Part 2, Artistry, Motherhood and Commitment to Integrity: Finding Balance with Laurie Kanyok

“If you don’t fail, you can’t succeed.”

 

In Part 2, Laurie, Shelly and Cher discuss success and learning from mistakes (2:21), how no one is a perfect parent and how we balance taking care of our kids and our lives (9:20), Laurie shares about getting ready to return to the stage at 52 and her work at KAI (Kanyok Arts Initiative) as founder, director and teacher (13:26).

 

Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson  Guest: Laurie Kanyok 

Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions  

 

Special Note from Shelly and Cher: We’re so excited to share an inspiring collaboration happening this summer. Cherice and myself are teaming up with the incredible Laurie Kanyok to present a one-of-a-kind week-long dance intensive designed for students ages 12 to 15. This isn’t just any dance program — it’s an opportunity for young artists to deepen their technical skills, push the limits of their creativity, and experience a well-rounded training that includes dance, improvisation, acting, and singing, culminating in a final showcase for family, friends, creative directors, casting directors, and , all in lower manhattan. This intensive is special and if you are the parent or guardian of a dancer 12 to 15 years old, we wouldn’t want you to miss the special event!

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Instagram     @lkanyok  and     @kanyokartsinitiative

Website https://kanyokartsinitiative.com/

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Extended Summary:

Join us on this inspiring episode as we sit down with the incredibly strong, honest, and passionate Laurie Kanyok. A dedicated mother to her talented 12-year-old daughter, Laurie is not only a nurturing parent but also a program director who created a unique program celebrating the diverse talents and interests of her students.

In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the complexities of navigating sensitive discussions with our kids and the profound impact of technology on family dynamics. Laurie shares her journey as a single mother and reflects on the lessons learned through her own experiences—like the challenge of returning to performance after a hiatus, including the remarkable moment she leapt off the stage, capturing the essence of artistry that she believes should be cherished and celebrated.

Laurie's candid stories open a valuable dialogue about societal shifts in the workplace and the importance of self-forgiveness, especially for new moms balancing their artistic passions with motherhood. Together with Cher and Shelly, Laurie emphasizes the significance of integrity, kindness, and creativity, not just within the walls of her beautiful, intimate dance program but as vital life values that nurture all children and artists alike.

Tune in to hear Laurie’s heartfelt insights about celebrating life through art, supporting her daughter’s diverse interests in singing and painting, and her deep admiration for the late Quincy Jones . This episode promises a blend of laughter, empathy, and encouragement for parents and artists navigating the beautiful yet challenging journey of life. Join us as we explore the intersection of motherhood, artistic instruction and artistry with the remarkable Laurie Kanyok!  

 

BIO:

Laurie Kanyok is the founder and director of Kanyok Arts Initiative based in New York City with a mission of evolving the standard approach to dance education. Kanyok is recognized as an impeccable industry leader, mentor, and coach. Most recently, Kanyok was the casting consultant for the upcoming Amazon Prime series Etoile. Ms Kanyok has also consulted with The Telsey Company on Tony Award winning Chris Wheeldon’s An American in Paris, scouting talent from the elite ballet companies of North America. 

As a performer, Ms. Kanyok played the lead roles in Twyla Tharp’s MOVIN OUT and COME FLY AWAY as well as appearing on Broadway and National Tours of FOSSE, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER and IN YOUR ARMS. In 2023 Ms Kanyok came out of retirement to perform with Ballet Collective in the original piece THE NIGHT FALLS choreographed and directed by Troy Schumacher with original music by Ellis Ludwig-Leone. 

Finding parallels between being a mother and being a teacher drives her passion for her students’ success daily as she inspires them to be daring and find meaning in every moment.