I'm not a dancer, but a big ballet lover. Your story is inspirational in that you followed your intuition and got to spend those 4 years with your mother. To follow your gut so fearlessly- wow! I'm blown away with the result. I bet your mother is with you all the time- she must be so proud of you. So moved by your story. You should write a book.
I totally agree, but I‘m upset because Claudia didn‘t get promoted. I know how competitive ballet is, but Claudia did so well... she danced the „Chosen one“, was presented at the World Ballet Day and fulfilled all her duties... it just feels unfair. However we are all so lucky 🍀 to have her channel on YT!! ❤️
Claudia, may I first offer my condolences on the loss of your mother. I am watching this video from Canada after recently having heard the terrible news about the 15 young hockey players here who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident while on their way to a playoff game. Whether one's love is ballet or hockey, we depend on the love and support of our families and our larger community to teach us, to raise us up and to help pick us up when we fall on tough times. As much as you're still suffering from your loss and will always miss your mom, I hope you are comforted by the knowledge that you have that community and we are all inspired by how you generously share your love of ballet and your knowledge and lovely personality with us out here in the ballet community. Love and hugs to you and your family.
This video really spoke to me! I have spent my whole life dancing and performing but about 2 years ago now I decided to quit. It seemed so out of the blue to me but dance didn't really spark passion in me anymore. Fast forward to now and I've been offered a place at Oxford University to study Law which is my new passion which completely outweighs any love I ever had for dance, something that I never thought would happen). I know now that I quit dance because this was in store for me and I have never been happier. I am actually picking up dance again, which I am so looking forward to and I think that's because I no longer have the pressure of seeing it as my future career. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She definitely was and still will be so proud of you and all of the things you are achieving!
I am so so grateful for all that you do for us here on youtube. I feel selfish for saying this, but if you and Kathryn Morgan hadn't gone through what you had to get here then I wouldn't be to dancer I am today. I am so sorry to hear about your mum. What an amazing supportive woman.
The only times throughout my life when I struggled, were when I did NOT follow my intuition. Thank you for sharing. The time spent with your Mom was a precious gift.
im also a retired professional ballet dancer who left and moved onto other things at age 21 to unexpectedly discover my love for teaching, among other things. It's so eerie to watch this because i can relate so much, my grandmother also suffered a brain aneurysm on fri nov. the 24, 3 years ago ....thank god she survived but it was a scary few months... i left my life behind to be with and care for her and always talk about the importance of listening to "that gut instinct.' thanks for sharing, these stories are so empowering to other dancers, and the candor you display is greatly lacking in the ballet world right now. im so sorry for the loss of you mom, im sure shed be proud of you, so glad you had that time together with her!
I don't usually comment on here, but I had to on this video. I've been watching your career since you did the Rite of Spring, it was actually when I started ballet at age 16. I remember wondering why on earth such a talented and amazing dancer would leave the Royal Ballet. But now, watching this video I see everything happens for a reason. I did not expect to cry but your story about your mom was so moving. I'm so sorry about your mom but it is great that you got to spend these past four years with her! So much love all the way from Turkey
Lucky that you followed your heart and made the right decision. It was so precious to be able to spend time with your family especially your mom. God bless
The end story about your mom I am relating to right now. My mom just passed away almost two weeks ago from cancer. Thank you for sharing and keeping good spirits and positivity 😊
I mean, Yuhui Choe is still not principal after soooo many years of amazing dancing. I really think that politics play a huge role on the promotion of their dancers.
@@fashionmwah she is amazing and deserves to be promoted because she has also done a large amount of principled solos. It’s sad to see her not get promoted yet
Love love love! So sorry for your loss. Love the last 5 minutes, agree with you so much. The universe often tells us what to do, we just need to listen. Xx
“No one’s ever lost forever When they die they go away But they will visit you occasionally Do not be afraid. No one’s ever lost forever They are caught inside your heart If you garden them and water them they make you what you are.” -Amanda Palmer (from the song Lost)
I'm so sorry about your mother. Your mother probably pushed you and supported you in your dreams. I felt that when my mother died, a little part of me died with her. You made the right choice going home. Family really means a lot.
This is absolutely awesome. Just discovered your channel yesterday. I started fencing and doing martial arts in college, and at the same time I learned body awareness and physical discipline, I was friends with a few dance majors- girls who did ballet since they were young. I was always in awe of their discipline, drive, and level of physical control; it was a level beyond anyone I've worked with in my own arts. Now 8 years later, I just started taking ballet lessons 3 weeks ago to cross train- it's been an amazing experience! It was by watching Royal Ballet videos I stumbled upon this channel and learned your story- amazing! I believe 100% that nothing is a coincidence. Thank you for being transparent and vulnerable, the universe works in such crazy ways! Subscribing.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I just happen to stumble in one of your videos a few months ago because I always wanted to dance ballet but due to other plans God had for me, I couldn't dance. I just started dancing ballet again and I needed to see a video on how to improve the arabesques and there you were. Your videos are amazing and you do such a wonderful job at teaching and mentoring these beautiful young girls. I cannot believe how beautifully they dance, even the younger ones and strongly believe it is because of the wonderful guidance and teaching they get from you. I am much older now and I could not dance ballet professionally. Like I mentioned earlier, I always wanted to be a ballet dancer but God had other plans for me to become a doctor instead and heal the human body. However, just because I couldn't become a ballet dancer did not mean I could not learn it and I began taking ballet lessons intermittently for about 8 years. I am so glad that you make these videos because they are very helpful and even though they are for young girls, I need the detailed, step-by-step instructions that you provide and I had improved some of the techniques and I owe it to your videos. So thank you so much for all you do and you are a wonderful and beautiful ballet teacher and mentor. I love how you are always smiling and having fun with these girls and it is very obvious this was the plan that God had in mind for you. I am so sorry for loss and I pray to God to continue to provide strength and comfort to you and your family and may your mother rest in peace. I have a friend that lives in Australia and if I ever come visit her, I would love to stop at your studio and personally meet you. Take care.
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Claudia! I know that must have been so hard to actually get out there--lots of times things aren't easy to explain. I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your mother. That must have been extremely hard on you. She's probably really proud of you! You're so inspiring, and watching your videos has got me through some places where I was doubting my talent, my ability and capability. We all appreciate how much you've put into these videos. We love you Claudia! God Bless.
Thank you Claudia for filming this. It’s something that I’ve wondered about ever since I discovered you and read a little bit about your history, but there wasn’t really much information out there and so now you have told your story and now we know. I think it’s amazing that in spite of what happened to your mom, you were able to see that everything did happen for a reason. Often times it seems like it’s so easy to say that and yet not understand why something happened or what that reason is, but there’s no doubt that what you experienced was truly The reason why you left the Royal ballet. I’m so sorry that you lost your mom but I’m so glad that you had that time to spend with her. It would have been absolutely devastating had you been dancing and away from Australia at the time that she passed. So thank you for your openness and your honesty.❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. I also want to thank you for posting this. I’ve been worrying about my future a lot lately and your words I very reassuring to me
Claudia, I cannot express what im feeling now. I learn so much from you. truly. Im just so thankful for your life. Thank you! I'm sorry for you loss, and I can only imagine how hard it was for you to touch this subject. you are strong and inspire me, and it's noticeable you really believe and wishes to help us with your channel. Thank you again and again and again and forever. I love you! 💜
Claudia I know this is an older video but it’s such an important one and I’m so thankful for you posting this. I’ve recently lost a family member and I wish I could’ve spent more time with them. I’m at peace with it and there’s reasons I couldn’t that I had no control over, but what you have to say is so true and I hope it reaches anyone that needs to hear it before it’s too late for them. I’m so sorry for your loss, that kind of pain never truly goes away 💔 As someone who’s worked with trauma survivors I also just want to thank you because I know it requires so much bravery and inner strength to share something like this with so many people ❤️ Trusting your gut is so important, I get a lot of those feelings too but I was trained by others to suppress them. Ignoring them has caused me so much trouble! I’m still relearning how to listen
Claudia....You are an inspiration....and a very old Soul! Bless you for this sharing....I took up ballet when I was sixty-one! And three years later, I'm still attending class! Why? Largely, because both you and Joy Womack have inspired me so much! Ballet has opened so many doors for me and even if, at my age, there is only so much I can physically do now, your teaching videos are so informative and so CLEAR! I've been watching them for nearly a year now and I just love who you are and the way you teach! I'm only sad (because I live in the UK) I never got the opportunity to see you dance because I didn't know about you then! Life goes on, Claudia...not just here but 'over there', too and I assure you that you mum is with you ...every minute! And she is SO proud if you! Yes...everything DOES happen for a reason...so keep trusting that inner 'Knowing' which is born of a thousand lifetimes! You are such a beautiful Soul and I am sure your followers will surpass the 100 thousand mark soon!
