In this episode, I'm joined by the brilliant and boundary-breaking Juel D. Lane—choreographer, dancer, director, and creative visionary. We had the pleasure of meeting through the incredible dance company I'm on the board of, BODYTRAFFIC.

From performing in Jesus Christ Superstar Live and Amazon’s Harlem, to creating original works for BODYTRAFFIC, Ailey II, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Atlanta Ballet, and beyond, Juel has carved out a space in the dance world that’s entirely his own.

But behind the accolades is a story of deep self-discovery, doubt, and fearless creativity. In this candid conversation, Juel opens up about his journey from a young boy obsessed with movement to becoming a nationally celebrated artist and choreographic leader. He talks about the internal battles with imposter syndrome, the power of social media as a modern-day stage, and how finding the right community has helped him thrive, grow, and continually Reinvent himself.

Now serving as the Director of the Choreographic Institute at UNC School of the Arts, Juel reflects on the lessons he's learned—about risk-taking, vulnerability, identity, and the discipline of creativity. Whether you're an artist, a dreamer, or someone navigating your own next chapter, Juel’s story will inspire you to own your narrative, trust your talent, and keep dancing forward—even when you're unsure of the next step.

Key Takeaways:

Reinvention means showing up even when you don’t feel “ready”—especially when you don’t.
Owning your creativity requires both discipline and vulnerability.
Confidence isn’t given—it’s built by standing in your story and doing the work.
Connection, community, and mentorship are everything in the creative process.

Juel’s Website: https://jueldlane.com/

Juel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jueldlane/?hl=en

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EP 144: The Dance of Reinvention with Juel D. Lane

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