Meet Paige Bernard

We recently connected with Paige Bernard and have shared our conversation below.

Paige, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

I have struggled with anxiety and depression since I was young. My career in professional dance would occasionally heighten feelings of low self-esteem, worrying, and self hatred. What kept me going were the people around me that I knew supported me fiercely, and looked up to me. People like my father, who helped fund my dancing while working at a coal mine for 34 years of his life, on 12 hour shifts. People like my mother, who would put my hair in a bun every day, and drive me to every lesson and sit in the car for hours waiting for me until I was done. People like my instructors, who pushed me because they believed I could become something greater. People like my fellow students as well as my own students who looked up to me, and challenged me to be a better version of myself. When I couldn’t rely on my own strength, I would rely on them to get me through the day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I have been professionally trained in multiple facets of dance, including Ballet, Contemporary, Ballroom, and many other forms. I also instruct a wide variety of people and teach them how to do the things I have done for a very long time. I have taught as young as 6 all the way up to 66. I offer a wide range of classes and techniques, And I love to share my knowledge and passion for the art of dance.

I currently still dance myself, I’m pursuing professional ballroom and hope to start competing at a professional level. I am also trying to start a private coaching business and to get my name out there. I already have some loyal clients I have had for going on 5 years now, And I can’t wait to discover more aspiring dancers to help achieve their dreams.

The most exciting part of my job is seeing my students eyes light up when they finally understand something, seeing them succeed in things I remember succeeding in myself makes me appreciate and reflect on times that I hold dear to me.

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 it comes to mental health and a career in dance, the most important thing is being passionate about it, and remembering why you started in the first place. Unfortunately this career isn’t something you can make a ton of money in, it’s hard on the body, and it’s very hard to be successful in. If you don’t truly love it, it’s very difficult to keep going. My main piece of advice, is do it because you need to. Do it because you can’t live without it. Do it because the child inside of you that found joy in what you’re doing in the first place is still there.

Something I wish I did more of was get myself out there as much as possible, do as many auditions and classes and master classes as possible. The more people see you, the more likely you are to be offered opportunities.

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Be honest, hungry, and determined. You grow the most when you’re not afraid to make a mistake.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

I have finally learned to stop hating myself as much. It took years for me to understand that I will never be a perfect human being. Coming from a ballet dancer, perfection is something I have always chased. Finding beauty in your imperfections and letting go of the notion that you aren’t complete as you are right now, has been the one thing that has saved me this past year.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @paigerina_
• Other: My cosplay and modeling Instagram account is @cosplie This is mainly a hobby account, but i’m trying to combine my love for costumes and crafting with dance!

Image Credits

Stratton DV Imaging