#11-Things I'd say to Choreographers Just Starting Out

In this episode of Lead & Create, Neus Gil Cortes takes you through some key insights into navigating relationships as an independent choreographer. She shares a personal story about a chance encounter with Eva Martinez at the Welsh Dance Platform Festival, reflecting on how to approach relationships with programmers and overcome imposter syndrome.

Neus also explores the importance of collaboration, highlighting how critical it is to choose the right people for your projects, establish clear expectations, and set up professional boundaries—especially when working with friends. Drawing from her experience teaching at the National Center for Circus Arts, she emphasizes the value of stepping into new creative environments and the learning that comes from teaching and mentoring.

Additionally, Neus offers practical advice on how to explain your work clearly and avoid jargon, how to find mentors by shadowing emerging artists, and why building a community among choreographers is so important. To support you on your journey, she shares tips on contracts, communication, and leadership in creative spaces.

If you're looking to elevate your practice, refine your collaborations, and be part of a supportive community of creators, this episode is packed with essential guidance. Plus, Neus introduces her new WhatsApp group for choreographers, offering a safe space to ask questions and share experiences.

Tune in and get ready to deepen your understanding of what it means to lead and create as a choreographer!

Resources:
- Subscribe to our mailing list here to know when bookings for our online leadership course open.
- Get your guide to never miss a step in choosing your collaborators! Download it here
- This is the spreadsheet I've created with residencies me and other choreographers from the WhatsApp group would recommend, there are many more of course! I will keep updating it with new ones as I find others. View here
- If you want to be added to the choreographers' questions WhatsApp group email me at leadandcreate@gmail.com