hey Claudia, just wanted to say thank you for your honesty. I cried with your story, and I think your message about following your heart is so important and powerful. Sending hugs to you!
So sorry for your loss Claudia. Thank you for sharing your personal story with us. I’m glad you got to be home and spend time with your mom before she passed. Bless you and your family. ❤️
I needed to hear this! Thank you for sharing your experience. I quit my job with the third largest performing arts center in the US and have been feeling pretty emotional about my decision but much like you, my intuition pushed me in a new direction. Sending lots of love and light your way!
First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss. I applause you for facing life with such optimism, it's definitly not an easy thing to do. I love your videos and they helped me a lot! I'm an adult student and each tip that you teach us is precious! Thank you so much for your contribution to the ballet world! Kisses from Brazil!
Very sorry to hear about your mom Claudia. Can’t believe you were still providing us with great videos during the tragedy. You are truly a strong and amazing person! ❤️❤️
I use your videos as a guide to help me be a better ballet instructor. I left professional dancing at the age of 20 from burnout, but loved teaching. I love to see the children when they find the connection between the mind and body that is required to execute ballet, I love to help them achieve their goals in the professional world and they keep me young! I have been teaching for 20 years as I will turn 40 next week. I was teaching pique turns in 2016 and I knew something was wrong and one of my partners was noticing that everything I tried to do on my right leg was off kilter. My doctors were quick to say it was migraines and fatigue. I have had migraines my entire life and I was tired. I blew it off and continued my regular dance life. It only got worse. I was in pain all the time, constant vertigo and beginning to forget how I got somewhere or where I was going while walking and driving. I could no longer turn at all in class without falling. I used my older students to demonstrate in an effort to hide whatever was happening. In June of 2017, I had a really bad week and my GUT said, you need to go to your mom. I left everything and moved 500 miles to be with my mom in hopes I could find a solution to my problems. My mom is a nurse, she began calling doctors of all kind and I became a medical riddle, I was too young and healthy for something bad they would say, I thought I was going crazy. On November 7,2017 I had a brain aneurysm on my left posterior communicating artery. I have just been released by my doctors and I am returning to work for summer session in June. You are my favorite on RUclips for tips, so I was watching videos I had missed and I came upon this video. When you told about your mom and when it happened, my heart immediately felt your pain. I began to think, the one person you want to help is me, by showing me the loss was worse than my own aneurysm. I applaud you for discussing it with 90 thousand people, because it is hard to grasp. I also applaud your work ethic for returning so quickly after such a tragedy. I want to help you. One of my biggest support systems is the Aussie Aneurysm group. It is on facebook, but they hold local meetings for anyone affected by an aneurysm. Please look up the group and you will see the support and understanding they can provide. This took me a week to write because I was in shock at the parallel lives we live. So please take this to heart, you are a great instructor and you helped me in this video. All my prayers, love and support to you and your family. Keep your head high, your mom is proud of you!!
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. That is so great you were able to spend that special time with her. All the best on your journey! I appreciate everything you teach us.
My heart goes out to you! Thank you for your heart felt video and sharing this with the world. It’s a very fickle world in ballet especially, and your gut is just so important to follow, just as much as your heart. You are an inspiration by sharing this and all your teaching is so worth every moment you spent there in London. Keep doing what you are doing and dream and grow! It’s all so appreciated and I know your mum couldn’t be prouder of you!
Oh sweet Claudia, I lost my mother in exactly the same way. I completely agree that was the Universe telling you to go home. And sweetie you have blessed so many lives doing what you do now! We love you! Thank you!
Beautiful video Claudia, such a sad loss for you but a beautiful message. It couldnt be more true, especially in this industry, everything happens for a reason. Those low moments can set you on a path you didnt know you were headed for but its always to push you in the right direction of your destiny. Your mother was always such a beautiful and kind woman, her sudden passing is a reminder to always appreciate the people in your life as life is too short to worry about that new role or the next job. Always trust your intuition, the rest will follow. Big love to you Claudia, so pleased to see you have found such great happiness in this new chapter of your life xxx
Claudia thank you for sharing such a private part of your life. I'm not a dancer but found you on the internet and love your videos. You are beautiful inside and out.
what an incredibly powerful video.....those 4 years you had with your mother were such a gift, probably not what you thought you were doing at the time, but a gift you gave to yourself and your mum, and the rest of your family. It's so good to hear this story from your very unique and accomplished perspective, this video is a gift too. BTW, you're at 200k subscribed now, think of the impact you're having on all the little dancers out there. Thank you so much for sharing your personal story, especially the part about leaving the Royal Ballet without anger and bitter feelings and burning bridges and resentment, which seems to be part of so many transitions these days. Saying goodbye at the right time with grace and gratitude, there's a lot to learn for all of us in this clip.
Thank you for sharing your story. As a dancer currently in university I am thinking so much about the future, so hearing peoples stories helps. I don’t specialize in ballet and am definitely not planning on being in a company, but hearing people’s stories about leaving companies and how they got into what they did afterward is the most valuable and inspiring information!
Thank you Claudia!! I completely relate to so many things you said in this video. You're such an inspiration to me and others!! I've been through some of the same lows that you mentioned and hearing that you shared the same feelings I had makes me feel so uplifted. I recently went through this where I'm dancing and I'm still struggling with it. Your channel has brought me so much joy and I love using your videos for my young students; they especially loved the pointe shoe prep and hacks because they all started pointe this year! ❤❤❤
Thankyou so much for putting this online. Your words are really so powerful 💗 I’m not in the dance industry anymore but I had the hardest week this week and had make a really big life decision and your words about following your gut have really put me at peace. Really grateful🌟
Thanks, Claudia, for being authentic. Your revelation about your mom's passing made me relive the pain that time (it's been 23years since mine passed away, I was your age too!) had help disguise. For the first 7 years I couldn't talk about her without crying, then 11 years after her death, my dad passed away and "took over" my crying spells. By now my heart has formed a callus and I can even think about them with a smile on my face ...sometimes. watching your pain tore that callus apart and I felt like I did back then, and I thank you for that, because it showed me that the wound is deep and I'm just trying to live with that reality. You see, I had been saddened by my lack of feeling, almost forgetting the intensity of the love I felt for her, but I now know that it's only been a survival instinct. I'm so glad you listened to your gut and spent those last years close to her! Thank you for your candor. 🌻🌹⚘
You have made so much the right choice!!! You’re a very, very, very good teacher!! For me and I think, many people here know that you’re the best teacher in the world!! 💜💜 Love you so much!! Thank you for making videos to help us in ballet and ballerina’s mentality!! I apreciate and enjoy learning all your tips!! 💜💜💜💜💜
You've been through a lot personally & professionally, thank you for sharing with us. What you've said makes complete sense, its great that you followed your feeling & got to spend that time with your Mum. You've inspired me even more with this today. I've had the gut feeling to do something important but I've been too scared to do it, this is re-affirming to me to do it.Much love to you x
Thank you for sharing. It definitely wasn't easy to get to a more personal level, but I truly appreciated this video! Sorry to hear about your mum, I am so sure she is very proud of everything you have accomplished. And you have been an inspiration to me, thank you for that.
