Today we’d like to introduce you to Mandi Marie.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and Raised in Liberty, MO, and have lived all over Kansas City. From Overland Park to Briarcliff, and Westport to Olathe, love and appreciate all the different perspectives I’ve gained from living on both sides of the Metropolitan. I studied dance and performing arts in College at Lindenwood University in St. Louis MO, while teaching and working as a curriculum choreographer for Universal Dance Association. My career with Varsity Brands and UDA spanned two decades, and gave me the opportunity to travel and teach in over 30 states, and ultimately teach internationally for the International Cheer Union, worldwide governing body for Cheer and Performance Cheer as an Olympic Sport. I’ve now taught on 5 continents and have had the privilege to consult with the National Teams of China, Sweden, Slovenia, and volunteer my time as the Choreographer and Head of Education Development Committee for the Barbados Cheer Federation .
in 2010, I was ready to expand my understanding of movement and the mind – body connection as a yoga teacher. I completed my Yoga Teacher training in Kansas City and haven’t looked back. Being a Yogini with a foundation of dance has been truly one of the greatest gifts of my career. I’ve taught over 3,000 classes in studios all over Kansas City, and have been able to extend my yoga practice and teaching to dancers in all corners of the globe.
I now adjudicate for the incredible OneBeat Dance Brands and locally owned Dance Champs Events, giving feedback for emerging young artists all over the United States. And I am thrilled to be the Artistic Director at Catalyst Dance company in Lenexa, a competitive Studio that is uniquely positioned with Mind-Body Studio to train our artists, as well as their Family, friends, and fans!
Having a career I’m truly passionate about often gives me pause to appreciate the blessings and gratitude I feel to have touched so many lives worldwide. However, I’ve worked hard to have a life that has grown more enriching over time and has been filled with tests of my faith in a Divine Power to keep me grounded and humbled. None of this is lost on me, and I take each day to remind myself that the work is never done, and the pressure and time I’ve spent in this field is what it takes to make diamonds.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not in the least. At the height of my career, I experienced an earth shattering divorce and challenging custody battle, which tested the strength of my character for many years. My son was young, and my career was blossoming. My ability to remain true to myself even through learning excruciating truths about people I thought were friends, friends I thought were loyal, and loyalties I found in the most unlikely places became the new foundation on which I built my goals, my purpose, and my dreams. My dream since childhood had never been to be a globe trotting dance coach and artist- it was to be a momma and have a family, something I always longed for. But I knew that the Universe had plans for me to fulfill beyond being a mom and a wife, and no matter how much I resisted this call (and I definitely resisted!), the ultimate destination has always been right back at home.
Catalyst Dance Company’s owner’s Matt and Anne Rivera were a godsend to me. In a moment when I was fully ready to give up, they answered a call that I trusted was ready to be answered. I am elated about what we’re building at Catalyst. It’s unique yet familiar, it’s special because it feels like home, and it’s new, but with deep roots. I can’t wait to let the World see what’s happening at Catalyst!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dance teacher and mind-body professional. I specialize in fostering the growth world class artistic athletes and teachers, as well as helping women discover their physical strength, emotional mastery, and spiritual power. I am known for my Alchemy Barre classes, which are fitness based dance classes for women to feel connected and empowered through elemental movement, beats, sweat and smiles! I am known for Akashic yoga flows that deliver a message of growth, expansion and encouragement to trust your body’s ability to move into more shapes and spaces than you ever imagined possible. And I am known as a master dance teacher and mentor for young artists and emerging teachers who want to pursue a life of adventure.
I am most proud of my son, Bennett. Throughout this journey I have been on in my own self mastery, I’ve held space for my son’s growth and struggle with his parent’s divorce. His resilience and strength to remember his roots and to remain true to his love for his parents and his own self interests and self discovery helps me to know that we are turning lemons into limoncello gelato!
What sets me apart from others is my ability to manage a whole lot of stress and maintain a calm composure. This has not always been true- I had to practice yoga and breath work for years before I felt confident in describing myself in this way. I am still not perfect, but I’m more grateful that I don’t care if I ever get to perfection; imperfection is what makes life beautiful and meaningful.
I trust my breath, I own my presence, and I begin again each and every day. It’s my favorite way to live.
Any big plans?
My future is a brilliant co-creation with the Universe, I learned (again) to let G.U.S. (God, Universe, Source) guide me toward my Highest purpose and path (home)!
I’m looking forward to growing Catalyst into a world class training facility for dancers here in Kansas City and beyond. We’ll offer a dance training home for international students who’d like to train in the United States, and an 18 + company of professional dancers who love Kansas City as much as we do, who want to help grow Kansas City into a global hub for artists and athletes.
I’m also excited about my brand, G.Y.D.E. partnering with Catalyst to train our staff in a powerful and unique methodology, developed over years of research and my experience as an international teacher and guide.
I’m always picking up the messages and signs from the Universe and taking note of repeating numbers, meaningful songs I hear, and the power of words and their significance in our daily lives. The record moves on the word, especially when the words are true and clear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.catalystdancekc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogimommadancegal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandy.m.pruett/about/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alchemygyde
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/catalystdancekc/
