Meet Elodie Dufroux

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elodie Dufroux a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elodie, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from the way I was raised and the lessons I learned from the challenges I faced along the way. Growing up, I faced significant challenges, particularly with bullying that lasted for seven years during my time in school. The constant pressure, negativity, and isolation were difficult to endure, and at times, it became overwhelming. There were moments when I even had to switch to homeschooling to protect myself and find a space where I could heal and focus on my education.

Despite the trauma, I never gave up. Every day became an exercise in perseverance, learning to push through when things felt impossible, and finding small victories in moments of progress. Over time, that constant struggle built my resilience and taught me how to navigate adversity with strength.

I refused to let my past define me or limit my potential. I completed my schooling, eventually graduating with two Master’s degrees and a Bachelor’s degree, all while continuing to heal from the emotional scars of bullying. Each step of the way, I realized that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back, but about growing stronger with each challenge faced. The journey I went through not only shaped my academic success but also gave me the mindset that with enough determination, I could overcome anything.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I was born and raised in France, and about 10 years ago, I experienced a life-changing health issue that led to me being hospitalized for a month. During that time, I faced a lot of uncertainty about what the future held, and it was a pivotal moment in my life. It made me realize that life is too short not to follow your dreams, so I made a decision to take a leap of faith and make a big change.

I let go of my stable 9-to-5 job and moved to New York, determined to pursue something I’d always dreamed of as a child: dancing. I enrolled at the Broadway Dance Center’s International Student Program for what I thought would be a 6-month stint. But the experience was so transformative that I ended up staying for a year, eventually auditioning for and joining their Professional Semester. That was the beginning of a journey I could never have imagined.

After that, I applied for my first O-1 visa, which allowed me to stay and start working as a full-time performer. I was fortunate enough to work on Off-Broadway shows, commercials, and even perform at Madison Square Garden in a sold-out arena, something I would have never thought possible. I’ve also had the privilege of working with incredible artists like Carlos Neto, Angel Kaba, Luis Salgado, Jon Rua, and Jared Grimes, to name a few, who have all been a huge source of inspiration.

As my career evolved, I began teaching, starting with my own classes at Ripley Grier, and eventually being offered teaching opportunities at Peridance and PMT. Then, a full-circle moment occurred when I was invited to join the faculty at Broadway Dance Center, the same place that played such an important role in my journey. Now, as I’m on my third O-1 visa, I’m living the dream of teaching, educating, performing, and choreographing.

At the same time, I’m currently working on a very personal project: curating a full-length contemporary show that addresses something that deeply impacted me during my younger years—bullying. Having been bullied myself for many years, I’ve always wanted to use my art to speak about these experiences and hopefully provide support and a sense of understanding for others who have gone through something similar. This project is a way for me to give back and create a space for conversation and healing through the power of dance.

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?

I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been determination, hard work, and professionalism. While talent and versatility are undoubtedly crucial in this industry, I’ve found that they’re not the only things that make a difference. What really sets people apart, in my experience, is the energy and attitude they bring to the table. This includes things like your willingness to give your best, your work ethic, and how you treat others along the way.

Being genuine, having good etiquette, staying committed, and being honest—these are the qualities that go a long way, even though they may not always be as visible as technical skill. Sometimes, it’s the subtle things like your demeanor in a room, your ability to take direction with a smile, or your willingness to be part of a team, that can open doors you may not even realize are there. These are often the qualities that people remember, and they’re what will get you called back for another opportunity, even if you don’t realize it at the time.

From my current position, where I sometimes lead auditions, choreograph, or create work, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable it is to work with artists who not only have a strong voice and unique talent but who can also take direction with a positive, collaborative attitude. Being professional doesn’t just mean showing up on time or knowing your stuff; it also means being someone people enjoy working with, someone who brings the right energy to the process.

For those who are early in their journey, I’d encourage them to focus on these aspects, alongside building their technical skills. Work hard, stay determined, and always strive to be someone who others can rely on and work with comfortably. Your talent will get you noticed, but your professionalism and attitude will keep you in the room and open doors that might otherwise be closed.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was allow me to pursue my passion for dance, even though they didn’t initially fully understand or support it. When I first decided to move to New York, they were understandably worried. They were concerned that dancing might not be a sustainable career and that I was taking a huge risk. But despite their concerns, they still supported me in taking that first step. They allowed me to go to New York and see for myself what it could offer, even though it was a big leap of faith.

When they saw how much dance transformed me—how it brought me happiness, confidence, and a sense of purpose—they began to see the value in it. Dance wasn’t just an art form for me; it became a path to growth, healing, and self-expression. Over time, they became fully onboard with my journey, even encouraging me to apply for my first visa, which was a turning point in my career. Their eventual belief in me and in the power of dance played a huge role in my ability to take the next steps in building my career here in New York.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.elodiedufroux.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elodiedufroux/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elodiedufroux

Image Credits

Jenna Maslechko, Becca Vision