Check Out Bronwyn Smith’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bronwyn Smith

Hi Bronwyn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Professional Dancer first and foremost, and grew up dedicated to this art form from the age of four. As I grew into the pre-professional and professional stages of my training – studying at the Acton School of Ballet, Commonwealth Ballet Company, and Butler University – I learned and later experienced firsthand more of the ‘unfairness’ and downsides to the industry. Though, I was lucky enough to spend my ballet training surrounded by teachers that believed, caring and encouraging dancers as more than just dancers, but people, is the best way to produce positive results in their students. This style of teaching only made me more passionate about my art, work, and making the dance industry a better place moving forward. It brought me out of my shell into a professional who is confident, curious, and dedicated.
It is all too common for dancers to end up drained by the grueling and often toxic culture of dance as a career, which is so heartbreaking because this art and career holds so much magic, and has brought me some of the most beautiful people, places, and lessons in my life. I envision a future for the dance industry where dancers don’t have to choose between feeling artistically enriched and challenged, and feeling valued as a person and employee.
Studio Bee LLC is a way to get my foot in the door of more dance and arts organizations, share their stories, and do everything I can to help them strengthen and uplift the communities around and within their organizations.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, my journey has not been a smooth road, but I am grateful for that. Learning from the bumps and bends has only made me more informed and clear about what I want and where I stand. I went through several months just last year when I doubted my talent and worth, wondering if I was fit to continue working in the professional dance industry. I felt like I had spent so many years of dedicated training just to end up going backwards when I was supposed to be ‘making it.’
Though, I am grateful to have had a support system in my family and mentors along the way who gave me the time, space, and encouragement to ‘figure it out.’ After a few months spent at home working and wondering, I had an offer from a new dance company, moved to a new state, and re-discovered my passion. Not only did I find a place where I felt challenged and valued, I had energy and excitement back to work on Studio Bee as a concept and then a business. I always saw myself starting my own business at some point in my life, but with the typical structure of a dance career, thought it would be impossible until I retired from dance completely. Dancing with Deos Contemporary Ballet, I can do both! Being able to use my arts administration, marketing, and dance brains in my day to day work is so exciting and fulfilling to me. I have a perfect storm of inspiration and energy to lean into my work.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Through Studio Bee LLC I provide Social Media Coordination & Marketing services as well as Community Enrichment services, placing a focus on the dance & arts industries. As a current Professional Dancer, I am surrounded by and knowledgeable about these industries. Plus, I have been successfully working for dance studios & companies for years, growing my administration and marketing skills as I go. My organization, creativity, and knowledge, paired with firsthand experience sets me apart from others.
In addition, as I mentioned previously, I am passionate about strengthening communities within dance organizations. Fostering intentional communication between students and faculty, building confident dancers, and accepting/growing communities is the best way to move our industry forward in my experience.
I began my community work at Butler University, where I brought together the Dance Department for ‘Town Hall Meetings’ and worked closely with faculty and administration to implement systems of communication within the department. In under two years, significant positive changes were made to the department. The assessment system and handbook were adapted to better fit the needs of the students, student leaders were able to collect and address feedback directly with faculty in an organized and professional manner, student/faculty collaboration grew, and overall the Butler Ballet community was better suited to learn and work together in a positive way.
I figured, if this can work in a university program, why not elsewhere? I built and brought my first post-Butler community workshop to the Acton School of Ballet, whom I also work with on the Social Media and Marketing side. I believe that instilling these systems and work into studio spaces when students are at the pre-professional level, is such an important way to build a more positive professional dance future.
Combining the Social and Community aspects of my work with Studio Bee, strengthens organizations from the inside out.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned to trust my gut, be polite, and if you work hard enough at something you will find your place. Go for it!

Pricing:

• Social Bundle #1 – Tester Bee – $500 per month
• Social Bundle #2 – Worker Bee – $750 per month
• Social Bundle #3 – Busy Bee – $1000 per month
• Community Workshops – range $1000-1500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://studiobeellc.squarespace.com
• Instagram: studiobee_llc

Image Credits
Colleen Carey, Meredith Ventura