Episode Summary:

UK-based professional dancer Serena McCall shares valuable insights from her diverse career in ballet and contemporary dance. The episode begins with Serena discussing her early training, including her experiences at the Royal Ballet associate scheme and Elmhurst Ballet School, which paved the way for her professional journey. Serena reflects on her recent role in Disney's live-action Snow White movie, where she worked alongside prominent choreographers like Mandy Moore, Martha Nichols, and Shea Barkley.

Serena emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships within the dance industry, noting that her success is largely due to her consistent attendance in classes and kindness rather than relying solely on connections. She also discusses her social media presence, which grew organically with the support of her "momager," leading to brand ambassadorships with companies like AcroPad. As a brand ambassador, Serena has traveled and appeared at conventions, further expanding her influence in the dance community.

Looking to the future, Serena aspires to work with contemporary companies and explore opportunities in runway modeling, leveraging her dance skills and height. She also shares tips for dancers aiming to break into the industry, emphasizing the importance of classical and contemporary training, networking, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of rejection. The episode concludes with Serena reflecting on her career with gratitude and pride, offering advice on staying determined and embracing the unpredictable nature of life in the dance world.

Show Notes:

• (0:03) Dance career insights with UK-based professional dancer Serena Nicole.

• (2:21) Dance career, Snow White movie experience, and agent vs. self-promotion.

• (8:42) Dance career, auditions, and upcoming productions.

• (13:58) Importance of relationships in dance career.

• (16:15) Social media presence, brand ambassadorship, and acro pad product.

• (22:06) Dance career, brand ambassadorship, and future plans.

• (26:47) Dance training opportunities in the UK.

• (32:48) Balancing classical and contemporary dance training for commercial work.

• (35:15) Talent agencies and their roles in the entertainment industry.

• (40:11) Dealing with rejection and staying determined in the face of setbacks.

• (45:19) Maintaining a positive mindset in dance auditions.

Biography:

Meet Serena, a rising star in the world of ballet and contemporary dance, whose passion and talent have taken her to great heights. Born and raised with a deep love for the art of movement, Serena's journey began at the renowned Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham. There, she honed her skills and developed a strong foundation in ballet, setting the stage for her future success.

Recognized for her exceptional abilities, Serena's dedication led her to become an Associate with both the prestigious Royal Ballet and the esteemed Scottish Ballet.

Throughout her time at Rambert, Serena had the privilege of showcasing her skills on some of the world's most esteemed stages. She graced the Linbury Theatre at the Royal Opera House and the iconic Sadler's Wells Lilian Baylis, leaving audiences in awe with her performances. Notably, Serena had the honor of collaborating with renowned choreographers such as Daniel Davidson and Seeta Patel, leaving an indelible mark on the dance community.

As a testament to her versatility, Serena also had the opportunity to perform works by the legendary Matthew Bourne, an experience that allowed her to embrace various dance styles and storytelling techniques.

Beyond her achievements in dance and film, Serena is proud to be an ambassador for ACROPAD, a brand that aligns with her passion for promoting physical well-being and nurturing the next generation of dancers.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/serenamccall

https://www.facebook.com/serena.mccall.1