We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Alice Burns recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah Alice , thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
Growing up in such an isolated place like Perth, Australia, at a young age, I knew having to leave one day was going to be the biggest risk I would ever take. To have the courage to move overseas solo . I think I had prepared for that moment my whole childhood , training as a dancer I always wanted it to become my career . I made that promise to myself to try . Naturally I’m a determined person so once I have my mind on something I push full steam ahead. No looking back .
My upbringing I would say was rather strict I had curfew, chores etc . My father had a miltary background so he was quite regimented. But dance honestly gave me my need to be 10 mins early everywhere. It gave me discipline, structure and a place to leave all the worries of being at home or school. It was my safe place .
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Crazy to say 13 years in LA, I’ve become accustomed to life here and I love it . I’m self employed and I offer multiple options to clients – movement coaching (singers / actors /dancers) Private dance lessons Private pilates reformer Bodywork – trigger point therapy . Myofacial release.
Being a professional dancer, touring for many years with Beyoncé + JayZ, Hailee Steinfeld and Jane’s addiction to name a few, my love for the stage is always my number one. Working behind the camera is a close runner up. It’s different energy. Both are absolutely amazing to do . So blessed to have had some really amazing moments in my career.
As I’ve grown I’ve loved being apart of a team and creating together on such large scales . It’s always interesting to see it come to life .
In 2017 I had the pleasure of creative assisting NAPPYTABS while they worked on a JLO show and TLC tour so I learned how to break down all the elements of what was happening on stage and create that reference book the whole crew then goes off for the shows. It was so fun to see that side of things .
So now I often create my own treatments for practice . Getting music videos ideas out . Getting to work with directors that enjoy creative input now is super fun !
Working with all creatives is such a blessing . I really value my time with artists when I know I can impact in a positive way to improve their confidence and ability to really perform . Artist Development meets performance efficiency.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
When I look back I realize my self discipline with dance was self love. It poured back into me what I put in . That feeling I got on stage as a professional was the dedication I gave myself to fulfill that dream. I used to say if your dreams don’t scare you they aren’t big enough .
After booking that dream job, the heartbreak of closing the chapter of my dream job I became depressed so then my mentality had to change – rejection is merely redirection . So I looked at life like I made my dream come true !!! What is the next dream ?
I went back to the drawing board . Really became obsessed with understanding my thoughts and belief system about success .
What does that look like for me ?
So now my current mindset now is You already have the gift, the universe will create the opportunity. Keep pushing !
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I love to collaborate! All Creatives. Artists, singers , actors , dancers. Creative Director, Directors, Producers, Photographers.
I love helping ideas come to life , jumping on board on projects for movement direction, choreo and creative direction.
I’m always down to create .
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahaliceburns.com
- Instagram: @sarahaliceburns
- Linkedin: Sarah Alice Burns
Image Credits
Walid Azami Lindsey Rosenberg
