We recently had the chance to connect with Taylor Hartman and have shared our conversation below.
Taylor, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day consist of waking up, making my bed, and immediately getting coffee. I make my bed every morning, and always have. Growing up, my mom expressed the importance of making our beds, and would always reference a saying that went something along the lines of “when you make your bed in the morning, you have already accomplished one thing for your day.” I think it gets your day started on the right foot!
I love making and trying new coffee. The tactility of the coffee making process, grinding the coffee beans, measuring, etc., allows me to slow down and enjoy my mornings. I believe that coffee is a love language. To love someone is to know how they take their coffee.
Lastly, I always start my mornings with a workout. As a professional dancer, cross training my body helps to prevent injuries and keep my stamina strong for long days of class, rehearsal, and performances. Currently, I’m into running and Pilates workouts, but I do love a good weight lifting session as well.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Taylor Hartman, I am a professional dancer, personal trainer, and college student. I will be graduating in December of 2025 with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance, a minor in Theatre Arts, and a second minor in Marketing. As a professional dancer and student, I am constantly balancing all aspects of my life. I am passionate about healthy productivity, work/life balance, and helping to teach others that you are capable of chasing any dream that you have, you just have to love it and work hard for it.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My high school theatre teacher, Stephanie Hartnell taught me the most about work. Not only did she kickstart my love for theatrical performance and acting, but she inspired me deeply as a working woman. Stephanie was a prime example of a dedicated, passionate performer and woman. She encouraged us to stand up for ourselves in professional situations, always reminding us that we have a voice of our own, and that voice is loud, powerful, and meaningful.
She pushed me creatively as well. Stephanie was one of the first teachers in my life to acknowledge my dreams and goals. It always felt like she was right there in the goal with me, as deep in the ambition as I was. She saw my vision, my career aspirations, and she pushed me to keep chasing them, no matter how hard it was going to be.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would take a quote from the book “Daisy Jones and the Six.”
“Dream big, little bird, you can be anything.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
Too many gifted people are cutting corners using Artificial Intelligence. Thankfully, there is no ChatGPT that can get onstage for me, but I know so many immaculately talented artists and students that are using AI as a time saver.
I’ve even seen artists use AI to write their artist statements and biographies, especially in collegiate arts spaces. Being a working artist and student is hard to balance, trust me, I know, but cutting corners with technology like this is only devaluing your voice as an artist.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am absolutely doing what I was born to do. Performing, dancing, making art, moving to New York City. These are all aspects and paths that fill my heart and soul up. Every time that I am in a rehearsal studio, onstage, at a costume fitting, working at the local theatre, etc. I deeply feel that I am in the space where I am 100% myself.
This is who I am and I hope that others are able to see that through me. Unapologetically chase your dreams! Nobody else is coming to get them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.taylorghartman.com
- Instagram: @tay.does.ballet
- Youtube: @tay.does.ballet
- Other: Tiktok;
@tay.does.ballet
Image Credits
Onstage Photo, Graduation Photo: Gabrielle Gee Photography
Grand Central Station: Jessica Staples of Staples Dance Media
Oklahoma International Dance Festival: Taylor’s Personal Photo Collection
