Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Potts Barrett.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Since I was three, my ambition was to become a musical theatre actress. I’d been involved in community theatre all of my young life. Boston Conservatory was utterly life-changing for me since It was there that I was introduced to modern dance. I began dancing at 8, studying jazz, and continuing classes through middle and high school. Ballet happened in spurts. But modern? Wow! My first Graham technique class was with Ina Hahn, who had danced in the Martha Graham and Doris Humphrey dance companies. Over several years, I was the recipient of lots of well-taught Graham and lots of Humphrey pieces. I studied with legends in dance, both modern and ballet, at the Conservatory. My teachers included Lar Lubovitch, Rudy Perez, and many other icons in modern dance. I was the student who choreographed the musicals in high school. Choreography and Musical Theatre have been constants in my life artistically, creatively, and lucratively, with opportunities presenting themselves continually. After performing on stage for many years, as teaching was something I always did as a sideline, I started teaching more. I am a teaching artist with the Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and the Orlando Ballet.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I’ve certainly had my fill of heartbreak, prejudice, and resounding no’s when auditioning. But being creative has always been the path I knew was right for me!
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a choreographer first, a teaching artist second, and a collaborator third. I am known for my Modern Dance classes and Modern Dance works, as well as my Musical Theatre choreography. Out of all my choreography, of which there are over 200 musical theater productions and many more modern dance pieces, I am proud of my students. I have many students who are continually accepted into the best dance programs at Universities in the country, many in professional dance companies, and many on Broadway.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was the student who choreographed the musicals in high school. As a young child, I produced “shows, musicals, of course” in my garage, charging a penny to our neighbors to come and see it!
Contact Info:
- Website: Https://www.ElliePottsBarrett.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebarrett454/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epbdance/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORt8n2IM7bk
Image Credits
The first shot is photo taken by @geekchicphoto. Douglas Anderson School of the Arts – 2023, of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 Second photo – Modern Dance piece – DETACHED – 2020 Third going clockwise – rehearsal for FROM THE TOP – 2023 – Jacksonville University residency and chores for concert Fourth – BOUND – 2023 – Douglas Anderson School of the Arts Last – CHURCH – 2023 -Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
