Meet Noelle Pate Packett

We recently connected with Noelle Pate Packett and have shared our conversation below.

Noelle, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

Optimism means so many things to me. First, in the general most common sense, it is simply a way of life. A choice perhaps that stems from one’s own inner strength and experiences. However, optimism can also have many negatives associated with it that can lead to burnouts, naiveity, and loneliness. I can confidently say, I’ve experienced ALL of these things.

My own experiences in my childhood and young adulthood has truly shaped me into someone who constantly tries to find a positive. When I was younger, this was a survival tactic for me, as I watched my Mom fight breast cancer from when I was 3 years old to losing her to the battle 5 days before my 13th Birthday. I then watched my aunt, her sister, fight breast cancer 6 months later as well. So, I had to learn at an early age to find joy wherever and whenever I could. To harness that joy, use it to survive, and find my own happiness when my world was so chaotic and unknown. I always love to put things in proper perspectives whenever I’m presented with something that may be a bit of a challenge. It can always be worse, yes…but it can also always be better. So, how do I use the tools and knowledge I am presented with to get to the better outcome? By changing my perspective. “Change your perspective, change your life” is something my team and family constantly hear me say. As I’ve grown older, I am more able than not to harness that optimism for the greater good in my personal and professional life.

From my personal experiences, I lead my team with positivity, optimism, and swift kicks of reality when necessary. In any situation, I go in with a positive outlook and try to take time to learn where the other party is coming from. This allows me to communicate a solution that not only works for the best outcome, but also speaks the language the other party can understand. Hopefully in return, earning a mutual respect in the process. This has really helped me to be a strong leader by finding these ways of opening up dialogue and communication between team members and clients.

However, here’s where the loneliness and burnouts can come into play and have. If you are everyone else’s constant support system, who is that for you when you need it? Sometimes that is a hard concept to grasp and understand. So, it’s important to find that balance and not allow people to dim your inner light and to take too much in the whole process.

All in all, I would much rather live a life filled with optimism and hope, than any other way. I’m grateful for the situations I’ve been given in my life as I truly feel it’s enabled me to be a better friend, family member, and leader. The only way out is through!

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?

I can’t remember a time in my life prior to dance. Growing up as a dance studio and competition owner’s daughter, I was mesmerized by this industry. I trained under my father, Gary Pate and other well-known Master Teachers, Choreographers and Mentors and continued dancing through college. After graduating from UNCW 20 years ago with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology, I decided to become more active in Starpower. I joined the team full time then and have learned the business from the ground up.

In 2017, I took on a larger role within Starpower, officially as the National Director, and this past season I was given the honor of the title Vice President, Executive Director of the all the brands at the Star Dance Alliance. I feel so proud to take on this role to continue the legacy the Star Dance Alliance has created for almost 4 decades in the competition world!

With my new title and role, also has brought the new formation of DanceOne with the Break the Floor legacy brands and the Star Dance Alliance. This is one of the most exciting partnerships to come to our industry in quite some time. The creation of DanceOne symbolizes a momentous evolution in the dance community. This new chapter promises to elevate the art form, offering unprecedented opportunities for dancers and enriching the experiences of audiences worldwide. As DanceOne makes it clear the future of dance is brimming with exciting possibilities, all made possible by the collaborative spirit of the dance community. We are all so excited to see what the future holds for our industry, and I’m just so grateful every single day to be such a big part of it all. The opportunities to bring the love of dance to more people across the globe is our number one goal!

Fun personal fact about me: My husband and I own a music store in Edgewater, MD, and we also have our very own band where I’m the lead singer, and he is lead guitarist! We have an absolute blast playing locally and for special events all around our area. Entertaining is in my blood, and I just love all aspects of helping people create lifetime memories through music and dance!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Optimism, patience, and perseverance have been pivotal qualities in shaping my journey in the world of dance, both personally and professionally. Optimism has fueled my drive, allowing me to envision new possibilities and inspire others even in challenging times. Patience has enabled me to navigate the industry’s complexities with a steady hand, fostering growth and nurturing talent amidst the inevitable ups and downs. Perseverance has been the cornerstone of my progress, empowering me to overcome obstacles, adapt to evolving trends, and continuously strive for excellence. Together, these qualities have not only guided me through the highs and lows of my career but have also been instrumental in achieving lasting success and fostering a thriving dance and work community.

I would say my advice for anyone just starting their professional journey in life is to stay positive and be patient with yourself first before anyone else. Understand that growth and success are gradual. Give yourself grace and time to develop your skills and build your career. I would also say to regularly envision yourself achieving your goals. This positive reinforcement can boost your optimism and drive. Manifest what you want, put it out in the universe, and keep working towards it. Also, don’t lose your fire or passion for whatever it is you do. If you do, take a break and practice self-care. Passion fuels perseverance and optimism, but you can’t have any of this without taking care of your physical and mental well-being. This will help you remain resilient and focused.

You got this!

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, I’ve experienced profound personal growth by embracing a more authentic version of myself and letting go of what I cannot control. Which is SO challenging for me and a work in progress! I’ve learned to care less about others’ opinions and more about my own values and happiness. This shift has empowered me to focus on what truly matters to me, freeing up energy previously spent on external stressors. I can only do and be so much! I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of the importance of letting go of factors beyond my control. By channeling my efforts into areas where I can make a difference and practicing mindfulness, I’ve found a newfound sense of peace and resilience. This journey has not only enhanced my self-confidence but also enriched my overall well-being, allowing me to navigate life with greater ease and optimism. (Optimism…there’s that word again haha!)

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