Robin Conrad
Choreographer & Dance Lecturer
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA USA
“Not every work of art is a masterpiece. The process of being involved in creating something is a beautiful and important part of who we are as people.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRobin Conrad
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Attended the University of California, Irvine, where she received her bachelor’s degree in dance.
After graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a professional dancer—she performed with numerous dance companies over the next few years.
Discovered her passion for choreography and decided to move back to Los Angeles to attend the California Institute of the Arts, where she received her Master of Fine Arts degree in dance.
She began teaching part-time and producing her own work for various artists in residency.
She has worked on film and television projects—is a frequent collaborator with Sofia Coppola, having worked with her on a music video for The White Stripes and films like <i>The Bling Ring</i>.
Got an opportunity to become an associate professor of dance for Fullerton College, where she was eventually tenured—says her love of teaching dance stems from her desire to keep learning.
Decided to leave that teaching position and go back to school to pursue her doctorate degree in dance from Texas Woman’s University.
She is now a lecturer in dance at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a freelance choreographer.
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Choreographer & Dance Lecturer
I am a university lecturer and a freelance choreographer.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Education
Learning / Being Challenged
Day to Day
I start a teaching day by reviewing the material I'm covering in class. I always take a few minutes before class to get in the right mindset—I want to engage and inspire my students to think differently through their bodies. While I'm actually teaching time flies! I usually stick around after class to answer questions and chat with my students. If I'm working on a choreography project, I prepare accordingly and if it's a commercial job I usually have meetings prior to being on set for a shoot.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
I think the most important thing would be to visualize where you want to be. For example, if it's dancing with a company, what are your top 3 choices and how do those companies hire? If it's a teaching position, how can you position yourself as well rounded, with professional creative experience, as well as the necessary education and teaching experience and then make those things happen.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"You're not good enough. You don't have the right body. "
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
Physical Issues
Self-Esteem Issues
Interviewed By
UCI Roadtrip
University of California, Irvine students and alumni
