Perspectives: Zooming in on Dance Leadership featuring Louise Hradsky
Get to Know Louise:
Where are you from and where are you based now?
I am from Calgary and am based in Vancouver.
What are your roles in the dance industry?
Dance Educator, Choreographer, Performer
What are your top 3 favourite credits or jobs from your dance career?
Performing the role of the "Green Lizard" in Cirque Du Soleil's show Mystère, being a part of the choreography team and performing in the Disney Descendants trilogy, being a choreographer on Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies and gaining an Emmy nomination from it.
"…It’s my job to keep all the pieces of the puzzle in view, then foster a space where everyone can do their best work.…”
Photo of Louise Hradsky
What does leadership in dance mean to you, and how does it shape your role as a choreographer, educator, or performer in the industry? How does this perspective influence your daily creative and professional practices?
To me, leadership means understanding the impact I have on creating an inspiring, innovative, and efficient environment where everyone feels supported to push the limits of what is possible. I consider this every time I step into a room with performers. As a film and television choreographer, I am collaborating with many departments prior to getting into dance rehearsal. It is my job to keep all pieces of the puzzle in view, then foster a space where performers can thrive, and together we discover how to best tell a story through movement. I believe effective leadership involves clearly communicating and adhering to expectations, while ensuring everyone feels safe and respected.
What is your vision for the future of the dance industry, both locally in Vancouver and on a global scale? Are there changes you’d like to see in the dance community based on your own experiences and challenges in the field?
I am rooted so deeply in the Vancouver film and television community, so my visions are most acutely focused here. It is my hope that we progress on track as one of the best places in the world to be a dancer and choreographer. This requires work from all of our community members, from dancers to choreographers to agents to producers. Dancers must be experts at executing movement, while also understanding how to embody storytelling and be unwaveringly professional in a room. Choreographers must create cutting edge movement and visuals, while ensuring they have a weighted say in the creative direction of a choreographed scene, and foster a supportive workspace for their performers. Agents must uphold the worth of their talent, and fight for us to remain on par with other international communities. Producers must value dance on screen as the magic ingredient that it is, and allocate sufficient resources in order for us to elevate a project to the next level.
What advice would you offer to other dance professionals who are stepping into leadership roles within the industry? How can they make a meaningful impact on the creative environments they lead?
Firstly, one must recognize that they are in a leadership role and the profound impact it comes with. The outcome of the work, as well as everyone's experience, is greatly in your hands. Support your performers so they support you. Adhere to your expectations. Take and leave from those who have shown you the way, so you can develop your own leadership signature.
What is one essential piece of advice you would give to young dancers or those entering the dance industry?
Reframe a "no" as a "redirection". Look carefully at what you can do to turn it into a yes, or tune in to see if there is something that is in better alignment with you. Don't be afraid to ask questions to those who are where you hope to be career wise. It sounds simple, but so often human conversations and interactions unlock the next level. You'd be surprised by how many artists are excited to pay forward what they have learned in the form of advice or mentorship.
Thank you, Louise, for sharing your thoughts on creating spaces where others can thrive. You can stay connected with Louise via Instagram: @lou.sky
