Today we’d like to introduce you to Kylie Koeppen.
Hi Kylie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As far as my story goes, I feel like it is fairly normal…but normal can seem subjective. I grew up in Indiana and was a gymnast for 11 years. I did other sports and activities my whole life, but gymnastics was what I thought to be my only sense of identity. Later into my high school career, I started to not love the idea of going to a normal 4-year college and going into a job where I would have to sit at a desk. It just wasn’t for me. I quit gymnastics and had a mini-identity crisis because I never even allowed myself to fully be anyone without the sport. Dance was the thing that let me feel, but I never felt good enough to pursue it. So, at 18, I decided that was what I wanted. No matter what happened I wanted to always be moving, always be creating, and always being as authentic as possible because there is no reason not to be. I moved to Nashville shortly after turning 21 and switching to online college and have been training and living here. I was signed to FreshTalent Group this past November.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I wouldn’t say it has been the smoothest road, but I also know it could have been way worse. Everyone goes through things, but I would say I have been pretty blessed with my support system my whole life. I struggled (and sometimes still do) with an eating disorder and some self-esteem setbacks. Living in a bigger city is expensive and having to do school on top of everything else definitely keeps the stress level high so it easy to become overwhelmed. With things like that, you just have to keep your eyes open to all the possibilities in front of you. Choosing to go into an industry that is not always reliable is definitely a step, but it excites me and makes me want to keep pushing to improve so I think it’s a good thing.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I dance in more ways than one. I would say I lean more towards the contemporary, jazz, jazz-funk, and heels styles of dance. I am always wanting to get better at hip hop amongst other things. I also do a lot of aerial work like pole and silks. It adds a new level of exploration when you can’t put your feet on the ground. Because of my gymnastic background, I also love the thrill of it. It aids in tumbling and stunt work as well. I think I am most proud of the improv work I do. It is something that allows me to express myself with little to no rules. I think it helps with other jobs as well because you feel more connected to your body. As far as setting myself apart, I feel like everyone is different and has individual strengths and weaknesses. I personally think I try to push myself to do something more on the strange side of movement than the pretty side. Both are great sides, but I do like the odd movements that make you feel surprised.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to hopefully work more in the creative field. Not just teaching class, but more music video and show work. I love learning from others and putting a project together to create something amazing. Eventually, I would love to tour with an artist and even choreograph for a big video or show. I would love to do some more modeling work, especially with athletic brands. The goal is to always keep creating, no matter what it is… I want to enjoy it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/kyliekoeppen
Image Credits
Michelle Reid
