Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Weber.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My dance journey began at the age of five at my local dance studio, where I initially trained exclusively in ballet. After a few years, I was invited to audition for the studio’s competition team, an opportunity that broadened my training to include jazz, modern, hip-hop, tap, lyrical, kickline, musical theatre, and contemporary. I competed with the team for four years before deciding I wanted to challenge myself further and pursue more intensive training.
That decision led me to Company C Dance Club in Toledo, Ohio, where I committed to a 45-minute commute several days a week throughout middle and high school. My time at Company C transformed me as both a technician and performer, strengthening my versatility, artistry, and work ethic. During those years, I was honored to be named a Top 10 Female Elite Dancer at West Coast Dance Explosion Nationals in both 2020 and 2022, while also earning numerous regional and national awards alongside my team. My love for Company C will never fade, and my gratitude for the studio and the impact it has had on my life is something I will never take for granted. 1, 2, 3, Go Company C!
Following high school, I pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance, where I continued to develop my training in both concert and commercial dance. During my collegiate career, I also became a member of Dance 2XS Michigan, a pre-professional hip-hop team that allowed me to further expand my experience as a commercial performer. My time at the University of Michigan provided countless opportunities that shaped me as an artist. I performed with FLOCKWORKS in the annual Power Center showcase, collaborated with my peers on senior capstone works, presented my own choreography in the Urbanite Showcase and for my senior thesis, trained with choreographers represented by MSA Agency, and learned from renowned artists from across the country. These experiences challenged me to grow as both a performer and choreographer while broadening my artistic perspective and strengthening my versatility as a dance artist.
One of the most influential people throughout my dance journey was Professor Judy Rice. Judy was far more than a mentor to me—she was a teacher, advocate, and unwavering source of encouragement. She always would say she recruited me to the University of Michigan Dance Department, as she trained me from a young age, and continually challenged me to become not only a stronger dancer, but a better person. Her belief in me, her guidance, and her genuine care profoundly shaped my life both inside and outside of the studio. I will always cherish our conversations, coffee chats, hallway hugs, her sense of humor during ballet class, and the countless stories and lessons she shared with me. Her impact on my life is immeasurable, and I am forever grateful for the love, wisdom, and support she gave so generously. Rest in peace, Judy. You will always be deeply missed.
The combined guidance of Company C Dance Club and the University of Michigan provided me with the training, discipline, and opportunities that prepared me for a professional career in dance. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a minor in Performing Arts Management & Entrepreneurship. As I continue to choreograph, teach, and pursue opportunities in the commercial dance industry, I plan to relocate to Los Angeles in January 2027 to begin the next chapter of my dance career.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Along my dance journey, I have faced many challenges that have shaped both my career and who I am as a person. At a young age, I experienced verbal harassment that caused me to question my self-worth and confidence, both as a young girl and as a dancer. Although those experiences were difficult, they taught me resilience and strengthened my determination to continue pursuing my passion.
In addition to these personal challenges, I have navigated numerous injuries throughout my training. Over the years, I have recovered from Osgood-Schlatter, a fractured ankle, Achilles tendinitis, hip dysplasia, and multiple concussions. There were many moments when the physical pain, countless doctor’s appointments, and ongoing physical therapy made it difficult to imagine continuing. It was especially challenging knowing that the art form I loved so deeply was also the source of so much pain.
My concussion recovery was particularly difficult. Because concussion protocols for dancers were still evolving, my recovery process took longer than expected and ultimately helped inform improvements in the department’s approach to concussion care. Today, dancers who experience concussions are required to complete a formal screening process and follow a structured protocol before resuming physical training. While I still experience some lingering post-concussion symptoms, I remain committed to my recovery and overall health through physical therapy and strength training. As I prepare to move to Los Angeles, my focus is on becoming as healthy, strong, and resilient as possible so that I can continue pursuing my career in the commercial dance industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Dance has always been more than just an art form to me—it is a combination of athleticism, storytelling, discipline, community, and human connection. As a professionally trained dancer and choreographer, my background spans both concert and commercial dance. My competitive training at Company C Dance Club, followed by earning my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of Michigan, has allowed me to develop versatility as both a performer and an artist.
Throughout my training, I have always challenged myself to step outside of one specific style. My experiences have taken me from the competitive dance world to collegiate concert dance, hip-hop, choreography, and commercial training. I enjoy finding connections between these different genres and environments and allowing each experience to shape the way I approach movement and artistry. I believe that being a versatile dancer is one of the most valuable qualities an artist can have. Developing a wide range of styles, skills, and experiences allows me to adapt to different environments and opportunities while continuing to grow as a performer. To me, being a well-rounded dancer means bringing more than just strong technique to the room—it means being an adaptable, collaborative, creative, and dependable artist. I strive to be the “whole package,” knowing that versatility can open more doors and allow me to continue building a lasting career in dance.
The work I most enjoy choreographing and performing, and the work I am most proud of, is primarily contemporary and hip-hop. Through co-choreographing numerous pieces for Dance 2XS Michigan, as well as creating my senior thesis, Reflections Reclaimed, I have had the opportunity to challenge both my technical precision and my creative perspective. Choreography is a process—one that can be both frustrating and incredibly rewarding. There are so many elements that contribute to creating a successful dance piece, including storytelling, staging, lighting, music, makeup, and more. I believe that each of these components plays an important role in bringing a piece to life. When they work together in collaboration, they create a cohesive experience that allows the audience to understand and connect with what I want to communicate through the work.
Something else that has helped me grow tremendously as both a person and a dancer is my ability to learn from and find inspiration in the dancers around me. While I have always had a competitive nature, I have learned to use that competitiveness as motivation rather than allowing it to become a form of negative comparison. I believe it is important for dancers to develop and maintain a growth mindset instead of constantly feeling the need to compete with one another. Every dancer brings a unique perspective, strength, and experience to the room, and there is always something to learn from the people around you. I strive to surround myself with artists who challenge and inspire me, while also contributing to an environment where we can support one another and grow together.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality I believe has been most important to my success is resilience. Throughout my dance journey, I have faced setbacks that challenged me both physically and mentally, from injuries and long recovery periods to moments of self-doubt and adversity. Each obstacle forced me to adapt, remain patient, and continue working toward my goals even when progress felt slow.
Resilience has taught me that success is not defined by avoiding challenges, but by how you respond to them. Every setback has strengthened my work ethic, perseverance, and appreciation for the opportunities I have been given. Rather than allowing obstacles to discourage me, I have used them as motivation to grow into a stronger dancer, artist, and person.
Another lesson that has been essential to my growth is learning to embrace healthy competition. The dance industry is incredibly competitive, but I have never viewed the success of others as a limitation to my own. Instead, I choose to be inspired by the talented dancers around me, learning from their artistry, work ethic, and unique perspectives. Watching others succeed motivates me to continue improving while also reminding me that there is always something new to learn. I believe the strongest artists are those who support one another, celebrate each other’s accomplishments, and use collaboration and shared experiences to grow.
As I begin the next chapter of my career in Los Angeles, I know resilience and a growth mindset will continue to be two of my greatest strengths. My experiences have prepared me to embrace challenges, remain dedicated to my goals, and approach every opportunity with humility, curiosity, and the desire to keep learning as both a dancer and an individual.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: olivia._weber._
