FROM HOLLYWOOD TO EMPOWERING DANCERS AND MOTHERHOOD
BY EBBY MAGAZINE
Kelly V. Dolan’s remarkable path from Emmy-nominated roles to mentoring the next generation of talented dancers underscores her unwavering dedication to passion, purpose, love and family.
“HEARING MY SON SING A SONG OR BELLY LAUGH FROM BEING TICKLED OR JUST WHEN OUR EYES EXCHANGE THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
IT HAS GIVEN ME MORE JOY, LOVE, AND PURPOSE BEYOND ANY ROLE OUT THERE.”
KELLY V. DOLAN, ACTOR,HOST, DANCER & CO-OWNER OF STEP IT UP!
Kelly V. Dolan’s path from the vibrant streets of Chicago to the dazzling lights of Hollywood is a story filled with passion, resilience, and unwavering determination. She was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois, close to the iconic cityscape of Chicago, and grew up surrounded by the rich arts and culture of the Windy City. From a young age, she was drawn to the captivating world of entertainment, driven by a deep desire to express herself through movement and storytelling. Her determination and resilience in facing challenges stand as a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passions. Kelly rose to stardom quickly as she pursued her studies at Columbia College, Chicago. She excelled in dance and theater, refining her skills on renowned stages such as Second City. She also appeared in national commercials for brands like Adidas and Lady Footlocker. Her talents extended beyond boundaries, allowing her to perform alongside music icons like Jay-Z and acclaimed gospel singer Donald Lawrence. Armed with a B.A. in dance and theater, Kelly set her sights on the boundless opportunities awaiting her on the West Coast. With unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of her dreams, she leaped to Los Angeles.
Since her move to Los Angeles, Kelly’s career has been a whirlwind of triumphs and accolades. From commanding lead roles in Emmy-nominated series to captivating audiences in sci-fi thrillers, she has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on both the small and silver screens. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown, Kelly remains grounded by her profound love for comedy, seamlessly transitioning from improv stages to comedic features with unparalleled grace. Her success in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent and hard work, leaving the audience impressed and intrigued by her journey.
Beyond her successful career, Kelly is a devoted mother and a passionate entrepreneur. She co-owns Step It Up, LLC, a mentorship workshop dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dancers. Her commitment to empowering others and fostering creativity underscores her unwavering belief that true fulfillment lies in doing what you love every day. Her influence on the industry’s future is a beacon of hope for aspiring dancers, inspiring them to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.
Join us as we explore Kelly V. Dolan’s extraordinary life—a testament to the power of following passions, embracing adversity, and finding purpose every step of the way.
HANNAH STEADMAN AND KELLY V. DOLAN
Your journey from Chicago to Hollywood has been quite remarkable. What inspired you to pursue an entertainment career, and how did your upbringing shape your ambitions?
Dance was such an outlet for me in high school and was something I did for fun. I went through the loss of someone very close to me at the age of 15. It is not something I talk about often because even though it was very public, the grieving process felt very private and it really was pivotal, as if someone took a pair of glasses from me and gave me a different pair; the lens and perspective from the new pair of glasses was very different. There was a certain innocence and naiveté was gone. Dance was a way for me to escape and have fun, angry, sad, happy, and it just gave me something to focus on instead of the pain and confusion. When I decided to attend a community college, I thought I was going to get into counseling for at-risk kids. Fate would have it differently when I had taken a theater class as an elective. I did my first monologue and the teacher pulled me aside and told me I had something special. She found out I was a dancer and decided to have me teach alongside her musical theater class. I learned that I could make a living as an artist before I even completed one school semester in college. That was important to my family. We were raised to be independent in our family. Whether we were in school or sports, we had to get a job and learn the value of taking care of ourselves. That theater class also taught me to face a lot of pain and trauma, which I pushed aside. Dance saved me. Acting taught me who I was—all of me—by forcing me to be vulnerable and not judge. I went to places emotionally that often the average person tries to sugarcoat.
Could you share more about Step It Up, LLC, and its mission?
