Today we’d like to introduce you to Brie Cohen.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
About four years ago I realized I wanted to work as a professional dancer. Though I had been dancing for about ten years, and teaching for a while too, I was still figuring things out. In a way, I was living the life of a dancer but I hadn’t openly made a commitment to the career path. The idea of being a professional dancer was actually a little intimidating to me. Maybe it was because my upbringing didn’t encourage a career in dance, or maybe because I started training a little later than most. Once I decided to let go of limiting beliefs, I could see more clearly that this path felt true to me and it just made sense for me; dance still continues to fill me with purpose and excitement.
It was in L.A that all of this came to light. I was just visiting at the time, I had taken a trip to focus on my training as I had been spending a lot of time teaching others and I had also just finished choreographing my first full-length work ‘Linked’. I felt I needed to reenergize and give back to myself a little. Things started to really align for me while I was on this trip and I decided I wanted to move to Los Angeles. Once my visa was approved, I immediately packed up and left Australia, eager to start this new chapter.
I have been living in LA for a little less than one and a half years, I have been back and forth between Melbourne and LA. I’m currently in Australia for a little while, working on some collaborations, performances, and teaching and preparing myself to be back in LA.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road and I have faced many struggles, all of which have allowed me to grow and evolve. I have come to understand that challenges are there for a reason, there is a purpose to it. The challenges I have faced have asked me to become the person I was always meant to be. If we really stop and try to understand difficult times, we will find that basically every situation is an opportunity to step forward into growth; make the changes that we know we need to make in order to become our truest selves.
I have learned the importance of preparation. Specifically when moving to Los Angeles, or embarking on any major endeavor. I’m guided by my feelings, so when I feel ready, that means GO! But I have learnt the lesson of patience yet again. More preparation time was needed for me in order to properly set up my new life in LA and that is something I am focusing on while I’m in Australia.
My path is going to be different to yours, and I am so cool with that now. There is not only one way to do things and I am creating my own pathway. It’s important to trust yourself and do what you know is right for you. Taking the necessary steps that will bring you the highest possible outcome. I have accepted that there actually is no rush. Making decisions based on the notion that we are running out of time, means that we are driven by fear. I believe acting from a place of fear will just lead you astray. Basing my decisions from a place of love and calm is now what I actively chose to do.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Brie Cohen – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I have definitely kicked some goals but I am most proud of my dedication and constant growth as a person and as a dance artist. I don’t like to attach to one style to define my movement. My training in many different styles means I am versatile, though naturally, I like to move fluidly. My style uses different textures, control, lines, and footwork but for me, the groove is the soul of my dance; all while coming from an authentic place.
As a teacher and choreographer, I do my best to share this with my students. I have always been interested in understanding and helping others. Through my empathetic nature, I am able to connect with my students on a level beyond dance, which allows me to understand what they need in order to develop and grow in dance and life. I know myself as a person and I am true to that when I move and when I create. I don’t try to be anyone other than my self. I think the maturity I bring to my expression, my understanding of music and my movement quality is what sets me apart.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am so excited to be back in LA and fully immerse myself in the dance industry. I’ll be performing, working with artists, choreographing, teaching and of course training. I look forward to continue building on what I have started in Los Angeles.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @brie.cohen
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