40 - Nellie Bethel: Denmark to USA - J Lo, MJ One & US Work Visas

Episode Summary:  Nellie Bethel, a dynamic Danish dancer who moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams. She begins by sharing her early dance experiences in Denmark, where she started dancing at the age of 10, focusing on MTV-style classes. Her first professional role was in a street dance rendition of "The Nutcracker," which ignited her desire to travel to New York and delve into the roots of hip-hop. However, an encounter with a friend who offered her a place to stay in LA shifted her plans, leading her to fall in love with the vibrant house dance scene in the new city. Nellie discusses the challenges she faced in obtaining a U.S. visa, highlighting the cultural differences between Denmark and the United States. Accustomed to the modesty of Danish culture, she found it difficult to promote herself assertively—a necessity in the American visa process.  Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Nellie navigated the competitive dance industry, initially grappling with auditions and adapting to the commercial dance style, including performing in high heels. She shares pivotal moments in her career, such as being booked for a Super Bowl performance with Madonna but being released due to her height. Undeterred, she later secured a long-term collaboration with Jennifer Lopez for her Las Vegas residency.  Concluding the interview, Nellie expresses profound gratitude for the support she's received throughout her journey and reaffirms her commitment to inspiring others. She acknowledges both the challenges and rewards of the dance industry, urging dancers to embrace their unique paths, remain dedicated, and persistently work towards achieving their dreams. Show Notes: (0:03) Nellie Bethel's Early Dance Journey and Move to the U.S. (6:15) Navigating the Visa Process and Early Career Challenges (17:45) Breaking into the LA Scene and Adapting to Commercial Dance (33:45) Key Career Milestones and Lessons Learned (36:37) Audience Questions and Advice for Aspiring Dancers (1:02:38) Final Thoughts and Encouragement Biography: Nellie Bethel, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a dynamic and versatile dancer whose passion for movement knows no bounds. Her artistic journey began at Flow Dance Academy, where she received a comprehensive education and honed her skills to perfection. At the age of 18, Nellie took a leap of faith and moved to the United States, where she embarked on a remarkable path that led her to achieve her biggest dreams. Nellie's dance credits include collaborations with some of the most prominent music artists of our time. From sharing the stage with icons like JLo, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Mya, Dan & Shay, Meghan Trainor, Demi Lovato, Kanye West, Fergie, and Shaggy, she has demonstrated her exceptional talent and ability to adapt to diverse musical styles.  Her performances have graced prestigious events such as the Superbowl Halftime show, The Grammys, the Oscars, X-factor, Eurovision, Americas Got Talent, and the Masked Singer, captivating audiences on a global scale. She is currently performing at MJ One by Cirque du Soleil, a powerhouse celebration of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop. Nellie's artistic prowess extends beyond performing, as she has also established herself as a notable choreographer. Her achievements in this realm include working on productions like Pretty Woman: The Musical in 2022 and two seasons of The Masked Singer in Denmark.  Driven by her passion for movement, Nellie Bethel continues to evolve and inspire as a versatile dancer, choreographer, and performer. Her portfolio reflects a wide range of styles, from freestyle to commercial dancing and theatrical productions. With each endeavor, Nellie brings her unique flair and artistic sensibility, leaving a lasting impression on audiences worldwide. Connect on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/originellie https://www.facebook.com/originellie https://originellie.com/