Dancing Through Time: Lessons from Little Women Ballet
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning to sail my ship. -Louisa May Alcott
I invite you to join me as I step into the enchanting world of the Little Women Ballet immersive experience at Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles. Surrounded by the rich history of Victorian-era homes and the artistry of live ballet, I found myself reflecting on how the timeless journey of the March sisters mirrors the challenges and triumphs we face as creatives and entrepreneurs. As we explore this unique blend of dance, storytelling, and community, let us uncover the lessons that can move us forward—on stage, in business, and life.
A Few Key Takeaways
Let’s step into the world of the March sisters and discover five unique lessons this immersive experience offers for dance, life, and business.
1. Site-Specific Storytelling: The Power of Place
Unlike a traditional stage performance, the Little Women Ballet unfolds across the historic Victorian homes of Heritage Square. Each audience group is guided through the museum, experiencing intimate dance vignettes in different rooms and gardens. This site-specific approach transforms both the art and the audience, reminding us that our environment shapes our creativity and message1.
Dance Life Parallel:
Just as the dancers adapt to each unique space, we as artists and entrepreneurs must learn to thrive in ever-changing environments. Flexibility—both literal and figurative—is key to growth.
2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The Little Women Ballet team faced a devastating setback when a fire destroyed their props, costumes, and decorations. Yet, with the support of their community, they rebuilt and returned stronger than ever1.
Business Lesson:
Setbacks are inevitable, but how we respond defines our journey. The ability to rebuild, reimagine, and reconnect with your mission is what sets successful ventures apart.
3. Personalization and Audience Engagement
Every guest receives a colored ribbon matching one of the March sisters, guiding their route and narrator for the evening. This thoughtful touch personalizes the experience and deepens the audience’s connection to the story1.
Entrepreneurial Insight:
Personalization isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a strategy. Whether in dance, teaching, or business, tailoring experiences to your audience creates lasting impact and loyalty.
4. Celebrating Women’s Stories and Leadership
Choreographer Emma Andres, just 26 years old, leads a cast ranging from ages 10 to 75, all donning handmade 19th-century costumes. This ballet is not only a tribute to Louisa May Alcott but also a movement to center women’s voices and stories in dance1.
Life and Business Takeaway:
Representation matters. Lifting up diverse voices and empowering the next generation of leaders—especially women—enriches our communities and industries.
5. Community and Collaboration
The immersive experience concludes with Victorian folk dancing, inviting guests to join the cast, followed by a meet-and-greet and photos. This blurring of performer and audience fosters a sense of community and shared joy1.
Dancepreneuring Mindset:
Collaboration and community-building are at the heart of both artistic and entrepreneurial success. When we invite others to participate, we create something greater than ourselves.
As I wandered the grounds of Heritage Square, ribbon in hand, I was reminded of the timelessness of dance and the enduring relevance of Little Women’s themes: resilience, creativity, and the power of community. Whether you’re a dancer, a business owner, or simply someone seeking inspiration, these lessons resonate far beyond the stage.
Until next time, keep moving with intention, creativity, and heart.
Links/Credits Mentioned in This Episode:
Other episodes of interest:
The Beautiful Blend of Indian Dance and More Through Blue13 Dance Company
#079: Different Strengths, One Message. The Power of Women in Dance [Podcast]
How To Be A Better Dance Artist
Comments or questions? Connect with me on Instagram @annettbone
About the author, Annett
Annett Bone is the creator and host of The DancePreneuring Studio where she guides her listeners on a journey of transformation inspired by dance, life, and business. The podcast is a reflection of her personal adventure overcoming her fears and returning to her passion for dance after a 20+ year hiatus, the lessons that she has learned along the way, and proving that it’s never too late to be great.