Today, we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Taylor.
Hi Shelby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From my earliest days, the movement has been my language and connection to my passion.
As a child, dancing and performing allowed me to express my innermost feelings, even the somber ones, in a space where they were not just accepted but celebrated. But as I embarked on my journey as a professional dancer, I found myself grappling with an industry that often failed to honor my humanity.
Despite exciting opportunities to collaborate and perform, I often felt pressured to compromise my boundaries in the name of professionalism. After years of feeling adrift and disheartened, I made a pivotal decision to explore new horizons. That decision led me to create Burnswood Studio, a haven for creativity where I resided for over a year.
Within Burnswood’s walls, I nurtured a community of photographers, artists, and creators. Here, I unveiled my first solo exhibition, “-22+,” laying the foundation for Fleet Cooperative—a manifestation of my vision for an inclusive, curiosity-driven environment where creativity and individuality thrived.
Embracing “yes, and,” I delved into the exploration of dance in a space that prioritized authenticity above all else. As the curator of Burnswood, I wielded the power to shape its energy, environment, and culture, a responsibility I held sacred.
With each gathering, I witnessed the transformative power of community and the richness that arises when humanity takes precedence. Visual art merged seamlessly with intimate live performances, laying the groundwork for what would become Fleet Cooperative.
Today, in our second season, Fleet Cooperative stands as a testament to the strength of our shared vision. Despite the loss of our beloved Burnswood Studio, we have embraced the challenge to seek out new, expansive spaces. Our recent triumph with “Monomyth” encouraged us to launch into an exciting new chapter.
Currently, we’re immersed in the creative process for our upcoming production “Cabaret,” slated to premiere at The Pearl on Main on May 26th and June 2nd. As we prepare to unveil this latest chapter, I’m grateful for the journey that has brought us here—a journey defined by resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to authentic expression.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Our journey as a cooperative has been anything but smooth, marked by unexpected challenges and moments of profound growth. Our inaugural season was a testament to resilience as we navigated through unforeseen hurdles together.
After casting in February 2023 and laying out ambitious plans for solo performances within our cooperative, unforeseen personal circumstances forced me to sell the property that had served as our creative haven. The loss of our physical space was a significant blow, disrupting the sense of safety and camaraderie we had cultivated.
Yet, in the face of adversity, we found solace in the open arms of Church & State, a local venue that generously welcomed us into their space for rehearsals and performances. Despite the unfamiliar territory, we embarked on the audacious project of creating our first full-length show, “Monomyth,” for our fall debut in November 2023.
Collaborating on such a scale for the first time tested the waters of our non-hierarchical environment, pushing us to generate our own motivation and accountability within the cooperative. Late-night rehearsals became the norm as we delved deep into our characters and stories, leaning on each other for guidance and support.
“Monomyth” was more than just a performance; it was a journey of self-discovery and collective resilience. Each of us embraced the challenge of taking center stage in our own narratives, navigating the complexities of collaboration with grace and vulnerability.
Despite the constraints of time and resources, we poured our hearts into the production, fueled by the unwavering support of our audience and community. Through the crucible of “Monomyth,” we emerged stronger, with a deeper understanding of our roles within the cooperative and a renewed commitment to our shared vision.
The experience taught us the true meaning of cooperation—transparency, autonomy, accountability, humility, and above all, the spirit of “yes and.” Though the journey was arduous, I am immensely proud of what we achieved together, and I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the director of Fleet Cooperative, my role is dynamic and ever-evolving. Initially, my role resembled a cosmic homemaker—creating a cozy, inviting space where everyone could kick off their shoes and just be themselves. What excites me most is witnessing the evolving journey of the talented artists within our cooperative as they soar to new heights.
My primary objective was to foster a culture that celebrated diversity and authenticity, countering the industry norm with a refreshing dose of inclusivity. Picture me, armed with boundless enthusiasm and a touch of whimsy, leading sessions that balanced creativity with professionalism (and perhaps the occasional snack break).
Fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and “yes, and” was paramount. I encouraged open dialogue, welcomed diverse perspectives, and embraced the vulnerability of creative expression. Building trust and demonstrating genuine commitment to honoring each member’s voice was instrumental in establishing the foundation of our cooperative.
Throughout our journey, I’ve been deeply inspired by the growth and talents of our members. From Kelsey Smock’s adept management of our social media presence to Trinity Martin’s meticulous event coordination, each member brings unique skills to the table, enriching our collective experience.
What sets me apart, I believe, is my unwavering vision—a commitment to creating meaningful work and community that enriches the lives of artists. I empower our members to contribute their expertise in various capacities, from choreography to costume design, lighting, and beyond. I find immense fulfillment in knowing that Fleet Cooperative thrives not because of my leadership alone but because of every member’s collective passion and dedication.
In essence, my role is not just about directing, but about facilitating a collaborative journey where each artist is empowered to shine. If I were to step away at any moment, I am confident that the spirit of our work would endure, driven by the collective creativity and passion of our cooperative.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
We’re all about embracing technology to enhance our collaborative process and creativity at Fleet Cooperative. Our go-to platform for communication and inspiration would have to be Instagram direct messages. It’s where we share everything from art and fashion to hilarious memes, keeping the creative juices flowing and the laughter endless.
When curating the perfect ambiance for our shows and classes, Spotify is our trusted companion. Its vast library and seamless music discovery features elevate our playlists, setting the stage for unforgettable performances and rehearsals.
But it’s not just about the music—visual storytelling is equally important to us. That’s where apps like Google Workspace, iPhoto’s shared album feature, and Dropbox come into play. From rehearsal footage to candid snapshots of our moments together, these tools allow us to document our journey and share it with the coop.
When it comes to the nitty-gritty of organization, nothing beats the efficiency of Google Sheets. Our beloved “Fleet Sheet” is the heartbeat of our operations, housing everything from rehearsal schedules to expense reports with ease.
As a photographer, I rely on specialized tools like Image Capture for group shots, which seamlessly connect to my camera and serve as a remote control. When it’s time to fine-tune our audio and video content, GarageBand and DaVinci Resolve are our go-to editing suites, ensuring our productions are nothing short of polished perfection. Of course, no creative toolkit would be complete without Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, essential for adding magic to our visual creations.
But amidst all these technological marvels, the most invaluable resources are the conversations we have with each other. It’s through these exchanges of ideas, feedback, and encouragement that our collective vision truly comes to life.
Contact Info:
- Website: fleetcooperative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fleetcoop/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geSdmNE0Jng
- Other: shelbybethatgirl.com
Image Credits
Fleet Cooperative
