Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Keefer
Hi Chelsea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dance has been a part of my life since I was three and a half years old. From exploring various styles like jazz and tumbling, I found my passion in ballet, which became a cornerstone of my identity. My professional dance career began in 2010 and culminated in April 2024, when I retired from Ballet West after fifteen fulfilling years.
At the age of twelve, I committed to ballet as my primary focus, determined to make it my career. This dedication led me to move to Philadelphia at fourteen to train at The Rock School for Dance Education. The transition from my hometown of Huntsville, Utah, to Philadelphia was significant, but it was a crucial step in my development. After a year, I returned to Utah, where I found exceptional training opportunities and completed my GED. With the support of Bene Arnold, a key figure in both Ballet West and The University of Utah’s Dance Program, I was able to join the university at sixteen. This allowed me to balance my ballet training with my education.
At eighteen, my hard work paid off when I was offered a full-time position with The Tulsa Ballet through the Youth America Grand Prix Ballet Competition in New York. Although the flat landscape and tornado warnings of Tulsa were a stark contrast to Utah’s mountainous beauty, the guidance from Daniela Buson and Marcello Angelini was instrumental in shaping my career. I danced with Tulsa Ballet for three years before returning to Utah to join Ballet West, where I felt at home. My time at Ballet West was marked by significant personal and professional growth, as I toured the country, performed in dream roles, and contributed to the company’s community-focused mission under the leadership of Adam Sklute.
Throughout my ballet career, I also pursued personal growth, earning a BS in Human Development and a 200-hour Yoga certification. These achievements helped me stay grounded and balanced. In the final years of my ballet career, I recognized that it was time for a new direction. My injuries and the desire for a fresh challenge led me to explore new possibilities.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I delivered a TEDx talk on “Processing Anger Through Movement,” reflecting on how dance can be a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing. This experience was pivotal in deepening my understanding of the therapeutic potential of movement.
As I transitioned out of ballet, I decided to pursue a career that would allow me to have a meaningful impact on others. I readmitted to the University of Utah to pursue a degree in Nursing. Over the past year, I have been completing my prerequisites and am set to begin the nursing program this Spring, embarking on a new chapter in my life dedicated to making a difference in healthcare.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous obstacles. The life of a professional athlete comes with its own set of challenges, and being a professional ballerina elevates those challenges even further. The dance world is not immune to stigmas surrounding eating disorders, mental health issues, and a relentless pressure to conform to unrealistic body image standards. I have personally grappled with these struggles, and they are issues I continue to navigate.
One mantra that has helped me persevere is a piece of advice from my dear friend Joshua Shutkind: “You’re not special.” This reminder, though blunt, helps me shift out of a victim mindset and confront my challenges with a sense of perspective. It acknowledges that suffering and self-doubt are part of the human experience, not just my own personal struggle. When intrusive thoughts arise, I make it a point to seek support from my therapist and allow those thoughts to pass without letting them define me.
As a teenager, I made a vow never to alter my body for the sake of securing a role or job. I vividly remember being advised by a ballet director at eighteen to lose ten pounds. Ignoring that advice was painful, but it was a crucial decision. By staying true to myself, I aimed to challenge the outdated expectations prevalent in the ballet world and become an advocate for change.
These experiences have taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through obstacles—it’s about staying true to oneself despite the pressures to conform. My journey has been about more than just overcoming challenges; it has been about redefining my relationship with myself and the industry, fostering a more compassionate and authentic path forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently navigating an exciting career transition from professional ballet to nursing, and this shift has been both challenging and invigorating. For fifteen years, I was deeply immersed in the structured world of ballet with Ballet West, where my schedule was meticulously planned, from show dates to time off. Now, as I embark on a new path, I’m adjusting to the uncertainties of a career change.
At present, I’m pursuing a nursing degree and working as a Healthcare Assistant at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. This role has provided me with valuable hands-on experience in healthcare, allowing me to contribute to patient care and gain insights into the medical field.
What sets me apart is the unique perspective I bring from my extensive background in ballet. Having spent over a decade performing for the Salt Lake City community, I have developed a deep appreciation for the role of movement in maintaining both mental and physical well-being. My experience as a professional dancer has enriched my understanding of health, emphasizing the importance of movement and balance in life.
I am also known for my advocacy in mental health, particularly within the arts. Through my podcast, The Chelsea Keefer Podcast, I focused on mental health for athletes and artists, interviewing local Utah figures and dancers from around the world. These conversations centered on strategies for maintaining well-being and achieving balance in high-pressure careers.
I am most proud of my advocacy work because it reflects my belief in the power of vulnerability. By openly sharing my own challenges and insights, I aim to foster a supportive community where individuals feel empowered to address their struggles and support each other. This commitment to openness and support is what I believe truly sets me apart.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is being cast as Clara in Ballet West’s The Nutcracker. I had performed the Tumbling Buffoon, Party Girl, and Soldier at this point and I wasn’t sure if I had surpassed my opportunity of being Clara, but I was chosen and I just remember balling eyes out, true tears of joy. Seeing first hand that dreams really do come true. I just fell in love with The Nutcracker and the music and to this day that feeling is still a strong sensation in my heart.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: keefer_chels
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1DX6pR-gW0
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intro-podcast/id1458292833?i=1000433808295
