We are continuing our Belhaven Dance Alumni series with performer and dance educator Jamie J. Thompson! Jamie joins me for part eight of our series, episode 135, sharing the integral significance of dance in his upbringing in Belize and the path he has journeyed to becoming a professional dancer and educator in New York City. He reflects on his formative years, both his experiences growing up in Belize and his transformative time at Belhaven University. Jamie's story highlights the power of mentorship as well as learning to synthesize our experiences and create a "toolkit" of skills as an artist.

We chat about pivotal moments in Jamie's professional dance career, including his early experiences in Dallas and his time as part of Disney's The Lion King on Broadway. He discusses the joys and challenges of performing, including injuries and the demands of the industry, as well as how those challenges have helped him develop resilience. Jamie also delves into his teaching philosophy and his creative process as a choreographer. He offers valuable advice for aspiring dancers about exploring their full talent matrix and preparing for a diverse career in the arts. Jamie's story is such an inspiration!

Several other Belhaven Dance Alumni have shared their stories on the podcast over the years, so we've gathered all the episodes together in a playlist for you! Check out the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠playlist on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

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Welcome to The Creative Impact Podcast, where you will find encouragement to live out your calling as an artist.

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Watch this episode on YouTube! Check out our YouTube Channel and be sure to like and subscribe!

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Find the show notes and more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creativeimpactpodcast.com/episode-135/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Some topics we chat about in today's episode include:

Belhaven University, dance, New York City, teaching, mentoring, professional dance, culture, arts education, choreography, Broadway, The Lion King, career transition, injuries, creativity, resilience, advice for dancers

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The podcast music was produced by Michael Cash.