Torrie and I met almost a decade ago when we took an on-camera acting class in L.A. Since then, we have both stepped away from performing and entered very different seasons of our lives. It’s such a gift to connect with friends who knew you way back when — who can meet you exactly where you are now.
In a ‘What Authenticity Means To Me’ first, Torrie and I actually re-recorded this conversation! In the first few minutes here, we break down why I felt hesitant about posting our first conversation which we recorded months ago, and what we learned about authenticity in reflecting on this re-recording process.
Today, we dive into what it means to forge your own path, let go of big dreams, and create authentic connections (with others and ourselves.) We also reflect on the stress of auditioning, and what it’s like to perform with a serious injury.
Torrie is just incredible. You’re going to love this one.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from our conversation + Torrie’s bio + links to things we reference.
Part 2 of our conversation is available for paid subscribers here.
Enjoy!
“Even though I’m not dancing anymore, thank God I danced then...I don’t miss it because it was lived. It was experienced. There is no stone left unturned, no grasping because I can let it go.”
“When something is really, fully realized and experienced, it’s so much easier to let go.”
“I don’t want people to see me as this one thing forever.”
Originally from Chicago, Torrie trained extensively in classical ballet at Ruth Page Center for the Arts. After graduating from high school, Torrie began a ten-year run touring as a Radio City Rockette in the Christmas Spectacular before performing annually at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. Torrie has danced for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Central City Opera Company, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Dance has led to various opportunities in television and commercials, although she’s the most proud of the award-winning short horror SPORE, created with her partner during the COVID-19 lockdown.
After a devastating shoulder injury which led to a dependence on Pilates, to rehab, Torrie became a passionate Pilates instructor in the LA area. With a philosophy that movement should be both a practice from the inside out and freely available to everyone, Torrie created a series of gentle movement rehabilitation flows on YouTube called Balance_by_Bogda.
Proud owner of two dogs and engaged to the best person she knows, Torrie strives to achieve that balance of effort and ease in art, in fitness and in life.
Links to Things We Talk About:
Beyond these two links, you can keep up with Torrie on Instagram and Youtube!
PS - You can now listen to the What Authenticity Means to Me series on SPOTIFY! And hopefully other platforms once I figure it out. Technology is a time.
Check it out and subscribe over on Spotify below.
(And as Glennon Doyle says on We Can Do Hard things - “If you liked it, leave a review! If you didn’t like it, don’t worry about it.”
See you soon!
What Authenticity Means to Torrie Bogda Pt. 1