Step It Up is one of the most respected LA dance intensives that focuses on what it would be like to be a working dancer, specifically in LA. We work a lot with on-camera techniques and even came up with the Triangle Theory, focusing on close-up, mid-shot, and wide shots! We love to give our students experiences to build confidence when they audition for TV, film, commercials, music videos, and even tours, which are often times filmed and distributed. Our biggest mission is to give the selected dancers that we work with the keys to confidence to go in any direction they decide. Confidence in any medium or arena translates. Along with that, we encourage vulnerability and telling various stories that will translate and captivate audiences, making them feel what the dancer is communicating.
Your dedication to doing what you love daily shines through in your work as co-owner of Step It Up, LLC, a mentorship workshop for dancers. What motivated you and your co-owner, Hannah Steadman, to start this venture, and how does it fulfill your sense of purpose? What do you hope participants take away from the experience?
Hannah Steadman and I were friends before becoming business partners. We saw a void in the industry 15 years ago and wanted to do something about it; thus, Step It Up was born! Many dancers were coming to LA to compete for jobs, not knowing the industry's business side or even how to adjust from stage to camera to an even more intimate close-up.
Step It Up fulfills my purpose because I have walked in these dancers’ shoes with less talent and resources and made it! I can seriously say to each dancer who comes through our program that there is a place for them! They can be working artists if they apply the right ingredients. Also, going back to confidence, Hannah and I are constantly told by parents and teachers that their dancers come back as different people after our program, exuding confidence, which just feels right.
You’ve worked with incredible artists like Jay-Z and Donald Lawrence, to name a few. How did those experiences influence your approach to your craft as a performer and now as a mentor to young dancers?
Being able to witness such high-profile artists taught me quite a bit! With fame, comes a lot of responsibility and a drive to continue working on your craft. One thing, specifically from witnessing Donald Lawrence in the studio, is that there is always room to improve and work on your craft. He had an incredible ear for sound. I even started listening to music differently, which was applied to my craft as a dancer. I share that message—“work on your craft”—all the time with our dancers and alumni who are now working in the industry. Also, stay out of drama. With high-profile artists, it is easy to get caught up. Always show up, do your job 110%, no matter the size of the project, every job counts, be kind to everyone you meet, and don’t ever compromise who you are. The rest will take care of itself.
Hannah Steadman, your business partner at Step It Up, LLC, has an impressive background working with award-winning musical artists like Gloria Estefan and the Black Eyed Peas. How does her experience enhance the mentorship and workshops offered by your company?
Hannah has an incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to the dance industry! From training and competing at a young age to judging dance to world tours, to dancing with some of the biggest artists on stage and in front of the camera! So when she mentors, she mentors from experience—something I highly respect. Hannah and I were also able to work together early on in the business outside of Step It Up when we were hired to choreograph a high-profile commercial, and they didn't hire real dancers. They were more like models that could move, and her ability to adapt and create on the spot to give what the director wanted was perfection! I have seen her time and time again, just creating stories on the spot with movement and bringing visions to life. Her creative talent always blow me away! Any director, client, business, or creative like myself would want Hannah on their team.
You’ve had a diverse career spanning acting, hosting, and entrepreneurship while being a devoted mom. How do you balance your professional pursuits with motherhood?
Balancing motherhood alone is challenging for any new mom. I decided that family would be at the top of my priority once I married and had our son Elliot. Having Elliot during COVID-19 allowed me to continue Step It Up and audition from home during his naps. Once COVID was lifted after a lengthy discussion, I decided to put acting on hold because I would rather be at home than on set. I feel like I booked the best job in the world. The role of a lifetime: MOM. Not to mention, my job as an entertainer never stops now! LOL, I mean, do you know what it takes to entertain a 3-year-old all day? I have never been so creative in my life! It has also forced me to excel in time management for the Step It Up business. I choose a couple of evenings here and there to set up meetings while my son is sleeping or during naps. Being a mom has made me excel in every area of my life, and I'm grateful for this role of a lifetime.