It is truly inspiring to see such an amazing and positive person open up and share such personal insights to her life and who she is. You create such brilliant videos for so many dancers around the world. The impact your videos have on my life alone is completely awe-inspiring and to imagine that you impact not 1 person but around 90 thousand! You are such a strong person, and as a "realist" (pessimist) I dream of being as level headed, strong, fierce and positive as you!!! LOVE FROM SOUTH AFRICA xxx
Putting in so much effort and not feeling rewarded is very relatable, especially in dance where you grow up with so much drive and discipline to pass the next exam or audition. That's great you can now put your passion into something where you feel truly satisfied!
Sorry for your loss... It is so true, sometimes you just have to follow your gut feelings! You never know when things can change, life is fragile, but also ever changing. I feel that your video will continue to resonate with everyone, sometimes life is not about just one direction, leaving Royal Ballet was not the end of your ballet journey, it was your beginning. Love your videos! keep churning them :)
Social media is an amazing thing, enabling knowledge and experiences to be shared with others, all around the world - people with whom we might never have known anything about previously. I am a martial artist not a dancer, but I find it both interesting and useful to look at other disciplines as it informs my own . It doesn’t have to be all technical however . So thank you for sharing your story, and I am sure many of your followers and not just the younger aspiring dancers, will appreciate the telling of it also. All the best for the future and keep up the good work.
I'm just watching this now. What a touching account. My Mom just passed in May of 2022. You and I were both fortunate to be near our mothers in those last years. My Mom would definitely want me carrying on playing piano for ballet classes like I've been doing.
I came to several of your performances at the Royal Opera House - including your last and cheered specifically for you :). You were wonderful and I was sad to see you go. I'm so glad everything has turned out right for you. X
Thank you for this very raw, transparent and personal journey. I am not a professional ballet dancer (duh!) but have always danced, including a 3 year stint in Vegas as a showgirl-13 shows a week, very demanding. I have been a trial lawyer now for 20 years (first chair) and so much of my practice is about trusting my gut. I have learned to listen to that inner voice because I grew up with a single mom who struggled with her own mental health issues. I am so so sorry for your loss-my mom is still alive but we don't have a relationship--so I digress, I became a people pleaser, got an eating disorder and the whole nine. Videos like this keep me going. I loved your story🤍PS I also have a real estate license (nothing near being a lawyer, but good to have.)
Yes please. Would love to hear about your time with the Royal ballet. Always follow that gut feeling. Good for you. This is something I have taught my 3kids trust that feeling. So sorry for your loss. 💓
When I was your age I was this tight, frightened little girl, would always go with the flow, or wherever the flow would take me. I am really astounded by young women nowadays who are so wise, strong, independent, empowered! Bravo! Thanks for sharing! Always so inspiring!
I'm not a dancer - at least, not in the ballet world! - but I love watching your videos. I am so so sorry to hear about your mum, thank you for sharing that. I just wanted to give you the biggest hug at that point. You are a real inspiration to so many and I know you're coaching future pros. I'm sure your mum would be so proud of you!
Claudia, thank you so much for your bravery in telling us your story. I feel that you will make a much bigger impact on like minded dancers than you may realise. I totally feel for you and know that the world of dance will want to pull you into its bosom. Shared this with some friends and we all send our love.
You are so strong and such an inspiration to so many dancers including me- please never forget that! You were truly born to teach and spread your passion 💞 Thank you for sharing your journey it was so brave and this video was beautiful 💞
You are so strong and inspiring! You just made me cry. I definitely relate to your story because I lost a brother in a sudden unexpected way and the very first thing that comes to mind is to spend quality time with your loved ones.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for trusting us and telling us your story and for encouraging us to follow our dreams but also to follow our hearts in difficult decisions. I love your channel 💓💓💓
What an inspiration. I know some days you might feel like you are not strong enough to deal with your loss or talk about it and it means a lot that you did. My mom passed away suddenly a few years ago and I still burst into tears when I unexpectedly come across a photo of her or something reminds me of her but most days I can think about her and smile. On a ballet note, I started dancing 3 months ago because my son dances and it will help me to help him out and it would be great to dance with him some day and your clips help to keep me motivated and convince me that I can and I don't completely suck. Lol. Thanks Claudia. Keep in touch
Had me in tears, Claudia...I remember the day we all had lunch together, just after you arrived back, wondering where you were going, and what the next part of your journey would be. xxx
I live in a different country from my parents and brother too. When I call home and they don't answear the phone then I call the cell and if they don't answear my knees start to ache and when I hear their voice they stop. I'm so sorry for your loss. And I am very happy that you founded Claudia Dean Coaching because I follow your advices and I do better at class. I started ballet at 29 and now I am 33. I also passed the 4th grade Rad exams as an adult with 66 and even if it is not a high vote to me it is a great achievement. Next year I would like to give exams again. Thank you for your advices. You are a great teacher and even this way you help me go on with my dream. I hope to wear a tutu one day.
Claudia, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss - a mother's love is forever and not even death can put that asunder. I believe she is shining down on you with pride, love and joy. I commend you for your courage, openess and generosity of spirit in sharing your deeply personal story about your departure from the Royal Ballet and fatalistic return home to be with your family and loved ones. Your earnestness and authenticity in conveying what it means to have a 'gut feeling' - that deep, primal, inner wisdom that lies within us and connects us all to something greater - brought me to tears. I felt your highs and lows as you narrated your identity-shaping experiences; the relentless ambition, adaptive positivity and dogged industriousness in a hyper-competitive environment, your bursts of joy and gratitude when chosen to perform esteemed roles and your utter devastation, confusion and anguish following news you would not be promoted. Often, as you eloquently relayed, we cannot understand the reason behind life's injustices and punches when they occur. It is only with hindsight - the illuminating power of retrospective vision - in which pieces of the puzzle come together, things start to make sense and we consider it may all be part of a greater plan. As an ex childhood dancer who hung up her leotard and pointe shoes too soon, I absolutely love watching your videos. They take me back to the intimate world of private lessons, brilliant teachers and the glee of seeing incremental improvements in technique and style. You have found your way back to your true 'centre stage' - empowering and nuturing young dancers - and along with that, a global community of adoring followers! What extraordinary level of achievement in your young years - all I can say is, keep it up! Never stop doing what makes you smile 😄. Em x
Claudia Dean Coaching I meant every word and you are so very welcome! It's a beautiful thing to witness someone find their calling and live out their highest potential - I reckon there's a book of your memories and learnings to be published one day 😊. With love and fouettes - dance on! Em 😍😘 xxx
Dear Claudia, you are such an inspirational dancer and a teacher but even more of an inspirational person. I can’t imagine how hard it must’ve been when your mother passed away. You are so optimistic and the way you were able to make a decision to walk away from your London life and listen to your gut feeling is so brave. I hope I can be both a wonderful dancer and a person like you one day. Thank you for inspiring me to trust in myself and stay optimistic.
