We had the good fortune of connecting with Betsy Uhler Colombo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Betsy, what do you attribute your success to?
Without a doubt the most important factor behind the success of our brand is the incredible people that participate in LA Unbound as dancers, choreographers, and volunteers. Participants are drawn to our company because we provide the unique opportunity for adult dancers to have performance opportunities in a welcoming and non-competitive environment, but what encourages them to stick around year after year is the wonderful people they meet throughout the process and friendships that are formed. LA Unbound dancers become fast friends and frequently develop relationships that extend outside of the rehearsal studios. We are cast mates, friends, support networks, zoom chat buddies, and group text commiserators. And while our ability to rehearse and perform together in person may be on hold, the lifelong friendships that have been formed within this company are helping us all make it through the challenges we are facing during this time.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
LA Unbound is the largest dance company in Los Angeles, bringing together over 100 local dancers and choreographers for eclectic productions twice per year. What sets us apart from other dance companies is some of our participants are professional dancers, choreographers, or dance teachers, but many have full-time jobs outside of dance and enjoy LA Unbound as an opportunity to perform on stage and connect with like-minded creatives with similar dance backgrounds and training. The company started in 2007 as a fun way for a small group of friends to produce the type of dance show we wanted to participate in, and what I’m most proud of is how the company has not only kept going, but has kept growing ever since. Thirteen years later, we are still producing dance shows twice per year – and with some of the very same dancers who joined us for our very first show!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a tough one given the nature of… well, everything this year. For safe, outdoor activities in these pandemic times, a hike in Griffith Park, trip to El Matador beach, and a beer at Golden Road Brewery would be my top suggestions.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Elizabeth Tramontozzi, co-founder of LA Unbound, and the rest of our incredible Advisory Board that keeps the company going and growing!
Website: https://launbound.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/launbound/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-unbound
Twitter: https://twitter.com/launbound
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/launbound/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/la-unbound-dance-company-los-angeles
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/launbound
Image Credits
Chiabella James, Powell Browne, Daniel J. Sliwa, Julie Pearl