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About the Guest

Bridgette Borzillo is the founder and artistic director of CaZo Dance Theatre. Her journey began in athletics, where she was a dedicated multi-sport athlete in her youth, excelling in soccer, softball, and field hockey. Bridgette played D1 softball at San Diego State and later transferred to Arizona State University to pursue her true passion for dance. Drawing on her unique blend of sports discipline and artistic creativity, she launched her own dance company in 2014. Bridgette continues to inspire through performances that blend entertainment with storytelling and is dedicated to growing her company internationally.

Episode Summary

In this compelling episode of Becoming UnDone, host Toby Brooks sits down with Bridgette Borzillo to explore her journey from a tri-sport athlete to a successful dance company owner. The podcast delves deep into the challenges and triumphs faced by Bridgette as she navigated competitive sports and the world of dance. Her path was marked by a passionate pursuit of creativity, a lesson for those in fields that demand both physical prowess and artistic sensitivity.

Bridgette discusses the pressures of transitioning from athletics to dance, the pivotal moments that defined her career, and the struggles she overcame to realize her dreams. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the importance of having a strong support system, embracing one’s unique voice, and the power of tenacity. The episode is rich with SEO keywords like “sports discipline,” “artistic creativity,” “dance entrepreneurship,” and “resilience in the arts,” making it a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth and overcoming adversity.

Key Takeaways

  • Transition from Sports to Arts: Bridgette successfully transitioned from being a D1 athlete to pursuing a full-time career in dance, showing resilience and determination.
  • Supporting Creativity with Structure: Her sports background provided a strong foundation of discipline that complemented her artistic endeavors.
  • Importance of a Support Network: Family, friends, and mentors played a crucial role in Bridgette’s journey by providing a safety net and encouragement.
  • Persistence in the Face of Rejection: Bridgette faced significant challenges and setbacks in her career but continued to push forward by embracing her individuality.
  • Big Ambitions with Global Impact: Bridgette aims to take Kazo Dance Theater international, sharing her innovative performances worldwide.

Notable Quotes

  • “If I make a plan, I will do my best to make it happen.”
  • “I just said, screw it. I’m going to have my own voice.”
  • “Softball is a game of failure. You just get used to failing all the time.”
  • “I feel like I run my dance company like a softball team.”
  • “If I can make it work during a pandemic, I can make it work anytime.”

Resources

Tune in to listen to the full episode for an in-depth discussion on navigating the intersections of performance and perseverance. Stay connected with Becoming UnDone for more inspiring stories from those who’ve turned setbacks into setups for success.

Timestamp Summary
0:11 Balancing Art and Sport: Bridgette Barzillo’s Journey
3:03 Balancing Dreams of Dance and Division 1 Softball
9:34 Balancing Softball and Dance Amidst Challenges and Transitions
17:59 Overcoming Criticism to Launch a Dance Company
25:37 Overcoming Fear and Transitioning from Athlete to Dance Entrepreneur
30:25 Overcoming Asthma and Insecurity Through Resilience and Self-Love
33:09 Bridgette Borzillo’s Dance Journey and Future Aspirations