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The Myth of the Main Job
On professional ecosystems, multidimensional careers, and the pressure to pick one thing. I had this thought on the train the other day: What if we stopped forcing ourselves to identify a singular “main” job? Why does one role automatically become the “real,” “money making,” or “bill paying” career while everything else gets reduced to a side hustle, passion project, backup plan, or “the thing you do after work”? I’m a professional ballet dancer. I’m a Licensed Dietitian Nutr
Melissa Lineburg
4 days ago4 min read
freelance dancers, you have more agency than you think
I’ve noticed something lately — in conversations, emails, and even my own brain on busy weeks — that sounds like this: “I’d love to, but I don’t know what my schedule will look like.”
It’s a phrase dancers say all the time, especially...
Melissa Lineburg
Nov 3, 20253 min read
yes, there's etiquette in ballet class - even for adults
Why a little awareness goes a long way in open adult ballet. There’s something incredibly special about an open adult ballet class....
Melissa Lineburg
Jun 6, 20254 min read
I don't call myself a 'ballerina' - here's why
Why I don’t call myself a ballerina: A professional ballet dancer’s take on the word, the stereotypes, and the realities of a ballet career.
Melissa Lineburg
Mar 1, 20252 min read
Dancers, Put Your Phones Down
Are you spending more time watching dance than actually dancing? As a professional ballerina, teacher, and co-director, I see it all the tim
Melissa Lineburg
Feb 10, 20253 min read
Professional Dancer’s Guide to Event Gigs - What to Know About Contracts, Payment, and more
As a professional ballet dancer with extensive experience performing for companies, freelancing, and at one-time events, I know that...
Melissa Lineburg
Nov 7, 20247 min read
Defining 'Professional' for Dancers: A Personal Reflection on What It Means
According to Merriam-Webster , the word "professional" can mean many things: Of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession....
Melissa Lineburg
Nov 1, 20247 min read
How to Hire Ballet Dancers for Your Event: What You Need to Know
Looking to hire dancers for a wedding, party, or corporate event? This guide covers everything you need to know—pricing, logistics, and perf
Melissa Lineburg
Oct 30, 202411 min read
empower performance nutrition blog
Learn all you need to know about dance nutrition on the eMpower Performance Nutrition Blog!
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