real need for art.

There’s so much to learn, create, and experience within my own community, and while I’ll always be a student of the arts and find places like NYC inspiring, I don’t anymore feel I have to live there to create the work of my dreams. I’ve learned that satisfaction comes from being truly proud of the work I’m creating, and there’s something empowering about realizing you can make an impact right where you are, rather than waiting for someone else’s approval in a faraway city.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the endless magic that comes from participating in art. Dance, in particular, has been a powerful catalyst for connection in my life. There’s something about the innate language of our bodies that truly resonates with others in ways words sometimes can’t. These connections—whether with fellow artists or with audiences—have been some of the most inspiring and meaningful experiences of my life.

Art has also been a space for me to express my innermost emotions, a place where all ranges of feelings, not just the positive ones, can be received and celebrated. I love creating and fostering connections where people feel supported, seen, and heard, sharing their art and emotions in a way that allows for mutual understanding and growth. It takes a lot of patience and communication to unconditionally accept our humanness, but art creates this incredible space where that feels possible. It’s a vortex that draws us closer to understanding ourselves and each other.

The most beautiful part of art is that experiencing it is the gift itself. And if my job is to nurture other artists and encourage them to keep creating, then it’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fleetcooperative.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleetcoop/
• Other: https://shelbybethatgirl.com/
  https://www.instagram.com/shelbybethatgirl/

Image Credits

Hannah Turner-Harts
Kade Baker
Shelby Taylor
Myles Tracy
Jace Chadwick
Alex Seager