Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Hale.
Kim, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Southern California. Torrance to be exact. A true native. From a young age, I demonstrated a passion, dedication as well as a love for dance and all things “showbiz” that I think made both my parents nervous. I loved to watch all the Hollywood gossip shows with my mom and on occasion she would bring with her to the movies. I remember seeing “Funny Lady” starring Barbra Streisand at age seven. I was memorized and intrigued by the music, singing, dancing and acting. I knew in that moment that I wanted to be part of that magical world. And so it was. Long story. Here is the Cliff Notes version.
I started working as a professional as a dancer in my early 20’s, performing in productions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Branson and ultimately around the world on a cruise ship. I had always wanted to move to New York City so when my contract on the cruise ship ended, I moved to the Big Apple. It was one of the most exhilarating, frightening and boldest things I have ever done and launched me on a path of self-discovery that made me the woman I am today. As challenging a time as it was, I was fueled by my dream and worked hard every day in pursuit of that goal. I was proud to be part of the workshops of a few hit Broadway shows including Fosse and the revival of Chicago. I eventually booked the National Tour of Applause starring Stefanie Powers of the 90’s television hit “Hart to Hart.” I had the opportunity to work with the legendary Ann Reinking which was a dream come true but sadly the show closed a few weeks into the tour. I was devastated, returned to auditioning and started thinking about my future after the theater. I enrolled in a course at a local community college and soon discovered I was smart, articulate and more than a dancer. Soon after, I hung up my dancing shoes (for the first time) and started my journey in higher education which culminated in earning my Bachelor’s degree in Urban Politics from Wellesley College and Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Syracuse University.
I was fortunate to spend six years as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Syracuse University (lucky me — I was able to get my Master’s while there). I enjoyed my time there but instinctively knew that I did not want to spend the rest of my life in Syracuse. Many of my students have gone to have incredible careers on Broadway and in other equally valued roles in production, producing, education and the list goes on. It was there that I began to unravel my interest in “the business.” When I was auditioning and dancing in New York City, I was the person who would always say to friends “you should audition for this” or “you should consider reaching out to so and so.” That was true at SU. Seeing the potential and possibility in other people is in my DNA. If I am truly in vibrational sync with someone, the ideas and visions of the next step come quite naturally.
I left Syracuse and returned to New York City for a brief moment before heading back to Los Angeles for the first time in 15-years. I did not know it at the time but this was a life-changing decision. I ended up teaching at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy and a whole new world of possibility revealed itself to me as I absorbed everything I could from Ms. Allen. Eventually, I would end up assisting her on choreography projects for shows like Scandal, on commercials, a soon-to be released Netflix film starring Dolly Parton and even on the legendary Diana Ross’ performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 2018. Mind-blowing. I soaked it all in and exponentially grew my skill set. She allowed me the opportunity to try new things which eventually led to me handling the PR for her 10th Anniversary production of the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.” I loved every minute of that experience.
One of my craziest memories is managing the Red Carpet and then running backstage to perform in the Opening Number. When you work with Ms. Debbie Allen you learn to wear many hats — like her — and not complain. I was hooked. I knew I wanted to dig deeper into public relations and began working with my friends Emmy Award nominee Chloe and her sister Maud Arnold, one of the tap dance world’s leading ladies. The chemistry was instant and I started booking them immediately. I’ve come to realize that my work in PR is not that different from my experience as a talent agent. You have to be passionate about the people you are working with and the stories you are telling. The best part is, since “officially” retiring from dance I have appeared in two episodes of The Late Late Show with James Corden, on Ellen, at Diana Ross’ 75th birthday party and more. I have finally come to terms with and surrendered to the fact that dance is and will always be a part of me. Lucky me.
Has it been a smooth road?
My career journey has definitely been filled with unexpected twists, turns and adventures that have left me awestruck and brought me to my knees more than once. The constant theme has been dance and the entertainment industry. For me, the biggest challenge was seeing myself beyond “a dancer.” While my experience as a dancer informs everything I do, I knew early on that I did not want to be a 70-year old jazz teacher. It was during my tenure on the faculty at the renowned Debbie Allen Dance Academy that my perspective began to shift. In Debbie Allen, I saw a role model who had started her career as dancer but had gone on to act, direct, produce — all while overseeing her academy. This was life-changing for me. It expanded my vision of what was possible and that has made all the difference. I was empowered by the simple fact that I could use my passion for dance in other arenas outside of performing, teaching and choreographing. Thanks to Jim Keith, I started working as an Agent for Dance Educators and Choreographers at The Movement Talent Agent. He taught me the ropes and I embraced it all.
My world opened began opening up as I simultaneously joined the staff at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy first as the Head of Social Media which expanded to Head of Marketing and Social Media to Head of Public Relations, Marketing and Social Media. Those experiences truly helped me discover my voice as an entrepreneur and led me to create Kim Hale | Public Relations. It was a difficult transition as I have always had a bigger vision for my life than the people around me. LOL! It took me time to find the courage to stand for myself. That can make people very uncomfortable, which it did, but in the end my number one priority is and will always be my health, well-being and happiness. It is none of my business if that makes you uncomfortable.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
First off, let me just say I LOVE what I do! I am in the early stages of developing Kim Hale | Public Relations but I am proud to say I am off to an amazing start! I saw that there was a need for performing artists; especially dancers, in the early stages of their career to get media exposure. There are so many talented people doing amazing work professionally and in the community that I wanted to help shine a light on them.
At this point in my life, it is imperative for me to work with people that I believe in and want to collaborate with. There has to be a collective energy – a vibe between us – that is positive for us to be successful as a team. This is non-negotiable. That is definitely the case with Chloe and Maud Arnold. We have this unspoken respect for each other that has resulted in a lot of positive strides in sharing their journey and goals for the future with the world.
What I am most proud of is getting to do what I love with dignity every day. There are no shortcuts in this life and I am thrilled to be surrounded by positive people who are out there making a difference in the world through their art. I value quality over quantity in the client experience. I want to continue to work with people on a personal level so that everyone feels seen and heard. This is an integral part of my philosophy and approach. I would rather focus on a few people that I am truly passionate about as opposed to having a large roster where nobody is receiving the attention they truly deserve.
The most wonderful part about this adventure is that it is the culmination of my professional experiences. I call upon all my work as a dancer, teacher, social media manager, agent and more in my daily interactions. I am beyond grateful to be able to integrate these skills into my role as an independent entertainment publicist. It has been a journey to get here but I am confident the future is bright.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
L.A. is the perfect place to start a career in public relations. This is a mecca for the entertainment industry with numerous opportunities in various aspects of this field. If PR is something you are passionate about, I say GO FOR IT!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kimhalepr.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimhalepr
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/kimhalepr
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/mskimhale
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