So sorry for your loss but they gave you pieces for you to give yo others be it here or in your family & friends. They may not be there in physical form but will always be w/ you. God Bless
You break my heart. My dad passed away last year suddenly in his sleep. The year leading up to his passing had been the very hard for me, because the property I own had been trashed by my tenants... It was an enormous financial hardship, I couldn't have tenants, I had 30 000$+ of damage on the house and I had to go back and forth trying to fix the property and working my regular job. But luckily my dad was Mr fix it and helped me put it all back together... Through the ordeal I kept thinking WHY did this have to happen to me... But now, hearing your story, I realize that this must have been a godsend so that I could spend my dad's last six months with him working together. He taught me so much those months. As soon as the house was fixed and ready to rent, he was gone. Thank you for your insight, this is making me completely rethink my grieving process. ❤
I appreciate you sharing about this Claudia. What an amazing story. You were led by grace to come home. You are a blessing to the ballet community. And I am sure your Mom is soooo proud of you.
As someone who happened to watch this on November 21, I took a moment and said a prayer for you and your family. What an incredibly difficult thing. Thank you for telling us the story of your Royal Ballet experience and being willing to share your heart too!
Thank you so much for sharing your story and such a beautiful message that will always stick with me 💗 sending lots of love - you truly are an inspiration xxx
Thank you Claudia, for sharing your heart and soul with us. Our intuition is so so important to listen to, especially as artists. So much love to you! 💗
Thanks for sharing... Wow Claudia you are SO SO blessed to spend time with your mother which you will NEVER regret. My mother (a famous & much loved ballet teacher) contracted cancer in 2014 so I shut down my business to care for her (& Dad), I loved Mum so much that of course that was the right thing to do! Funny that the project I shut down in 2014 I adapted in 2019 for another consortium purchase except involves now involves 100+ companies & is 100 TIMES the original size. And I KNOW with 100% certainty it will succeed.
So sorry for your loss. It is crazy how others can relate to your story of career change whether we are dancers or not. Your story is a fascinating one and I am so glad that you shared your story with us. Hugs
I am thankful that I have found you on RUclips- There are so so many reasons, but my goodness- a story and self that I understand, but can look up to as well- thank you for sharing your down to earth intelligence- I really appreciate it so very much.
My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. My entire family is affected by brain aneurysms, with my father's rupturing when I was a kid (he was in Sweden on business, while we lived in Iran in the midst of war...complete shock). He survived, but not without severe physical and cognitive issues, then died of cancer when I was in my twenties. My mother, whom I'm very close to, is now chronically ill, as well. I had to make the extremely difficult decision to leave Montreal and return to US a few years ago, and, listening to this, now wonder if my gut reaction was sending me back so that I can be with my mother. I may not love life in the US, but at least I'm able to spend time with mum while she is still around. That part of your video definitely resonated, so thank you for sharing. Maybe there really is a reason for every-thing. :) My best wishes to you and your family.
Dear claudia, i am so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences. I just found your channel and am captivated my your personality. Thank you for sharing your story in this video, it is beyond inspiring. From a mothers perspective i am so proud of you, i will try to inspire my daughter to follow the values you showed in yourself! And if you ever want to have children, you would be an outstanding mom (because you were brought up by one)! Feel greatly virtually hugged!!
That is such a heartbreaking and amazing story. Thank you for sharing and I'm so glad you got 4 more years with your mother. It hits a little hard for me watching this today I lost my friend of 9yrs to suicide on April 18 he was only 22 and it was completely unexpected and it broke me. Its funny to me how you found you're place and created Claudia Dean coaching you're an amazing teacher. I have loved dance as long as I can remember I've danced on and off since I was about 3 and I was taken out of Dance when I would have been going into my senior year because my mother didn't want to drive me there anymore and it broke my heart. I left dance. I followed my husband to North Dakota, he was in the military and after a year or so of being there I tried to get back into taking classes and I found that I didn't fit in that studio it wasn't a right fit for me so again I left dance behind and was working normal jobs and just kind of going about my life. Four years later we moved back home. I had suffered something pretty traumatic and was feeling lost and just out of it and I found an ad in the newspaper looking for a dance teacher and I thought how great this is exactly what I want this is exactly what I need. I applied and I got the job and I had worked there for 2 to 3 months before they informed me they had to let me go because I did not have the confidence to command a class and that was a huge low for me. After that I left dance behind yet again. Last year I was working at a hotel and I had been going through a lot of personal things and stuff with my husband and so my friend came and was only supposed to hang out for a day and leave and after seeing everything that had gone on she insisted that I come and I stay with her for a while and sort my life out and so I said no for a while and by the end of the day, the next thing I knew I had walked away from my job, told my husband that I wasn't leaving him but that I needed time and I stood with her for a few weeks, when I got back I didn't know what I was going to do so after being back for a week or so I had called up a studio inquiring about if they needed teaching assistants and if they offered ballroom classes because I thought that would be a good way for my husband and I to spend some time together and for me to come and get back into what I love and the first studio I called said no and the second Studio I called said yes and so the next thing I know I'm devoting my life to dance, these kids, and this studio. I am there at the studio everyday taking classes and assisting classes and next year I will have my very first class to myself and so it's funny just how life works and how thing fall apart so better things can fall into place. Now my husband and I are better than ever he loves Ballroom mostly swing we're coming up on our 10-year anniversary this year we have bought our very first house I've been with my studio a year now and I couldn't be happier or more excited for the future.
oh Claudia! you are sooo sweet!...So sorry for your loss and yet, amazed with your courage! Yes, you are a great inspiration!. God bless you and I wish you loads of LOVE and SUCCESS ....xoxoxo ( from Brazil...)
Wow! This was SO powerful. Thank you for sharing this with everyone. I stumbled across this video by chance and I’m now following you. I’m sorry for your loss. I literally experienced this career, gut decision two weeks ago... no explanation, but I know there’s a reason and I’m trusting it. Never done this before but, something told me it was time to go, time for a new chapter. I thank you for a real video that just made feel like I’m not crazy. I wish you all the best! Your mom has to be so proud of the woman you are!
I've only been following your videos for a short amount of time but can I just say how amazing, positive, inspirational and down to earth you are! So sorry to hear about your mum xxx keep strong and keep being you the amazing person you are!
I'm not a dancer, but a big ballet lover. Your story is inspirational in that you followed your intuition and got to spend those 4 years with your mother. To follow your gut so fearlessly- wow! I'm blown away with the result. I bet your mother is with you all the time- she must be so proud of you. So moved by your story. You should write a book.
I totally agree, but I‘m upset because Claudia didn‘t get promoted. I know how competitive ballet is, but Claudia did so well... she danced the „Chosen one“, was presented at the World Ballet Day and fulfilled all her duties... it just feels unfair.
However we are all so lucky 🍀 to have her channel on YT!! ❤️
Claudia, may I first offer my condolences on the loss of your mother. I am watching this video from Canada after recently having heard the terrible news about the 15 young hockey players here who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident while on their way to a playoff game. Whether one's love is ballet or hockey, we depend on the love and support of our families and our larger community to teach us, to raise us up and to help pick us up when we fall on tough times. As much as you're still suffering from your loss and will always miss your mom, I hope you are comforted by the knowledge that you have that community and we are all inspired by how you generously share your love of ballet and your knowledge and lovely personality with us out here in the ballet community. Love and hugs to you and your family.
Colleen Boe i
I'm Canadian. It was such a tragedy
Her mom was a hockey player?
Colleen Boe humbodlt strong💛💚
#Humboldtstrong💚💛
you know what they say.. behind every great and passionate dancer there is a painful story. ♡
Oh yes 💔❤️🔥❤️🩹
please do the video about your life at royal ballet school!!
I will
@a16.Coro BERNABE GOROSTIDI cool hey
Resigned from a ballet company a week ago and a lot of the things you said in this video really hit home and touched my heart. Thank you very much!