In the entertainment industry, you have accomplished much, from starring in Emmy-nominated series to hosting major events. What advice would you give aspiring performers navigating their paths in the industry?
Work on your craft. When the opportunity presents itself, you will be ready. Give 110 percent always! Early on, I was dancing for many artists in Chicago, and I was always full-out! I mean, full out—feeling the music of the artist I was working for and trying to tell their story. Also, I treated every job like it was the most important job! So, when I was given a chance to audition for the big stages and projects, I was more than ready. I had already been doing it at that level.
Balancing a thriving career in entertainment with motherhood is no easy feat. How do you prioritize self-care and family time while pursuing your passions?
I believe every stage prepares you for the next. Before becoming a mother, I was balancing, acting, hosting, and co-owning Step It Up. So, when motherhood came into my life, I was able to adapt, and multitasking was already part of my norm. Now that I am a mother, I am rediscovering life through my child’s eyes every day. That is such a gift. It feels like a rebirth and has given me such a beautiful, fresh outlook on everything, which makes me more passionate about everything. Also, talk about a confidence-builder… I was 30 plus hours in labor, naturally before I had to get an epidural and c-section a 10-pound baby, that is no easy feat.
Comedy is a natural fit for you, from improv to stand-up and everything in between. How do you stay creatively inspired in the ever-evolving landscape of comedy?
I love comedy and am very lucky to have married an improv guy. We are constantly watching and talking about comedy. As a new mother of a 3-year-old boy had him just starting to potty train… the stories, jokes and scenarios happening daily… there is constant laughter in our home. Motherhood in general... my gosh, if you don’t find the funny in your life... it can be a lot.
You’ve famously said, “When you do something you love every day, you will never have a job; you will have a fun and purposeful career.” How do you stay true to this philosophy daily, during challenging times?
By being a mom. I love being a mom every day. And even with its challenges, it is filled with a chance for me to grow. It is beyond fun hearing my son sing a song or belly laugh from being tickled or just when our eyes exchange throughout the day. It has given me more joy, love, and purpose beyond any role out there. It is the most purposeful job I could have during these times.
As a mom and entrepreneur, how do you strike a balance between your professional endeavors and spending quality time with your family?
Sometimes, you have to make a choice. Am I going to take this job, or am I gonna pass so that I can spend time with my son and family. And for me, whether I take a job is’t so much about the price that I will be paid… It’s how much time away from my son is this job going to take... because time is priceless. I will only take a job if it is a small-time commitment or if I can also take my son along. If it’s too much time at once, I will pass.
How do you prioritize nurturing your soul amidst the demands of running your dance business and being a mom?
I know many moms have said to make sure you take time for yourself, but I am truly one of those moms that I am happier with my son. Being with him is nurturing my soul, especially when we are out in nature. He’s 3, and I don’t want to miss out. I have waited a long time in my life to become a mom, so I don’t take it for granted. Plus, I did it all, which is the opposite of most. I lived my life. I went and did whatever I wanted for years. I don’t mind staying home and cuddling up to a Disney movie if my little guy isn’t feeling well or if we just need a day at home to chill.
What are your dreams and aspirations for the future, personally and professionally? Are there any uncharted territories you’re eager to explore in your career?
I feel like I am living my dream. Mom, grandmother, wife, friend, daughter, and sister are all titles I hold dear. I just want to continue to get better in all these areas. Professionally, I still feel like there is some uncharted territory in the comedy world for me. Right before my son was born, I was creating a comedy series, dabbling in stand-up, writing a couple treatments for comedy-based projects, and having just completed a comedy featuring Snoop Dogg and David Arquette. And even though I think I was really looking for any excuse to be a goofball, it’s important to pay attention to things that light you up. It’s like a little fire that ignites when you talk about it or think about it. Those, to me, are your passions. And comedy does that for me. But for now, I get to train and be silly all day long with my son. One day, when he gets too cool for me (hopefully never), then I can pursue those comedic beats and rhythms in my life that I haven’t yet danced to!
{ MANTRA }
“God Guide Me”
K E L L Y V. D O L A N
