114. Following your North Star in a Dance Career with Shannon Quirk

What does it take to sustain a professional dance career for 15 years while always finding new ways to grow as an artist? In this episode I'm joined by Madison Ballet company artist Shannon Quirk to discuss her journey from a young ballet student in Southern California to a longtime professional dancer and co-founder of the newly launched North Star Dance Theatre. Shannon reflects on her decision to pursue a BFA at UC Irvine, the realities of transitioning from college into the professional world, and the lessons she's learned through rejection, leadership changes, and career longevity. She shares how her perspective on artistry has evolved over the years (and why enjoying the process may be the most important career advice she can offer). We also dive into the creation of North Star Dance Theatre, a new summer dance company dedicated to providing performance opportunities for dancers and choreographers while fostering artistic collaboration and new work. Whether you're an aspiring professional dancer, a seasoned artist, or someone interested in arts leadership, this episode is full of wisdom about building a sustainable and fulfilling career in dance. Key "Pointes" from this Episode: * Why Shannon chose to go to college for dance and why the decision came easily to her * What it felt like to realize dance had become her paying career * Navigating three different artistic directors over 15 years with the same company * Taking on a mentorship, "motherly" role for younger dancers * Her favorite roles, including one she was thrown into unexpectedly * Starting her own company, North Star Dance Theatre, and balancing it with her professional career Connect with Shannon: Visit North Star Dance Theatre's Website: https://www.northstardancetheatre.com/ Follow North Star Dance Theatre on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northstardancetheatre/ Visit Madison Ballet's Website: https://www.madisonballet.org/ Follow Madison Ballet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madisonballet/ Links and Resources: SHOP MSeam Apparel: https://mseamapparel.com/ (use code BRAINY25 at checkout for 25% off all items) Register for the "See & Be Seen" College Recruitment Event: https://eisenhowerdance.org/beseen Let's connect! MY WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com [http://thebrainyballerina.com/] INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina [http://instagram.com/thebrainyballerina] Schedule your complimentary career consultation: https://www.thebrainyballerina.com/career-mentoring Questions/comments? Email me at caitlin@thebrainyballerina.com