Inspiring Conversations with Kaitlyn McDermitt of Confidance

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn McDermitt

Hi Kaitlyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started dancing when I was about four or five years old, training at a competitive studio where I performed solos, trios, and consistently placed in the top 10 at various competitions. By the time I was 12, I transitioned to a pre-professional ballet program, diving deeper into the world of classical ballet. I performed roles like Sugar Plum, Dew Drop, and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, and even the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. These experiences gave me a glimpse of what company life as a professional ballerina might look like.

But even at a young age, I struggled with the mental side of dance. Perfectionism, self-doubt, and the pressure to constantly prove myself were always present. I poured everything into my training, but no matter how hard I worked, I often felt like it wasn’t enough. I was hard on myself, and without the tools to navigate those thoughts, I internalized every correction and critique as a reflection of my worth.

After graduating high school, I earned my BFA in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University. But it was during college that those mental struggles intensified—burnout, depression, and overwhelming pressure began taking a serious toll. Still, I pushed forward, driven by my dream of becoming a professional ballerina.

Once I graduated, I hit the audition circuit hard. I went to every single audition I could find and faced an endless wave of “no’s.” But then, something unexpected happened—a ballet master who had previously rejected me called me back to re-audition for his company. That led to my first professional contract with Roxey Ballet in New Jersey. I started as an apprentice and eventually performed leading roles, like Bagheera in Mowgli and Dew Drop in The Nutcracker.

After a season with Roxey Ballet, I moved to Dallas to dance with Avant Chamber Ballet. I also began freelancing, living the gig life and getting paid to do what I loved. But behind the scenes, I was still battling burnout, depression, and mental fatigue—struggles that didn’t disappear just because I was living my dream on paper.

When I retired in 2019, it felt like my entire identity unraveled. I had spent my whole life as the dancer—so who was I without that title? The timing was almost eerie because not long after, the world shut down in 2020, intensifying the sense of loss I already felt.

In 2021, everything shifted when I attended a wellness retreat at Aerial Island in the British Virgin Islands. It was there, in the quiet, that I reconnected with myself. For the first time in a long time, I heard my own voice—the one outside of dance. That’s when the idea for Confidance was born.

I realized I never wanted another dancer to feel as lost and mentally exhausted as I did. Throughout my career, I didn’t have a mentor to guide me through the mental side of dance—the self-doubt, the burnout, the fear of what comes next. And I saw how overlooked mindset work was in our industry, even though it’s just as crucial as physical training.

Confidance became my way of filling that gap—a program designed to help dancers build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset, both on and off the stage. It’s not just about mastering choreography—it’s about mastering the inner dialogue that shapes how you show up in the studio and in life.

Today, Confidance is more than a business—it’s a mission. It’s about empowering dancers to not only shine on stage but to feel strong, secure, and confident in who they are as people. Because dance may be what you do, but it’s not all you are.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the journey hasn’t always been smooth — but that’s the reality of building a brand and business. There have been pauses along the way, from the loss of loved ones to moments of uncertainty where I wasn’t sure what I was doing but knew how important my mission was to share with younger dancers. I’ve learned that creating something meaningful takes time and effort and as long as I stay consistent things will continue to grow.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Confidance is a dance coaching program, but more than that really— it’s a transformative experience designed to strengthen both the mind and body. What sets Confidance apart is my specialized focus on mindset training, helping dancers build unshakable confidence, overcome mental blocks, and develop the resilience needed to thrive both in and out of the studio.

Alongside mindset work, I also provide personalized technical training, guiding dancers to refine their technique and artistry. As a former professional ballerina with over 7 years of performing experience and more than a decade of teaching ballet, I bring a unique blend of expertise and empathy to every session.

Confidance offers a variety of ways for dancers to grow. I work one-on-one with dancers for tailored coaching, helping them clean solos, improve technique, improve musicality and perfect their stage presence. I host master classes and offer week-long intensives for all ages, including signature summer programs like Blossom with Grace (ages 6-8), Flourish and Flow (ages 9-11), and Thrive Beyond Limits (ages 12-14), each designed to foster growth, both physically and mentally.

What I’m most proud of is watching my dancers transform — not just in their technique, but in their mindset. Seeing them break through barriers and grow into confident performers is what drives me every day. It’s a privilege to put something positive into the world through Confidance, inspiring others and giving back to the dance community I hold so close to my heart.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I don’t have all the answers when it comes to finding a mentor, as I’m still on the hunt myself! In my industry, mindset work isn’t widely discussed, so I’ve been seeking guidance from coaches outside of the dance world. What I do know is how crucial having a mentor is — it’s actually one of the reasons I started my program, to support and guide dancers in their careers. My advice would be to find someone who’s already doing what you aspire to do, but on a higher level. They’ve navigated the twists and turns of the journey and can offer valuable insights to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.Networking is essential to getting ahead in any field! I work at Bellissimo Dance Boutique in Franklin, and it has become a major hub for connecting with dancers, parents, and studio owners. Simply sharing what you do can open the door to meaningful conversations — you never know who might be looking for exactly what you offer.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/developconfidance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/developconfidance/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlyn-mcdermitt-548baa35/