Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Schmidt.
Hi Michele, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in San Francisco in an Italian American household by the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts. I trained at The San Francisco Ballet and left home at 12 to join a pre-professional dance program. I did independent studies for school to train 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. I graduated high school early and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a dance career. I performed and taught ballet and lyrical jazz at The Edge PAC and Millenium Dance Complex. I also worked in film and television production there. I eventually moved to New York for dance and taught at Steps on Broadway. I was hit by a car when I was 23, which ended my performing career. I returned to school while recovering from my injuries and got a BA in Cultural Anthropology with research in public health from UC Berkeley. I published The Art of Perfection: A Look Inside the World of Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers during my undergraduate degree. After graduation, I taught at local dance studios and a junior college and traveled the country teaching Master Classes and judging Dance Competitions. Eventually, I got married and had two kids. The pandemic brought us to Austin, where I jumped into the local scene by working for Austin.com, Free Fun In Austin, and SpillTheAtx. This past summer, I reconnected with an old dance friend, and we launched Stage Door Access in the Fall. We work with cast members from Broadway National Tours and set up dance classes at local studios along their tour stops.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
In 2003, I was living in NY and got hit by a car as a pedestrian crossing the street. That changed my career trajectory, and I started judging dance competitions around the country to stay involved in the dance world when I couldn’t dance myself. When my foot was healed enough, I started teaching at local studios in the Bay Area. Eventually, I got hired by a Junior College and expanded into teaching lecture courses and dance classes.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
This past summer, I reconnected with an old dancer friend, and we launched Stage Door Access. We contract with dancers and cast members in Broadway National Tours and set up Master Classes at local dance studios along their tour stops. We have classes in Austin this Spring with cast members from Wicked. Staying involved in the larger dance community while working from home has been excellent. I also contribute to Austin.com, Free Fun In Austin, SpillTheATX, and Austin 101 Magazine. This keeps me active in the local community. I attend and provide coverage of film festivals, concerts, restaurant openings, and other events in Austin throughout the year.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love how welcoming Austin is. People are friendly and inviting whether you are in town visiting or have moved here. I also love the arts and entertainment scene. You can find live music and performances almost everywhere you go. There are festivals, concerts, and events happening every day! What I like least about the city is the weather in the summer. The heat can feel oppressive, and it’s hard to be outside.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.stagedooraccess.com
- Instagram: michele_stagedooraccess
Image Credits
Black and White Photographs: Cheryl Ossola, Color Photograph: Robyn in Austin for Flytographer