This video really spoke to me! I have spent my whole life dancing and performing but about 2 years ago now I decided to quit. It seemed so out of the blue to me but dance didn't really spark passion in me anymore. Fast forward to now and I've been offered a place at Oxford University to study Law which is my new passion which completely outweighs any love I ever had for dance, something that I never thought would happen). I know now that I quit dance because this was in store for me and I have never been happier. I am actually picking up dance again, which I am so looking forward to and I think that's because I no longer have the pressure of seeing it as my future career. I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. She definitely was and still will be so proud of you and all of the things you are achieving!
PastelRose ii
Whew... what to heck?! Oxford? Well done!!!!
I am so so grateful for all that you do for us here on youtube. I feel selfish for saying this, but if you and Kathryn Morgan hadn't gone through what you had to get here then I wouldn't be to dancer I am today.
I am so sorry to hear about your mum. What an amazing supportive woman.
wow I keep on forgetting how young Claudia is because she's soooo wise 💕
The only times throughout my life when I struggled, were when I did NOT follow my intuition. Thank you for sharing. The time spent with your Mom was a precious gift.
im also a retired professional ballet dancer who left and moved onto other things at age 21 to unexpectedly discover my love for teaching, among other things. It's so eerie to watch this because i can relate so much, my grandmother also suffered a brain aneurysm on fri nov. the 24, 3 years ago ....thank god she survived but it was a scary few months... i left my life behind to be with and care for her and always talk about the importance of listening to "that gut instinct.' thanks for sharing, these stories are so empowering to other dancers, and the candor you display is greatly lacking in the ballet world right now. im so sorry for the loss of you mom, im sure shed be proud of you, so glad you had that time together with her!
I don't usually comment on here, but I had to on this video. I've been watching your career since you did the Rite of Spring, it was actually when I started ballet at age 16. I remember wondering why on earth such a talented and amazing dancer would leave the Royal Ballet. But now, watching this video I see everything happens for a reason. I did not expect to cry but your story about your mom was so moving. I'm so sorry about your mom but it is great that you got to spend these past four years with her! So much love all the way from Turkey
💕
Lucky that you followed your heart and made the right decision. It was so precious to be able to spend time with your family especially your mom. God bless
The end story about your mom I am relating to right now. My mom just passed away almost two weeks ago from cancer. Thank you for sharing and keeping good spirits and positivity 😊
im so sorry for ur loss :(
I'm so very sorry for your loss ❤️❤️
I mean, Yuhui Choe is still not principal after soooo many years of amazing dancing. I really think that politics play a huge role on the promotion of their dancers.
Ugh dude... don’t get me into that. I’m still disappointed she hasn’t been promoted, and it’s disheartening to think that she might never be. 😥😥😥😥😥
@@fashionmwah she is amazing and deserves to be promoted because she has also done a large amount of principled solos. It’s sad to see her not get promoted yet
@@bulansalyapradit is it possible that she doesn’t want to be a principal? 🤔
@@candied.crabapples ofc, if you want to move up a level you have to have a meeting with the head master
Love love love! So sorry for your loss. Love the last 5 minutes, agree with you so much. The universe often tells us what to do, we just need to listen. Xx
“No one’s ever lost forever
When they die they go away
But they will visit you occasionally
Do not be afraid.
No one’s ever lost forever
They are caught inside your heart
If you garden them and water them they make you what you are.” -Amanda Palmer (from the song Lost)
I'm so sorry about your mother. Your mother probably pushed you and supported you in your dreams. I felt that when my mother died, a little part of me died with her. You made the right choice going home. Family really means a lot.
This is absolutely awesome. Just discovered your channel yesterday. I started fencing and doing martial arts in college, and at the same time I learned body awareness and physical discipline, I was friends with a few dance majors- girls who did ballet since they were young. I was always in awe of their discipline, drive, and level of physical control; it was a level beyond anyone I've worked with in my own arts. Now 8 years later, I just started taking ballet lessons 3 weeks ago to cross train- it's been an amazing experience! It was by watching Royal Ballet videos I stumbled upon this channel and learned your story- amazing! I believe 100% that nothing is a coincidence. Thank you for being transparent and vulnerable, the universe works in such crazy ways! Subscribing.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I just happen to stumble in one of your videos a few months ago because I always wanted to dance ballet but due to other plans God had for me, I couldn't dance. I just started dancing ballet again and I needed to see a video on how to improve the arabesques and there you were. Your videos are amazing and you do such a wonderful job at teaching and mentoring these beautiful young girls. I cannot believe how beautifully they dance, even the younger ones and strongly believe it is because of the wonderful guidance and teaching they get from you. I am much older now and I could not dance ballet professionally. Like I mentioned earlier, I always wanted to be a ballet dancer but God had other plans for me to become a doctor instead and heal the human body. However, just because I couldn't become a ballet dancer did not mean I could not learn it and I began taking ballet lessons intermittently for about 8 years. I am so glad that you make these videos because they are very helpful and even though they are for young girls, I need the detailed, step-by-step instructions that you provide and I had improved some of the techniques and I owe it to your videos. So thank you so much for all you do and you are a wonderful and beautiful ballet teacher and mentor. I love how you are always smiling and having fun with these girls and it is very obvious this was the plan that God had in mind for you. I am so sorry for loss and I pray to God to continue to provide strength and comfort to you and your family and may your mother rest in peace. I have a friend that lives in Australia and if I ever come visit her, I would love to stop at your studio and personally meet you. Take care.
Thank you so much for sharing with us, Claudia! I know that must have been so hard to actually get out there--lots of times things aren't easy to explain. I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your mother. That must have been extremely hard on you. She's probably really proud of you! You're so inspiring, and watching your videos has got me through some places where I was doubting my talent, my ability and capability. We all appreciate how much you've put into these videos. We love you Claudia!
God Bless.
Thank you Claudia for filming this. It’s something that I’ve wondered about ever since I discovered you and read a little bit about your history, but there wasn’t really much information out there and so now you have told your story and now we know. I think it’s amazing that in spite of what happened to your mom, you were able to see that everything did happen for a reason. Often times it seems like it’s so easy to say that and yet not understand why something happened or what that reason is, but there’s no doubt that what you experienced was truly The reason why you left the Royal ballet. I’m so sorry that you lost your mom but I’m so glad that you had that time to spend with her. It would have been absolutely devastating had you been dancing and away from Australia at the time that she passed. So thank you for your openness and your honesty.❤️
I am so sorry for your loss. I also want to thank you for posting this. I’ve been worrying about my future a lot lately and your words I very reassuring to me
Claudia, I cannot express what im feeling now. I learn so much from you. truly. Im just so thankful for your life. Thank you! I'm sorry for you loss, and I can only imagine how hard it was for you to touch this subject. you are strong and inspire me, and it's noticeable you really believe and wishes to help us with your channel. Thank you again and again and again and forever. I love you! 💜
Claudia I know this is an older video but it’s such an important one and I’m so thankful for you posting this. I’ve recently lost a family member and I wish I could’ve spent more time with them. I’m at peace with it and there’s reasons I couldn’t that I had no control over, but what you have to say is so true and I hope it reaches anyone that needs to hear it before it’s too late for them. I’m so sorry for your loss, that kind of pain never truly goes away 💔
As someone who’s worked with trauma survivors I also just want to thank you because I know it requires so much bravery and inner strength to share something like this with so many people ❤️ Trusting your gut is so important, I get a lot of those feelings too but I was trained by others to suppress them. Ignoring them has caused me so much trouble! I’m still relearning how to listen
I'm in tears, my heart hurts for you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Claudia....You are an inspiration....and a very old Soul! Bless you for this sharing....I took up ballet when I was sixty-one! And three years later, I'm still attending class! Why? Largely, because both you and Joy Womack have inspired me so much! Ballet has opened so many doors for me and even if, at my age, there is only so much I can physically do now, your teaching videos are so informative and so CLEAR! I've been watching them for nearly a year now and I just love who you are and the way you teach! I'm only sad (because I live in the UK) I never got the opportunity to see you dance because I didn't know about you then! Life goes on, Claudia...not just here but 'over there', too and I assure you that you mum is with you ...every minute! And she is SO proud if you! Yes...everything DOES happen for a reason...so keep trusting that inner 'Knowing' which is born of a thousand lifetimes! You are such a beautiful Soul and I am sure your followers will surpass the 100 thousand mark soon!
