Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Pauley
Hi Renee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing at the age of 3, but my true love for ballet ignited when I saw The Atlanta Ballet’s production of Cinderella at age 5. That magical performance inspired me, and when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would always answer, “a ballerina.” My parents enrolled me in a local dance school, and my future began to take off.
By the time I was in 8th grade, I realized I wanted to pursue a professional career in ballet. I begged my parents to let me attend a studio that offered the kind of rigorous training I knew I needed to reach the big stage. They supported my passion and moved me to the Atlanta School of Ballet.
In 9th grade, I auditioned and was selected to be a part of the Atlanta Ballet Youth Ensemble, performing in various productions, including The Nutcracker. During my senior year of high school, I attended a summer program at the Royal Academy of Ballet in London, which was an incredible experience. I was also selected for the Young Choreographer’s Workshop in New York, which further fueled my passion for ballet and choreography.
After high school, I embarked on a professional career as a scholarship apprentice with the Atlanta Ballet, where I performed in iconic productions such as The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Carmen. I then moved to Florida as a soloist with the Northwest Florida Ballet. Unfortunately, an injury ended my performing days, but it opened a new chapter in my life.
I transitioned to teaching ballet and Pilates, which has been incredibly rewarding. With 30 years of teaching experience, I now specialize in the Cecchetti Ballet Technique. I run my business, ReneePauley4Ballet, offering Master Classes and individualized coaching across the Southeast and Midwest. I travel to various studios, sharing my passion and expertise with dancers from all over.
I’m proud to have witnessed my students’ achievements. Many have gone on to major in dance at colleges such as Point Park University, Loyola Marymount University, Oklahoma City University, The University of Arizona, and the University of Georgia, to name a few. I have had several dancers go on to perform nationally and internationally with The Norwegian National Ballet, The Royal Ballet in London, England, Moulin Rouge in Paris, France, and in Broadway and Off-Broadway shows like Radio City Rockettes, Wicked, 42nd Street, and A Chorus Line. They have also toured with shows such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wicked, Fame: The Musical, and danced in Las Vegas Shows, with Gus Giordano Dance Chicago, as professional NFL Cheerleaders, at Disney, and on cruise ships. Some have performed at the Tony Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Capezio A.E.C. Awards, or even started their own professional dance companies or studios.
Away from the barre, I cherish moments with my husband, our Cavapoochon CoCo Bean, and our adult children. It’s these personal moments that balance my life and fuel my passion for dance and teaching.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been a few ups and downs, but mostly ups. A few years ago, we had to move away from Atlanta to take care of a family member. When my husband and I moved back to Atlanta, I realized I didn’t want to work for just one studio. This led me to open ReneePauley4Ballet (RP4B), allowing me to offer my expertise to a wider range of students and studios.
Starting RP4B was a smooth transition. Having taught in and around the Atlanta area for over 30 years, I was well-equipped to handle the marketing, scheduling, and administrative tasks. My previous work experience in running a wellness facility also helped streamline these processes. Additionally, balancing my time between traveling to various studios and ensuring consistent, high-quality training for all my students required meticulous planning and organization, which I enjoy.
I’ve found immense joy in seeing all these new students grow and learn. These experiences have made me more determined to offer exceptional training and support to my students, ensuring they have the best possible opportunities to succeed in their ballet careers.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At ReneePauley4Ballet (RP4B), I bring a fresh twist to ballet. I combine the precision of Cecchetti and the brisk,crisp movements of Balanchine, infused with an in-depth focus on anatomy and movement. It’s not just about the steps; it’s about moving in harmony with your body and truly understanding the why. In my classes, you’ll discover a new dimension of ballet. I aim to unveil and develop the hidden strengths within each dancer, elevating their artistry to unprecedented levels. With my background in Pilates and a deep understanding of body mechanics, I’m equipped with unique insights to help dancers optimize their physical potential.
I offer Master Ballet Classes for Ballet Studios as well as Competition Studios:
– Intermediate Ballet Classes (Ages 9 to 13)
– Advanced Ballet Classes (Ages 13 to 18)
– Pre-Professional Ballet Classes (Ages 15 and up)
I also offer Individual Coaching Sessions for Ballet Dancers as well as Competition Dancers. Each coaching session I provide is tailored to meet the unique needs of each dancer. Whether you’re refining a specific movement, enhancing your overall technique, or preparing for an audition or competition, my focus is on aligning our time together with your personal dance aspirations. These sessions are available both in person and via Zoom to accommodate your schedule and preferences.
“Experience Ballet in a New Light. Let me challenge you to new heights.” is my motto.
Ultimately, my goal is to provide exceptional training and support to as many dance students as I have the opportunity to, ensuring they have the best possible opportunities to succeed in their dance careers. Seeing dancers grow, learn, and achieve their dreams is the most rewarding aspect of my work, and it drives my passion for teaching every day.
What’s next?
I’m excited about the future of ReneePauley4Ballet (RP4B) and have a few plans in the works. One of my primary goals is to expand the reach of my Master Classes and individualized coaching sessions. I aim to collaborate with more studios across the Southeast and Midwest, bringing high-quality ballet training to a broader audience.
I am also hoping to collaborate with other dance organizations and prestigious dance institutions that come to the Atlanta area, serving as a Guest Teacher for their events and offering Master Classes.
Ultimately, my goal is to continue providing exceptional training and support to dancers while expanding the impact of RP4B. I’m passionate about helping many dancers achieve their dreams and look forward to seeing them succeed. Thats what make my heart full.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reneepauley4ballet.com/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneepauley4ballet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081110768365
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_H19H2PMX7qwrIkxF6SDZw
