Robin Conrad
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."
Career Roadmap
Robin's work combines: Art, Education, and Learning / Being Challenged
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I think we can be our own worst critic. Most of what we tell ourselves is just patently false. I would encourage someone to focus on all the amazing things they are, not what they think they aren't and to always push through the negative talk, take chances and find supportive friends to cheer them on.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Dance, General
University of California-Irvine
Graduate Degree
Dance, General
California Institute of the Arts
Doctorate
Dance, General
Texas Woman's University
Certification
Yoga Teacher Training/Yoga Therapy
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Attended the University of California, Irvine, where she received her bachelor’s degree in dance.
2.
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.
3.
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.
4.
She began teaching part-time and producing her own work for various artists in residency.
5.
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>.
6.
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.
7.
Decided to leave that teaching position and go back to school to pursue her doctorate degree in dance from Texas Woman’s University.
8.
She is now a lecturer in dance at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and a freelance choreographer.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
You're not good enough. You don't have the right body.
How I responded:
I think we can be our own worst critic. Most of what we tell ourselves is just patently false. I would encourage someone to focus on all the amazing things they are, not what they think they aren't and to always push through the negative talk, take chances and find supportive friends to cheer them on.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Early on, I decided I would never be in debt so I found interesting jobs along the way to support the things I wanted to do (dance classes, travel).
I've dealt with injuries (as do many dancers/choreographers) and I've found innovative ways to heal and regain mobility.
I've dealt with body image issues. I've been told that I don't have the right body for a dancer.