52: Seek Out Good Leaders — Alexander MacFarlan

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Alexander MacFarlan, a First Soloist with Ballet West and a lover of learning</span> <span style= "font-weight: 400;">who is proactively finding ways to help dance professionals that are seeking a career change. MacFarlan, who joined Ballet West in 2007, has enjoyed a number of exciting roles within the company. MacFarlan also holds a bachelor’s degree in Consumer Studies from the University of Utah and is passionate about helping fellow dancers gracefully exit the dance industry by promoting higher education.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the podcast, Alexander covers a wide array of topics, including his first forays into the world of dance, why he has stayed at one company for so long, and when he knew that dance was what he wanted to spend his life doing. MacFarlan also shares some incredible advice around finding the right company and argues that seeking out a good leader — a leader that you admire — is as important as any other factor when trying to find the right company fit.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Moving Quotes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“[When searching out a dance company,] look for a leader who possesses the qualities that you aspire to have in yourself… It will not only define who you are but also where you want to go."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If you can’t live without dance — if your desire is to be on-stage and performing professionally — then go in that direction and really immerse yourself into what’s required for that."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It matters to me to have a home base. I’m very glad that I’ve been with one company for so long."</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2:52: Alexander discusses the origins of his interest in ballet and the moment where he knew for certain that he wanted to spend his life da