THE LEVEL OF CONSISTENT LOVE IN THE COMMENTS IS B*L*O*W*I*N*G ME AWAY. THOUSANDS. Incredible. 😱
hey Claudia, just wanted to say thank you for your honesty. I cried with your story, and I think your message about following your heart is so important and powerful. Sending hugs to you!
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mum. I am so glad you had the foresight to go home.
So sorry for your loss Claudia. Thank you for sharing your personal story with us. I’m glad you got to be home and spend time with your mom before she passed. Bless you and your family. ❤️
I needed to hear this! Thank you for sharing your experience. I quit my job with the third largest performing arts center in the US and have been feeling pretty emotional about my decision but much like you, my intuition pushed me in a new direction. Sending lots of love and light your way!
First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss. I applause you for facing life with such optimism, it's definitly not an easy thing to do. I love your videos and they helped me a lot! I'm an adult student and each tip that you teach us is precious! Thank you so much for your contribution to the ballet world! Kisses from Brazil!
You are a wonderful inspiration Claudia!! Thankyou so much for sharing ♡♡♡. The gut instinct is never wrong. Im sorry for your loss. ♡♡
Very sorry to hear about your mom Claudia. Can’t believe you were still providing us with great videos during the tragedy. You are truly a strong and amazing person! ❤️❤️
I use your videos as a guide to help me be a better ballet instructor. I left professional dancing at the age of 20 from burnout, but loved teaching. I love to see the children when they find the connection between the mind and body that is required to execute ballet, I love to help them achieve their goals in the professional world and they keep me young! I have been teaching for 20 years as I will turn 40 next week. I was teaching pique turns in 2016 and I knew something was wrong and one of my partners was noticing that everything I tried to do on my right leg was off kilter. My doctors were quick to say it was migraines and fatigue. I have had migraines my entire life and I was tired. I blew it off and continued my regular dance life. It only got worse. I was in pain all the time, constant vertigo and beginning to forget how I got somewhere or where I was going while walking and driving. I could no longer turn at all in class without falling. I used my older students to demonstrate in an effort to hide whatever was happening. In June of 2017, I had a really bad week and my GUT said, you need to go to your mom. I left everything and moved 500 miles to be with my mom in hopes I could find a solution to my problems. My mom is a nurse, she began calling doctors of all kind and I became a medical riddle, I was too young and healthy for something bad they would say, I thought I was going crazy. On November 7,2017 I had a brain aneurysm on my left posterior communicating artery. I have just been released by my doctors and I am returning to work for summer session in June. You are my favorite on RUclips for tips, so I was watching videos I had missed and I came upon this video. When you told about your mom and when it happened, my heart immediately felt your pain. I began to think, the one person you want to help is me, by showing me the loss was worse than my own aneurysm. I applaud you for discussing it with 90 thousand people, because it is hard to grasp. I also applaud your work ethic for returning so quickly after such a tragedy. I want to help you. One of my biggest support systems is the Aussie Aneurysm group. It is on facebook, but they hold local meetings for anyone affected by an aneurysm. Please look up the group and you will see the support and understanding they can provide. This took me a week to write because I was in shock at the parallel lives we live. So please take this to heart, you are a great instructor and you helped me in this video. All my prayers, love and support to you and your family. Keep your head high, your mom is proud of you!!
I litterally almost cried.. Your story is so emotional and inspiring! I love you so much miss Claudia and thank you for inspiring me every day!!💗
You are a queen!!! It means a lot, that you decided to share this video, it was very eyeopening, heartfelt and emotional. Thank you
Thank you so much lovely, you're amazing! ❤️
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. That is so great you were able to spend that special time with her. All the best on your journey! I appreciate everything you teach us.
My heart goes out to you! Thank you for your heart felt video and sharing this with the world. It’s a very fickle world in ballet especially, and your gut is just so important to follow, just as much as your heart. You are an inspiration by sharing this and all your teaching is so worth every moment you spent there in London. Keep doing what you are doing and dream and grow! It’s all so appreciated and I know your mum couldn’t be prouder of you!
Oh sweet Claudia, I lost my mother in exactly the same way. I completely agree that was the Universe telling you to go home. And sweetie you have blessed so many lives doing what you do now! We love you! Thank you!
Beautiful video Claudia, such a sad loss for you but a beautiful message. It couldnt be more true, especially in this industry, everything happens for a reason. Those low moments can set you on a path you didnt know you were headed for but its always to push you in the right direction of your destiny. Your mother was always such a beautiful and kind woman, her sudden passing is a reminder to always appreciate the people in your life as life is too short to worry about that new role or the next job. Always trust your intuition, the rest will follow. Big love to you Claudia, so pleased to see you have found such great happiness in this new chapter of your life xxx
Claudia thank you for sharing such a private part of your life. I'm not a dancer but found you on the internet and love your videos. You are beautiful inside and out.
what an incredibly powerful video.....those 4 years you had with your mother were such a gift, probably not what you thought you were doing at the time, but a gift you gave to yourself and your mum, and the rest of your family. It's so good to hear this story from your very unique and accomplished perspective, this video is a gift too. BTW, you're at 200k subscribed now, think of the impact you're having on all the little dancers out there. Thank you so much for sharing your personal story, especially the part about leaving the Royal Ballet without anger and bitter feelings and burning bridges and resentment, which seems to be part of so many transitions these days. Saying goodbye at the right time with grace and gratitude, there's a lot to learn for all of us in this clip.
thank you so much for having the strength to make this video and tell us about your journey. love you to the moon and back,XOXO❤❤❤
Thank you for sharing your story. As a dancer currently in university I am thinking so much about the future, so hearing peoples stories helps. I don’t specialize in ballet and am definitely not planning on being in a company, but hearing people’s stories about leaving companies and how they got into what they did afterward is the most valuable and inspiring information!
Thank you Claudia!! I completely relate to so many things you said in this video. You're such an inspiration to me and others!! I've been through some of the same lows that you mentioned and hearing that you shared the same feelings I had makes me feel so uplifted. I recently went through this where I'm dancing and I'm still struggling with it. Your channel has brought me so much joy and I love using your videos for my young students; they especially loved the pointe shoe prep and hacks because they all started pointe this year! ❤❤❤
Thankyou so much for putting this online. Your words are really so powerful 💗 I’m not in the dance industry anymore but I had the hardest week this week and had make a really big life decision and your words about following your gut have really put me at peace. Really grateful🌟
I'm so glad you got those 4 years with your mom. You will never regret coming home.
Thanks, Claudia, for being authentic. Your revelation about your mom's passing made me relive the pain that time (it's been 23years since mine passed away, I was your age too!) had help disguise. For the first 7 years I couldn't talk about her without crying, then 11 years after her death, my dad passed away and "took over" my crying spells. By now my heart has formed a callus and I can even think about them with a smile on my face ...sometimes. watching your pain tore that callus apart and I felt like I did back then, and I thank you for that, because it showed me that the wound is deep and I'm just trying to live with that reality. You see, I had been saddened by my lack of feeling, almost forgetting the intensity of the love I felt for her, but I now know that it's only been a survival instinct.
I'm so glad you listened to your gut and spent those last years close to her!
