In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Michelle Thompson - former dancer with Ballet Austin, seasoned educator, and freelance choreographer based in New York City.

Michelle shares her remarkable journey from a spontaneous childhood dance debut at a neighborhood party to training at San Francisco Ballet School, a fulfilling 14-year career at Ballet Austin, and her transition into teaching and choreography.

Michelle offers candid insight into the realities of a professional dance career - from balancing motherhood while performing, to navigating rejection, and the often unseen work of carving out a path as a freelance choreographer.

This conversation is full of wisdom about longevity, resilience, community, and the importance of saying “yes” to yourself.

Key Topics:

✨ The lessons performing in company productions as a student taught her about professionalism
✨ How hard work, consistency, and openness shaped her long career at Ballet Austin
✨ What it’s really like being a dancing mom and how community made it possible
✨ The importance of persistence through rejection and why “no” isn’t the end of the story
✨ Michelle’s teaching philosophy beyond technique: consistency, communication, and a positive attitude

If you're a dancer navigating the unpredictable world of auditions, contracts, or freelance creative work, this conversation will give you both practical guidance and soulful encouragement.

Connect with Michelle:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/michelle_thompson_ulerich

DINNER PARTY PROJECT: https://www.instagram.com/dinner_party_project_nyc/

EMAIL: michelle.ulerich@gmail.com

Links and Resources:

Get your copy of The Intentional Career Handbook

Set up ticketing for your next event with DRT (Make sure to mention that The Brainy Ballerina sent you!)

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com