We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stacy Skolnik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stacy below.
Alright, Stacy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
As a dancer my entire life, the biggest risk I took was packing the bags up and trying out the Big Apple. At the time, I was with a company from North Carolina where it was project base. Not the most stable way to keep a salary. Therefore, I knew I had to find another way to make income. It was only then natural that I become a Pilates Instructor. It has truly changed the way my body operates and so fulfilling. New York can be a challenge as you are pretty much a little fish in a HUGE pond. After countless auditions, I was ready to give up. Ironically, the one auction that took me to the next level was a start up Houston Dance Company, Open Dance Project. Had I not taken the risk to live in a new place with new opportunities, this opportunity would have not fallen into my lap. Everything happens for a reason, and I happily can say that my 7 years with the company was a treasure. The second biggest risk is now embarking as a free lance choreographer and a part/full time instructor. It definitely has its ups and downs, but it has made me push myself to take on chances that I wouldn’t have done in the past. So it turns out, I feel the happiest and invigorated to continue to improve my craft!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As a native Houstonian, being apart of the community in the arts and fitness has been amazing. I started dancing when I was 3 years old, and I immediately knew I was going to dance professionally. It is my strongest passion. I grew up going to the High School for the Performing and Visual arts and then went to the The University of Texas to obtain my BFA in dance. Through those years, I was exposed to the world of Pilates and I learned quickly how both dance and Pilates go hand in hand. I knew from the get go that I would be a mover and eventually share my craft to the community. As far as my craft goes, I have choreographed for various studios around the Houston area and have presented my own work to the public. That part of my craft is super important and what drives me to keep pushing the limits. As a trainer, it is my goal to help my clients feel confident and have fun doing it. I incorporate not only pilates to my sessions, but elements of dance as well. The discipline of the two go hand in hand. You will never have the same session with me. I always like to keep my clients on their toes and spice things up! It will be a sweaty session, but will be worth it.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Though it is still pretty small, social media is without a doubt how I have been able to connect with new friends and new potential clients and partners. It all began during the pandemic honestly. With nothing much to do, I got sucked in the world of Tik Tok. It started off as just posting my dances and workouts, but as more views were seen on that platform and on instagram…things were taking off! As a small business owner and freelance dancer/choreographer, it is all about self promotion. It can be tiresome and overwhelming, but it is hands down the best way to be seen. And with being seen, more connections are being made! We truly live in a hybrid world, so I feel there is no way to avoid the presence of social media! It has been the best tool to connect and learn new ways to grow my business.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My mission is to share my knowledge and learn from others as I continue to create. I have been a mover my ENTIRE life and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. A long time ago, I was once told that you want to move longevity. Believe me, that stays true to my mission. Moving your body is a fuel that creates ways to feel good in your skin and explore possibilities. I gain more creativity truly through other colleagues of mind. It is my mission to continue to educate myself so I can better my clients and improve on my craft. Rather that it is creating choreography to younger students, or teaching privates to my clients.. always striving to make it fun and creative as possible.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @stacykskolnik
- Facebook: Stacy Skolnik
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Tasha Gorel Photo Credit: Fluid Frames Dance Photography Photo Credit: Bread and Water Productions LLC