An educator and performer reflects on embracing multiple passions and professional identities, demonstrating how combining teaching, dance, and mentorship creates meaningful work that inspires others and transforms lives.
Her Story
About Katie
Katie Colabianchi is an educator and professional dancer who graduated in 2024 from Baldwin Wallace University with a double major in English and high school education. She is a full-time instructional tutor at a high school where she is licensed for 7-12 English language arts, providing support to students while also teaching dance classes throughout the greater Cleveland area. As a professional performer for almost five years, she has danced in musicals and performances, including backup dancing for Usher and Chris Brown at Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, and she has performed with the United States Football League dance team. During college she participated in the dance program, dance team, and cheer team, building on training from her mother who was a professional dancer in New York City. She attributes her success to her openness to working in many fields, training in dozens of styles, saying yes to opportunities, and working multiple jobs that created valuable connections. Her goal is to perform for a professional NFL team while continuing to teach full-time.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
My openness to work in many fields and training in dozens of styles, saying yes to opportunities, and working multiple jobs which created connections.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Form connections as soon as possible, always be kind to others and especially yourself, work hard, have faith in yourself and trust yourself even when hearing no.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Katie
Beyond the Box: The Power of Embracing All Your Passions
Embracing Multiple Passions: Why Choosing Just One Version of Yourself Isn't Enough
Growing up, all we are ever told is, "Pick one job that you want to do for the rest of your life." As we get older, adulthood convinces us to forgo our passions and choose a single professional identity. Well, what if I don't want to pick just one version of myself? What if the best version of myself is the one that people experience in different facets of life? The one where I take all of my expertise and pour it into what I love.
As an educator and performer, I admire helping people and telling a story. I find joy and purpose when I facilitate classroom discussions and demonstrate a song's emotions through movement. Bridging these roles allows me to bring the creativity of the stage into the classroom and the empathy of teaching back onto the stage. Furthermore, cultivating both paths simultaneously has helped me develop a greater understanding of the human experience-what it means to be more closely connected through literature and music. When this connection is embraced, it helps me, my students, and audiences from all around the world express their ideas and learn valuable life lessons.
However, my job titles do not end at "ELA Instructor" and "Professional Dancer." I am also a dance teacher, a coach, a guest choreographer, and a tutor. Beyond the status quo descriptions, I am a daughter, a sister, and a friend. But most importantly, at the core of everything I do, I am a listener, an advocate, and an altruist.
I believe in everything I do being for the people. My mission is to continue cultivating my crafts so I can further inspire the next generation of learners, performers, and leaders. People talk about the work-life struggle, but when your work is deeply meaningful, that friction disappears. Lean into all of your passions and make a life out of them!
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