Today we’d like to introduce you to Aubree Nelson
Hi Aubree, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My passion for movement started at a very young age. I vividly remember gathering with friends in my neighborhood, choreographing routines on our front porches, putting together talent shows and feeling an unexplainable joy every time we danced together. For me, it wasn’t just about having fun—it was a way to express myself. What began as a childhood hobby soon evolved into a passion that would shape my entire life.
I attended Sudbrook Magnet Middle school, where I trained primarily in Ballet, Modern and Jazz. From there, I auditioned and was accepted into the prestigious Baltimore School for the Arts, which solidified my desire to pursue dance professionally. During our summer breaks, I attended summer dance intensives, including Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and The Ailey School Summer Intensive as a scholarship student.
After high school, I attended SUNY Purchase College in Westchester, NY, where I earned my B.F.A. in Dance Performance. During my junior year, I was invited to apprentice with Ailey II, the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. By my senior year, I earned a full company contract.
Being part of Ailey II was the launchpad for my professional career. I spent two years with the company, traveling the world and performing works by incredible choreographers. It was an enriching experience that pushed me both artistically and physically. However, I soon felt drawn to the commercial dance world, wanting to explore dance beyond concert stages and into TV, film, and live performances with music artists.
After Ailey II, I began auditioning for various projects. One pivotal moment came after a callback for a feature film that I didn’t end up booking. As I was leaving the audition, I received a text from a mentor about a last-minute rehearsal for a live music award show. He couldn’t share many details until I arrived, but trusting my instincts, I headed to the rehearsal in Brooklyn. To my surprise, I found myself rehearsing for Beyoncé’s MTV Video Music Awards performance! That experience was an unexpected game changer for me. I immediately signed with a dance agency, and everything began to fall into place from there.
Since then, I’ve built an exciting career as a freelance performing artist and print model, which has included touring nationally with Chicago the Musical and being featured on their Times Square billboard. I’ve had the pleasure of performing live on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show, and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots. I’ve also performed with music artists such as Lil’ Mo, Becky G, Julianne Hough, Silentó, and CNCO. Additionally, I’ve been featured in an Emmy-winning commercial for NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and worked on campaigns for major brands such as Shea Moisture, Heineken, Samsung, Panera Bread, and Exhale Spa.
Recently, I’ve stepped into a dual role as both a performing artist and now entrepreneur. In October of this year, I launched Next Level Artistry, a performing arts program designed to provide aspiring artists with the skills, training, opportunities, and resources they need to thrive in their prospective industries. I’m passionate about helping the next generation of artists step into their greatness, just as others once did for me. This new endeavor is very exciting and I can’t wait to see how much it grows!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Navigating the dance industry is not easy! The competitiveness of auditioning and booking jobs can be overwhelming, and the constant stream of rejections is a harsh reality that every dancer faces. You get hit with so many “no’s,” and more often than not, it’s not even a reflection of your talent which can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you’ve spent years training and invested so much time, energy, and money into perfecting your craft.
One of the biggest challenges is the behind-the-scenes dynamics of casting. Many times, choreographers or casting directors walk into an audition already having an idea of who they want to hire based on relationships, a specific look, body type (also known as “type casting”),or energy that aligns with the vision of a project or artist. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t fit the mold, you’re out.
Also, you have to realize there are thousands of professional dancers fighting for the same limited opportunities which definitely adds another level of pressure. You often feel like you’re fighting for your life to stand out, hoping to be one of the few chosen for the job. It’s an environment that can be incredibly discouraging and emotionally draining. However, those challenges fuel my determination and it’s pushed me to continually invest in myself—whether through refining my technique, training, or expanding my network and resources within the industry. I’ve learned that success often comes down to persistence, resilience, and making sure you’re ready so you don’t have to get ready when the right opportunity finally comes your way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a performing artist, entrepreneur, mentor, and dance educator. Dance has always been my foundation and it’s also led me into other avenues that I would’ve never thought to explore. Dance has also fueled my passion to teach and mentor, which ultimately inspired me to create my own platform to continue sharing my knowledge and help others navigate this industry.
What truly sets me apart, I believe, is my work ethic and the relationships I’ve built and have been able to maintain throughout my career. I truly believe and stand by the fact that talent is only part of the equation; it’s the work you put in behind the scenes that makes all the difference.
The choreographers, dancers, and industry professionals I’ve worked with over the years have played a huge role in my growth and where I am today. Trust and respect are essential in this business, and I make it a point to be reliable, dependable, positive, and consistent in every room I step into. These relationships have not only opened doors but they remind me that success isn’t just about being the best dancer in the room—it’s about being someone others want to work with again and again.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I don’t remember every detail, but if you ask my parents, they’ll tell you I was a bit of a nerd—always curious and eager to learn new things. I was also a little competitive, constantly pushing myself to do better or be the best in the room, whether it was in school or extracurricular activities. One thing they always mention is how I was a bit of a maniac! I was always on the move and needed an outlet to channel all of my energy.
They kept me busy with different activities like Girl Scouts, tennis, and cheerleading. But it wasn’t until they enrolled me in dance classes that everything clicked. Dance became the perfect combination of the structure and freedom I needed —a place where I could focus my energy and challenge myself while also letting my creativity shine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aubreebnelson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_aubreebnelson_ and www.instagram.com/_nextlevelartistry_
- Other: https://www.nxtlevelartistry.com
