There’s a unique energy that comes with hearing two icons of dance connect over shared experiences, ambitions, and life’s surprising turns. Recently, Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, the esteemed Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and former Principal Dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, sat down with the equally inspiring Alicia Graf Mack for an insightful conversation. Listening to Linda-Denise’s story, I couldn’t help but feel deeply connected, not only as a mom but also as someone who appreciates the discipline and dedication dance demands.
Linda-Denise embodies resilience, drive, and the kind of grace that only comes from a lifetime of honing her craft. Her journey is one of overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, and, at times, making the daring decision to follow her instincts. Whether you’re a dancer, a teacher, or a parent trying to balance career and family, her words hold a wisdom that resonates beyond the dance world.
You can listen to the full podcast episode here.
The Early Years: Improvising Her Way Into Dance
Linda-Denise describes herself as a “natural mover” from a young age. Growing up, she had the instincts and rhythm but wasn’t formally trained in the traditional sense. Her first big moment came during her audition for the Baltimore School for the Arts. Without formal training, Linda-Denise improvised her way through the audition. I couldn’t help but smile at this—can you imagine walking into an audition and just letting the music guide you? It’s bold, fearless, and a reminder that sometimes, we’re more prepared than we think.
Reflecting on this, she acknowledged the many teachers who believed in her potential. Their support not only prepared her for admission to The Ailey School at just 16 but also gave her the foundation to thrive on stage. Linda-Denise’s story is a powerful reminder that raw talent, when nurtured by community and dedication, can carry you far.
Pursuing the Dream: From Juilliard to Hubbard Street and Ailey
Linda-Denise’s career is marked by courage and adaptability. At one point, she made the tough choice to leave Juilliard after just a year to join Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. It wasn’t the conventional path, but it was the right one for her. Joining Hubbard Street gave her the experience and exposure she needed, setting the stage for her future with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT), where she rose to the rank of Principal Dancer.
Throughout the conversation, it’s clear that Linda-Denise wasn’t just chasing roles—she was following her instincts, trusting her inner guide to shape her journey. She shared how each step in her career wasn’t just about “the next big thing” but about growth, resilience, and passion. It’s a lesson we can all take to heart, especially in a world where we’re often pressured to follow a “perfect” career path. Sometimes, the detours are where we find ourselves.
A Return to Dance and Motherhood: Busting the Urban Legend
The conversation takes a personal turn as Alicia asks Linda-Denise to settle an urban legend surrounding her return to dance after the birth of her first child. The story goes that she was back on stage within a week of giving birth—a nearly superhuman feat that left many dancers in awe. Linda-Denise laughed, acknowledging that while she did return fairly quickly, the timeline had been exaggerated. Her return was swift, yes, but not without the physical and mental challenges that come with balancing motherhood and a dance career.
As a mom, this part of Linda-Denise’s journey hit home for me. Many of us feel the pressure to jump back into work and keep up with our professional lives after major life changes, especially motherhood. Linda-Denise’s story is a beautiful reminder that, while challenging, balancing our passions with our responsibilities as parents is possible—and that it’s okay to move at our own pace.
Finding Inspiration in Dance and Beyond
Listening to Linda-Denise’s journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way, I found myself reflecting on the teachers and mentors who’ve helped shape my own path. Her story speaks to the importance of community, perseverance, and the courage to chart your own course—even when it takes unexpected turns.
If you’re inspired by Linda-Denise’s story and want to explore more about the role of dance in our lives, check out our articles on The Best Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers: Dance Teacher Edition, 50 Inspiring Nutcracker Dance Quotes to Spark Holiday Magic, and Dance Is the Best Exercise to Combat Depression: A Personal Journey to Wellness.
Linda-Denise’s story is a powerful reminder that whether on the stage or in life, we are always moving, always dancing. Let her journey inspire you to embrace your own path—grace, grit, and all.
Happy Dancing!
Taylor B
