Today we’d like to introduce you to Chanel Holland -pierre
Chanel , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Back in 2017, I had an internal battle where I was subjected to all of these feelings because I couldn’t understand why I hadn’t reached the peak of my career. I’ve dreamed of becoming a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater or cast as Juliet in the Metropolitan Opera Ballet, with my face front and center outside of the box office. Birthed from that place was Chocolate Ballerina Company, a haven for artists of color who have felt overlooked in the role of ballet and not chosen by major ballet masters based on the color of their skin. Dedicated to my community, by combining passion, ballet training, and arts education, within the last two years, Chocolate Ballerina Company is becoming a pillar to the urban Philadelphia community, creating and performing culturally-aware works to inspire and lead change. At Chocolate Ballerina Company, underprivileged youth communities have access to performing arts education, which includes classes on mastering technique and form along with artist development for free.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a very rough road. I have learned to stay consistent through it all. Most people only want to continue with something is working or something is successful based off a timeline they have placed on themselves.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a creative and artistic director. I not only choreograph, but I create and direct premier productions that tell stories through ballet. I take the diverse dancers of the world and place them on a platform to be seen and recognized as a professional artists that the world can witness and be inspired by.
What matters most to you? Why?
Love matters to me. To be in love, to have offered loved, to have received love, to have a love for something, to love in complexity’s, to love in completion. It all matters. I move out of a place of love, that way I hold no expectations. When u move in love it’s a win.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chocolateballerinacompany.com
- Instagram: Iamchocolateballerina
- Facebook: Chocolate Ballerina co
- Twitter: CBdance
- Youtube: Chocolate Ballerina Company
