Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Stanley
Hi Blake, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in dance began later than most. I didn’t start dancing until age 14, and grew up in a small, rural Kansas community where dance wasn’t common. But once I discovered it, I knew it was my calling. Determined to catch up, I threw myself into training, and by 16, I’d moved away from my childhood home to access better opportunities. From there, I took every chance to grow—traveling alone across the country, learning from renowned mentors, and ultimately landing in New York City at 19. In NYC, I juggled work and teaching while building a network and reputation in the industry. Over time, I developed a virtual teaching platform, grew exponentially during the pandemic and has since evolved into a global program. Today, my business continues to expand, helping dancers across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, helping them reach elite levels.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path wasn’t always smooth. Moving away from home at 16, trying to balance school with 45-50 hours of dance training each week, and later, balancing work and intensive training while living independently and traveling across the USA. Burnout was recurring challenge—I often pushed myself to the limit to succeed, sometimes at the cost of my well-being. Moving frequently and finding my place in competitive dance and professional circles was tough. The pivot to virtual coaching during the pandemic was another challenge that required me to learn how to scale my business quickly and make difficult decisions, like reducing in-person commitments to focus on virtual work, which ultimately led to my current success. Every obstacle taught me to be resilient and adaptable, and that mindset has been key to my growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work centers on coaching competitive dancers, particularly those aiming for top accolades in the industry. I’m known for a technique-based approach that integrates anatomy, helping students understand how their bodies support their art. This focus on biomechanics sets me apart—students not only improve their technique but also build a deep connection between their minds and bodies. I am most proud of the results—my students consistently rank at the top of national and international competitions. I’m also proud to have developed the largest private coaching program in my community and beyond teaching, I’ve built a global community, fostering a network of dancers and educators that share a common passion for excellence. What makes my work truly unique is the holistic approach to training that combines technical expertise with mental and physical well-being.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I draw inspiration from my mentors, and my ongoing work with specialists in dance anatomy. I also believe in continuous learning—whether through books, podcasts, or connecting with others in my industry. I’m particularly drawn to resources that blend science and movement, helping me refine my techniques. In addition to industry-specific resources, I’ve also gained a lot from entrepreneurial podcasts and books that guide me in building my business and staying mentally strong amidst challenges. Some favorites include The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and You Become What You Think by Shubham Kumar Singh.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @BlakeJStanley
Image Credits
