Breaking down branding with Sonja McCord was a great refresher for me to sit down and reassess where I can align with my values and the reason why I want to continue to dance. Sonja provides a great starter kit of these questions to give each of us an opportunity to see what aligns with our personal brand, the artist we are aiming to present ourselves as, and how to be a more well-rounded individual who participates all aspects of life. . Take a moment and answer these questions. Why do I dance? Why is it so meaningful? What am I giving to the world through my creativity and artistry? What is the mission behind what I stand for? Once you have clarified what your personal brand is we are able to value our worth and feel more empowered behind what we deserve as a professional artists when it comes to contracts, jobs, and pay within our careers. As we trust in our self-worth and allow ourselves to experience the journey of the small steps leading up to the big steps we strengthen the belief in ourself and take the pressure off of what life looks like 3 years from now. Sonja was such a joy to have on the podcast and hearing her speak on each of us needing to celebrate one another more and to look at our careers as a gift rather than a burden was a great reminder for how lucky each of us are to move our bodies on a daily basis and experience our creativity to its fullest. I hope this episode offers you some wisdom.

Sonja McCord is a Dancer, Choreographer, and Artistic Director/CEO of The Sonja McCord X. She trains professional dancers to amplify their artistic brand, build independent work, elevate their talent,and monetize their art; all while increasing their marketability and visibility in the industry. A Certified Master Marketer, Sonja has worked 15+years in agency marketing and has had opportunities to perform with Pittsburgh BalletTheatre, Nashville Ballet, Alvin Ailey AmericanDance Theater, and Dance Theatre of Harlem. A former Pointe Shoe Specialist with Capezio BalletMakers, Sonja has traveled internationally to educate, lead, and advise professional dancers,artistic directors, and dance businesses on branding,visibility, marketing, and artist development. She has been featured in online magazines such asDance Informa, About.Me, BET.com, The Grio, SoulPitt Magazine, and served as a judge for DanceQuest Canada.

Instagram @thesonjamccordx
Website: thesonjamccordx.com