Embodiment Training

“The servers acted less like ancient space aliens than like monks running a monastic retreat for stressed-out nonbelievers. They glided around in black slippers and flowing black tunics, quiet as ninjas.”

— PETE WELLS on VESPERTINE, The New York Times

The body and the brand - movement in the workspace.

The average guest decides what they think about a person or a product within the first 7 seconds of interaction. That means any service-oriented business has to lead with its staffs’ body language and movement as its primary tool for creating brand loyalty. Far beyond the menu knowledge and protocol, the way in which a step of service gets carrier out, at times, far exceeds the action itself.

With over 15 years of restaurant experience as a Captain and a Sommelier, this movement work was born out of necessity, through work in some of the country’s leading high-end restaurants. Through an exploration of floorplan efficiency, body language’s relationship to guest satisfaction, staff retention and body awareness/safety, and overall concept branding tied to movement, clients can expect a happier, more integrated staff. Course work will be tailored directly to your staff and the space they work in.

A Job You Never Knew Existed: Restaurant Choreographer - Leslie’s work in DANCE MAGAZINE

SELECTED PAST CLIENTS

- Buddakan, New York City

- Night Market, Los Angeles

- Vespertine, Los Angeles

- Michelin Starred Restaurant Daniel, New York City

Creative + Professional Mentorship

Providing entrepreneurial training, knowledge, and resources, to all disciplines, industries, and cultural practices.

Workshops to help participants feel empowered to tell their personal and business’s story in an authentic way, for customers, clients, donors, investors, funders, family, and friends.

THE BUSINESS OF YOU: Creative Marketing and Goal Setting that leads to a fully integrated personal brand.

Being armed with a slew of practical skills is still only half the battle in today's arts economy. As artists we are constantly both the creator/editor and implementer of our own institutional marketing campaigns. This course is designed as a 'big-picture' look at first impressions through headshots, promo videos, websites, performance invites, professional correspondence and social media presence. Stepping back and making sure that all roads are truly leading to our unique creative selves ensures maximum bang for our creative buck.

Creative Producing

Ideas into action - creating engaging and memorable experiences on and off the stage.

Making successful events in today’s marketplace.

Whether it’s a one-off local event or a large International festival, integrated producing is the foundation for any successful organization and event, regardless of size. Often artists are asked to take on some of these tasks without ever receiving training on some of the industry’s best practices, and strategies. These collaborations can be designed as one-on-one coaching or for comprehensive project development. We can cover topics like budgets, scheduling, personnel, contracts, funding basics, outreach, and audience engagement. Be an active thought partner.

Dramaturgy

A dialogue between movement and meaning.

Dramaturgy is devoted to three tasks: the ideas which underlie a given piece of performance; the means by which those ideas are communicated – text, structure, image, movement and so on; and the process established to explore, create and refine the work.

I work with artists to provide a platform for discovery, a communal deep dive towards the shared goal of your work in its best form.