Thank you for your candor. 🌻🌹⚘
You have made so much the right choice!!! You’re a very, very, very good teacher!! For me and I think, many people here know that you’re the best teacher in the world!! 💜💜 Love you so much!! Thank you for making videos to help us in ballet and ballerina’s mentality!! I apreciate and enjoy learning all your tips!! 💜💜💜💜💜
You've been through a lot personally & professionally, thank you for sharing with us. What you've said makes complete sense, its great that you followed your feeling & got to spend that time with your Mum. You've inspired me even more with this today. I've had the gut feeling to do something important but I've been too scared to do it, this is re-affirming to me to do it.Much love to you x
Thank you for sharing. It definitely wasn't easy to get to a more personal level, but I truly appreciated this video! Sorry to hear about your mum, I am so sure she is very proud of everything you have accomplished. And you have been an inspiration to me, thank you for that.
It is truly inspiring to see such an amazing and positive person open up and share such personal insights to her life and who she is. You create such brilliant videos for so many dancers around the world. The impact your videos have on my life alone is completely awe-inspiring and to imagine that you impact not 1 person but around 90 thousand! You are such a strong person, and as a "realist" (pessimist) I dream of being as level headed, strong, fierce and positive as you!!! LOVE FROM SOUTH AFRICA xxx
Putting in so much effort and not feeling rewarded is very relatable, especially in dance where you grow up with so much drive and discipline to pass the next exam or audition. That's great you can now put your passion into something where you feel truly satisfied!
Sorry for your loss... It is so true, sometimes you just have to follow your gut feelings! You never know when things can change, life is fragile, but also ever changing. I feel that your video will continue to resonate with everyone, sometimes life is not about just one direction, leaving Royal Ballet was not the end of your ballet journey, it was your beginning. Love your videos! keep churning them :)
Social media is an amazing thing, enabling knowledge and experiences to be shared with others, all around the world - people with whom we might never have known anything about previously. I am a martial artist not a dancer, but I find it both interesting and useful to look at other disciplines as it informs my own . It doesn’t have to be all technical however . So thank you for sharing your story, and I am sure many of your followers and not just the younger aspiring dancers, will appreciate the telling of it also. All the best for the future and keep up the good work.
I'm just watching this now. What a touching account. My Mom just passed in May of 2022. You and I were both fortunate to be near our mothers in those last years. My Mom would definitely want me carrying on playing piano for ballet classes like I've been doing.
I came to several of your performances at the Royal Opera House - including your last and cheered specifically for you :). You were wonderful and I was sad to see you go. I'm so glad everything has turned out right for you. X
Thank you for this very raw, transparent and personal journey. I am not a professional ballet dancer (duh!) but have always danced, including a 3 year stint in Vegas as a showgirl-13 shows a week, very demanding. I have been a trial lawyer now for 20 years (first chair) and so much of my practice is about trusting my gut. I have learned to listen to that inner voice because I grew up with a single mom who struggled with her own mental health issues. I am so so sorry for your loss-my mom is still alive but we don't have a relationship--so I digress, I became a people pleaser, got an eating disorder and the whole nine. Videos like this keep me going. I loved your story🤍PS I also have a real estate license (nothing near being a lawyer, but good to have.)
Yes please. Would love to hear about your time with the Royal ballet.
Always follow that gut feeling. Good for you. This is something I have taught my 3kids trust that feeling.
So sorry for your loss. 💓
When I was your age I was this tight, frightened little girl, would always go with the flow, or wherever the flow would take me. I am really astounded by young women nowadays who are so wise, strong, independent, empowered! Bravo! Thanks for sharing! Always so inspiring!
I'm not a dancer - at least, not in the ballet world! - but I love watching your videos. I am so so sorry to hear about your mum, thank you for sharing that. I just wanted to give you the biggest hug at that point.
You are a real inspiration to so many and I know you're coaching future pros. I'm sure your mum would be so proud of you!
Claudia, thank you so much for your bravery in telling us your story. I feel that you will make a much bigger impact on like minded dancers than you may realise. I totally feel for you and know that the world of dance will want to pull you into its bosom. Shared this with some friends and we all send our love.
You are so strong and such an inspiration to so many dancers including me- please never forget that! You were truly born to teach and spread your passion 💞 Thank you for sharing your journey it was so brave and this video was beautiful 💞
You are so strong and inspiring! You just made me cry. I definitely relate to your story because I lost a brother in a sudden unexpected way and the very first thing that comes to mind is to spend quality time with your loved ones.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for trusting us and telling us your story and for encouraging us to follow our dreams but also to follow our hearts in difficult decisions. I love your channel 💓💓💓
Aww Claudia thanks for sharing this with us! You are the best and your leotard collection is soooooo flattering and beautiful!! ILYSM💗💗💗
What an inspiration. I know some days you might feel like you are not strong enough to deal with your loss or talk about it and it means a lot that you did. My mom passed away suddenly a few years ago and I still burst into tears when I unexpectedly come across a photo of her or something reminds me of her but most days I can think about her and smile. On a ballet note, I started dancing 3 months ago because my son dances and it will help me to help him out and it would be great to dance with him some day and your clips help to keep me motivated and convince me that I can and I don't completely suck. Lol. Thanks Claudia. Keep in touch
Had me in tears, Claudia...I remember the day we all had lunch together, just after you arrived back, wondering where you were going, and what the next part of your journey would be. xxx
Thank you so much for sharing you personal life, it's not easy to put authentic self out there into the public
You live your life on your own terms. You are amazing Claudia and know you are loved by so many.
Thank you Claudia. My daughter and I enjoy your channel. She had to leave ballet this school year so your channel has meant so much to her.
I live in a different country from my parents and brother too. When I call home and they don't answear the phone then I call the cell and if they don't answear my knees start to ache and when I hear their voice they stop. I'm so sorry for your loss. And I am very happy that you founded Claudia Dean Coaching because I follow your advices and I do better at class. I started ballet at 29 and now I am 33. I also passed the 4th grade Rad exams as an adult with 66 and even if it is not a high vote to me it is a great achievement. Next year I would like to give exams again. Thank you for your advices. You are a great teacher and even this way you help me go on with my dream. I hope to wear a tutu one day.
Claudia, I am so sorry for your tremendous loss - a mother's love is forever and not even death can put that asunder. I believe she is shining down on you with pride, love and joy.
I commend you for your courage, openess and generosity of spirit in sharing your deeply personal story about your departure from the Royal Ballet and fatalistic return home to be with your family and loved ones. Your earnestness and authenticity in conveying what it means to have a 'gut feeling' - that deep, primal, inner wisdom that lies within us and connects us all to something greater - brought me to tears.
I felt your highs and lows as you narrated your identity-shaping experiences; the relentless ambition, adaptive positivity and dogged industriousness in a hyper-competitive environment, your bursts of joy and gratitude when chosen to perform esteemed roles and your utter devastation, confusion and anguish following news you would not be promoted.
Often, as you eloquently relayed, we cannot understand the reason behind life's injustices and punches when they occur. It is only with hindsight - the illuminating power of retrospective vision - in which pieces of the puzzle come together, things start to make sense and we consider it may all be part of a greater plan.
As an ex childhood dancer who hung up her leotard and pointe shoes too soon, I absolutely love watching your videos. They take me back to the intimate world of private lessons, brilliant teachers and the glee of seeing incremental improvements in technique and style. You have found your way back to your true 'centre stage' - empowering and nuturing young dancers - and along with that, a global community of adoring followers! What extraordinary level of achievement in your young years - all I can say is, keep it up! Never stop doing what makes you smile 😄. Em x
lanternbook this is the best comment I’ve ever read! Such kind, authentic words WOW! Lots of love always Em, Claudia xxxx
Claudia Dean Coaching I meant every word and you are so very welcome! It's a beautiful thing to witness someone find their calling and live out their highest potential - I reckon there's a book of your memories and learnings to be published one day 😊. With love and fouettes - dance on! Em 😍😘 xxx
Claudia, we all love you ! All the best. ❤
Dear Claudia, you are such an inspirational dancer and a teacher but even more of an inspirational person. I can’t imagine how hard it must’ve been when your mother passed away. You are so optimistic and the way you were able to make a decision to walk away from your London life and listen to your gut feeling is so brave. I hope I can be both a wonderful dancer and a person like you one day. Thank you for inspiring me to trust in myself and stay optimistic.
