48. Navigating the Freelance LA Dance Scene with Mizuki Sako

In this episode I’m joined by Mizuki Sako, a professional dancer whose career spans ballet, contemporary, commercial work, and film performing with LA-based companies including the REALM company, LA Dance Moves, Psychopomp Dance Theater and Disneyland.

Mizuki shares her experiences navigating the professional freelance dance world and finding artistic fulfillment across different styles and mediums. If you’re a dancer wondering how to build a career beyond traditional ballet company contracts, this episode is for you!

Key points:

✨How Mizuki transitioned from ballet training to a multi-genre dance career

✨The challenges and rewards of freelancing as a professional dancer

✨How to balance commercial work, concert dance, and artistic exploration

✨Why versatility is an asset in today’s dance industry

✨The importance of maintaining good relationships in a small community

✨How Mizuki approaches different types of auditions as a freelance dancer

From ballet to film, Mizuki’s career proves that dance can take you in many directions. Staying flexible and saying "yes" to new experiences can truly lead you to places you never imagined!

Connect with Mizuki:

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kookymizuki

Links and Resources:

Visit the Ballet Help Desk: https://ballethelpdesk.com/

Get 20% off your first order of ALOHA protein bars: https://aloha.com/BRAINYBALLERINA

1-1 Career Mentoring: book your complimentary career call

Let’s connect!

My WEBSITE: thebrainyballerina.com

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/thebrainyballerina

Questions/comments? Email me at [email protected]

The Brainy Ballerina Podcast is a podcast for aspiring professional ballet dancers who want to learn what it really takes to build a smart and sustainable career in the dance industry.

Former professional ballerina turned Dance Educator and Career Mentor Caitlin Sloan peels back the curtain of the professional dance world with open and honest conversations about the realities of becoming a professional dancer.

Along with sharing her industry knowledge, Caitlin interviews top dancers, educators and experts in the dance industry who share their stories to inform, motivate and inspire you to pursue your dance career with confidence.

Tune in each week for actionable tips and advice to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed in a professional dance career on your terms.

• No. of episodes: 54
• Latest episode: 2025-05-12
• Arts Performing Arts

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