Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizz Picini.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born premature, it was probable that I wouldn’t be able to walk… so to say that my life is ‘dance’ is an absolute blessing.
I began my dance training at a very young age, grew to absolutely adore performing and never grew out of the “I want to be a dancer” phase. I now pinch myself that I teach sold-out classes at the nucleus of dance training (Broadway Dance Center, NYC), travel around the globe setting choreography, instruct world-wide, and perform around the country. I graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in May 2011, moved to NYC four days after graduating, and never looked back. While owning the privilege and comfort I was born into, I still celebrate that I “started from the bottom and now I’m here.” It is exhilarating, motivating and humbling to remember moving to NYC wide-eyed and clueless as to what was about to happen, and then to own, accept and celebrate the steps I have taken, hard work I have done, and unending perseverance bringing me to where I am today. Part of our Actors Equity Association, represented by the best agency in the field (in both Dance and Print), performing non-stop, teaching coast-to-coast, motivating around the world, I am thrilled and thankful, and I truly mean it.
A stand-out quality is that I have adapted the title “unicorn” as I “wear all hats” in my business. I straddle the line of performer, creative, instructor, educator, coach, leading lady, understudy, mentee, mentor and more. As I have become more and more well-known as the girl-who-can-do-it-all, (and do it well) I welcome and appreciate the opportunities and challenges which come with them. Whether I am performing or teaching, adjudicating or “being cut,” coaching or training, etc., I will always have so much to learn and so much to be thankful for.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been wonderful, educational, inspiring, motivating, celebratory, awesome but bumpy. I am thankful for the bumps as I have learned to appreciate the smoothness thereafter. I also sincerely believe growth does not come from the smooth road but from the bumps, shifts and obstacles.
As a “unicorn” in the performing arts/creative field, I “sit on both sides of the table” and quite literally. It can be a crazy mind-game. One morning, I may be running your audition, making cuts, typing you in/out, etc., then that afternoon I am teaching your class encouraging you, building you up, critiquing you, then that evening I am auditioning with you, in your callback, hoping to book the job, etc… It can be overwhelming, intersecting and down-right emotional. However, without learning how to balance this process, fulfilling many roles, I would not have developed the essential “thick skin” needed in a business where you receive a “no” more often than a “yes,” and I would not have gained the understanding of the vitality of perseverance, tenacity and resilience.
My faith in God as been strengthened, my care for my mental health has increased, my dependence on genuine relationships has increased, my appreciation for “the process” has jumped, and overall my appreciation for absolutely everything in my life has skyrocketed!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I will forever be endlessly grateful for the team of people who lift me up time and time again. As cheesy as it may sound to some, I have no doubt my gratitude, perspective and gifts come from God and doors He has graciously opened as I have continued to put in the hard work; for that, I am thankful. My family, supporting me emotionally, spiritually, mentally and financially since “day one,” I could not live without. My boyfriend who loves me through “thick and thin” and is always there to encourage me, challenge me, fuel me, pray for me and motivate me when I need it most, is a hero.
My best friend, involved in the same realm of work that I am, is always able to “check me” and keep me sincere, supported, wise and positive. My brilliant mentors and bosses (Ricky Hinds, Denis Jones, Parker Esse, Jim Cooney, Bonnie Erickson, Marc Kimelman and so many more) have poured into me patiently, day-after-day, instilling in me such valuable information and practices making me the woman I am today. My students motivate and inspire me in more ways than I can express in writing. I love them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lizzpicini.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @lizzpicini
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizz.picini
Image Credit:
Glorianna Picini Photography
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