Interview Date: December 14th, 2024

Episode Summary:

Vanessa Fuller, a dancer, choreographer, and the artistic director of Xcape Dance Company. Vanessa shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Eugene, Oregon, to becoming a multifaceted professional in the dance industry. She discusses her extensive career, including working with artists like E-40 and Twista, and her recent appearance on HBO Max’s Second Chance Stage. The show, which provides a platform for individuals over 30 to chase their dreams despite past obstacles, features Vanessa as one of the few dancers. 

Vanessa reflects on how she balanced family life, owning a dance studio, and maintaining her passion for dance, despite the challenges. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, maintaining relationships in the industry, and building an authentic personal brand. She also shares business tips for aspiring dancers, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and using authenticity as a key to long-term success. Vanessa encourages dancers to embrace discomfort and use challenges as opportunities for growth. 

Show Notes:

• (0:00 ) Introduction to Vanessa Fuller

• (2:00 ) Vanessa's early dance journey and passion for movement

• (5:30 ) Balancing family life with a dance career

• (10:00 ) Running Escape Dance Company and owning a studio

• (13:45 ) Vanessa’s appearance on HBO Max's Second Chance Stage

• (18:00 ) The concept of Second Chance Stage for dancers over 30

• (21:00 ) Transitioning from studio owner to pursuing larger opportunities

• (25:00 ) The importance of perseverance and relationships in booking work

• (30:00 ) Building an authentic personal brand

• (35:00 ) Advice on standing out in auditions

• (40:00 ) The role of community in the dance world

• (45:00 ) Managing business and family while staying connected to dance

• (50:00 ) Embracing discomfort for growth

• (55:00 ) Tips for dancers on navigating the business side of dance

• (60:00 ) Building a strong social media presence

• (65:00 ) Advice for older dancers and overcoming comparisons

• (70:00 ) The importance of persistence and passion

• (75:00 ) Closing thoughts on staying true to your journey

Biography:

Vanessa Fuller is a dancer, choreographer, and artistic director originally from Eugene, OR. She is the artistic director of Xcape Dance Company, where she has produced 10 full-length shows. Her dance and choreography have graced the stages of Club Jeté—LA's premier dance experience—and concerts from New York to California with artists such as E-40, Twista, The Game, Bone Thugz-N-Harmony, Zion I, and E.T. She has also worked on industrial projects for NAPA Auto Parts, Build San Francisco, the Qwest Events Center in Seattle, and Rockstar Energy Drink. She was a winning contestant on CBS’s Let’s Make a Deal with Wayne Brady. 

Vanessa and her dance company filmed a casting pilot for MTV’s Made, a regional commercial, print ads for the University of Oregon, and have been featured performers in various professional events. Vanessa's choreography has won numerous awards at competitions and conventions and has won the JIGTV Brian Friedman Video Choreography Critique Contest at www.jigtv.com! Most recently, Vanessa was a dancer in the Emmy-nominated production of DanceAbility on Art Beat for OPB and choreographer and dancer for the headlining performance at the World Track and Field Festival sponsored by ASICS.

Vanessa’s training background includes hip-hop, jazz funk, and contemporary. She has trained at EDGE PAC (Los Angeles), Millennium Dance Complex (North Hollywood), Dance Mission (San Francisco), Monsters of Hip Hop, and master workshops with some of the best in the industry.

Connect on Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/vanessafullerdance

https://www.facebook.com/vanessafullerdance

Website

https://xcapedance.my.canva.site/vanessafullerdance