So sorry for your loss but they gave you pieces for you to give yo others be it here or in your family & friends. They may not be there in physical form but will always be w/ you. God Bless
You break my heart. My dad passed away last year suddenly in his sleep. The year leading up to his passing had been the very hard for me, because the property I own had been trashed by my tenants... It was an enormous financial hardship, I couldn't have tenants, I had 30 000$+ of damage on the house and I had to go back and forth trying to fix the property and working my regular job. But luckily my dad was Mr fix it and helped me put it all back together... Through the ordeal I kept thinking WHY did this have to happen to me... But now, hearing your story, I realize that this must have been a godsend so that I could spend my dad's last six months with him working together. He taught me so much those months. As soon as the house was fixed and ready to rent, he was gone.
Thank you for your insight, this is making me completely rethink my grieving process.
❤
This made me cry Claud! So beautifully spoken and articulated ❤️ x
I appreciate you sharing about this Claudia. What an amazing story. You were led by grace to come home. You are a blessing to the ballet community. And I am sure your Mom is soooo proud of you.
You're a wonderful generous giving woman. I've learned so much through your channel.
As someone who happened to watch this on November 21, I took a moment and said a prayer for you and your family. What an incredibly difficult thing. Thank you for telling us the story of your Royal Ballet experience and being willing to share your heart too!
Thank you so much for sharing your story and such a beautiful message that will always stick with me 💗 sending lots of love - you truly are an inspiration xxx
Thank you Claudia, for sharing your heart and soul with us. Our intuition is so so important to listen to, especially as artists. So much love to you! 💗
Thank you so much gorgeous ❤️ you're incredible x
Awh Claudia you’re amazing we all love you❤️
Uma Lindström I love you all!!!
Thanks for sharing... Wow Claudia you are SO SO blessed to spend time with your mother which you will NEVER regret. My mother (a famous & much loved ballet teacher) contracted cancer in 2014 so I shut down my business to care for her (& Dad), I loved Mum so much that of course that was the right thing to do! Funny that the project I shut down in 2014 I adapted in 2019 for another consortium purchase except involves now involves 100+ companies & is 100 TIMES the original size. And I KNOW with 100% certainty it will succeed.
Hi Claudia, I have Osgood Shlatters disorder and was wondering if you could do a video on how to still keep your training up while injured. Thx
So sorry for your loss. It is crazy how others can relate to your story of career change whether we are dancers or not. Your story is a fascinating one and I am so glad that you shared your story with us. Hugs
I'm so sorry about your mom😢😢😢 wow I'm so,glad you had the time with her
I lost my dad tonight so I feel your pain
I am thankful that I have found you on RUclips-
There are so so many reasons, but my goodness- a story and self that I understand, but can look up to as well- thank you for sharing your down to earth intelligence- I really appreciate it so very much.
Very nice of you to share your personal life and career experiences with us all. Sending lots of love from the U.K x
My deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. My entire family is affected by brain aneurysms, with my father's rupturing when I was a kid (he was in Sweden on business, while we lived in Iran in the midst of war...complete shock). He survived, but not without severe physical and cognitive issues, then died of cancer when I was in my twenties. My mother, whom I'm very close to, is now chronically ill, as well. I had to make the extremely difficult decision to leave Montreal and return to US a few years ago, and, listening to this, now wonder if my gut reaction was sending me back so that I can be with my mother. I may not love life in the US, but at least I'm able to spend time with mum while she is still around. That part of your video definitely resonated, so thank you for sharing. Maybe there really is a reason for every-thing. :) My best wishes to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your loss she is in a better place Whether you believe it or not. RIP
Dear claudia, i am so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences. I just found your channel and am captivated my your personality. Thank you for sharing your story in this video, it is beyond inspiring. From a mothers perspective i am so proud of you, i will try to inspire my daughter to follow the values you showed in yourself! And if you ever want to have children, you would be an outstanding mom (because you were brought up by one)! Feel greatly virtually hugged!!
You are such a nice person Claudia and I understand your decision. I am also from Australia!
That is such a heartbreaking and amazing story. Thank you for sharing and I'm so glad you got 4 more years with your mother. It hits a little hard for me watching this today I lost my friend of 9yrs to suicide on April 18 he was only 22 and it was completely unexpected and it broke me.
Its funny to me how you found you're place and created Claudia Dean coaching you're an amazing teacher. I have loved dance as long as I can remember I've danced on and off since I was about 3 and I was taken out of Dance when I would have been going into my senior year because my mother didn't want to drive me there anymore and it broke my heart. I left dance. I followed my husband to North Dakota, he was in the military and after a year or so of being there I tried to get back into taking classes and I found that I didn't fit in that studio it wasn't a right fit for me so again I left dance behind and was working normal jobs and just kind of going about my life. Four years later we moved back home. I had suffered something pretty traumatic and was feeling lost and just out of it and I found an ad in the newspaper looking for a dance teacher and I thought how great this is exactly what I want this is exactly what I need. I applied and I got the job and I had worked there for 2 to 3 months before they informed me they had to let me go because I did not have the confidence to command a class and that was a huge low for me. After that I left dance behind yet again. Last year I was working at a hotel and I had been going through a lot of personal things and stuff with my husband and so my friend came and was only supposed to hang out for a day and leave and after seeing everything that had gone on she insisted that I come and I stay with her for a while and sort my life out and so I said no for a while and by the end of the day, the next thing I knew I had walked away from my job, told my husband that I wasn't leaving him but that I needed time and I stood with her for a few weeks, when I got back I didn't know what I was going to do so after being back for a week or so I had called up a studio inquiring about if they needed teaching assistants and if they offered ballroom classes because I thought that would be a good way for my husband and I to spend some time together and for me to come and get back into what I love and the first studio I called said no and the second Studio I called said yes and so the next thing I know I'm devoting my life to dance, these kids, and this studio. I am there at the studio everyday taking classes and assisting classes and next year I will have my very first class to myself and so it's funny just how life works and how thing fall apart so better things can fall into place. Now my husband and I are better than ever he loves Ballroom mostly swing we're coming up on our 10-year anniversary this year we have bought our very first house I've been with my studio a year now and I couldn't be happier or more excited for the future.
oh Claudia! you are sooo sweet!...So sorry for your loss and yet, amazed with your courage! Yes, you are a great inspiration!. God bless you and I wish you loads of LOVE and SUCCESS ....xoxoxo ( from Brazil...)
Wow! This was SO powerful. Thank you for sharing this with everyone. I stumbled across this video by chance and I’m now following you. I’m sorry for your loss. I literally experienced this career, gut decision two weeks ago... no explanation, but I know there’s a reason and I’m trusting it. Never done this before but, something told me it was time to go, time for a new chapter. I thank you for a real video that just made feel like I’m not crazy. I wish you all the best! Your mom has to be so proud of the woman you are!
Thank you so much Claudia for everything you've done for us! I wish you all the best in the future!❤
I've only been following your videos for a short amount of time but can I just say how amazing, positive, inspirational and down to earth you are! So sorry to hear about your mum xxx keep strong and keep being you the amazing person you are!
Thank you, Claudia for sharing your beautiful story. I look forward to your teaching tips.