WELCOME
From dancer to choregrapher, director, educator, ethnochoreologist, and author -
Eric Brandt Nielsen has dedicated six decades to the performing arts. His journey is one of resilience, creativity and transformation.
ABOUT
MEET ERIC
Eric Brandt Nielsen is an award-winning author, international speaker, and ethnochoreologist whose career spans six decades in the performing arts. From performing in Hello Hollywood, Hello on the MGM Grand stage, to leading international faculty exchanges, and writing acclaimed books on performance, Eric shares the lessons of discipline, collaboration, and transformation. His work has been featured in numerous magazines and he has presented at conferences worldwide.
MISSION
"To inspire others to tap into their artistic energy no matter their profession."
This award winning book from was published in 1984. It is no longer in print, but collection copies can still be purchased on the internet. It is in unique because it contained 23 interviews with celebrities and well known directors, choreographers,and performers in ballet, modern dance, musical theatre and show dancing.
SPEAKING HIGHLIGHTS
Eric offers inspiring and insightful talks for conferences, universities, theatres, and community events. Popular topics include:
Creating Together Across Borders
Breaking Barriers in the Performing Arts
The Golden Years of Show Dancing
Topic Descriptions Below
From Showboy to Showman: Six Decades in the Performing Arts
Eric’s signature keynote, drawn from his memoir Showboy to Showman, takes audiences on a journey across six decades in the performing arts. From the early days of training and auditions to celebrated roles as choreographer, director, and educator, Eric reveals the lessons that shaped his career and his life. With honesty, humor, and passion, he shares how discipline, networking, and supportive relationships provide the foundation for success—not just in the arts, but in any profession. This presentation inspires audiences to embrace transformation, harness their artistic energy, and live with courage and creativity at every stage of life.
The Dancing Chef: A Journey of Cultural Exchange in China
Based on his feature in *Southern Living* magazine, Eric shares the story of a unique faculty exchange
in China where he not only taught dance but also became a student at a culinary school. This talk
blends food, movement, and culture into an unforgettable narrative of exchange and discovery.
Audiences experience how stepping into unfamiliar spaces opens doors to creativity, empathy, and
cross-cultural understanding. “The Dancing Chef” demonstrates that learning is lifelong, and that the
arts—whether dance or cooking—offer a universal language that connects us all.
The Art of the Audition: Lessons for Life and Stage
Eric brings unmatched expertise to the subject of auditions. For 18 years, he served as the auditions choreographer for the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), the largest theatre convention in the United States, guiding thousands of performers through one of the most pivotal steps in launching their careers. He is also the author of the award-winning book Dance Auditions: Preparation, Presentation, and Career Planning, a trusted resource for aspiring artists nationwide. In this presentation, Eric blends practical insights with inspiring stories to show what truly makes an audition successful—onstage and beyond. Audiences gain a deeper understanding of how preparation, confidence, and presence transform not only auditions, but also interviews, presentations, and everyday challenges.
Showboy Stories: The Golden Years of Show Dancing
Eric brings audiences behind the curtain of Hello Hollywood, Hello—the legendary production that opened in 1978 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Reno. At the time, it was the biggest show on the biggest stage in America, staged in the “Biggest Little City.” Running for 11 years, this spectacular revue became a symbol of the golden age of show dancing. Drawing from his own performance experiences, Eric shares unforgettable stories of spectacle, discipline, and artistry that defined an era. This presentation transports audiences into a world of glamour and grit, while highlighting timeless lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and the magic of live performance.
Teaching ESL Online as a Senior: Reinventing Yourself in Later Years
Reinvention is possible at any stage of life. Eric shares his personal journey of teaching English as a Second Language online during his senior years—a surprising yet deeply fulfilling chapter in his career. This presentation highlights the adaptability, curiosity, and resilience required to step into new roles later in life. With warmth and humor, Eric encourages audiences to explore new skills, embrace technology, and discover unexpected passions. His message is clear: growth doesn’t stop with age—it expands, transforms, and enriches our golden years with new purpose and possibility.
Liturgical Dance: Sacred Movement and Stage
PerformanceDrawing on his expertise as an ethnochoreologist—one who studies cultures through their dances—Eric explores the intersections of liturgical dance, theatrical performance, and worship. He shares insights from observing and engaging with sacred movement traditions, examining how dance shapes both cultural identity and spiritual expression. This talk connects the artistry of the stage with the reverence of the sanctuary, showing how choreography can bridge the sacred and the secular. Audiences gain a deeper understanding of how liturgical dance enriches performance, builds community, and offers fresh perspective on the power of movement in human life.
Males Who Danced: Breaking Barriers in the Performing Arts
Eric explores the challenges and triumphs of being a male dancer in a world often shaped by stereotypes and misunderstanding. Through personal anecdotes, historical perspective, and cultural commentary, he highlights the courage, discipline, and artistry of men who pursued dance despite social barriers. This talk resonates with artists, educators, and general audiences alike, offering both inspiration and advocacy for greater inclusivity in the arts. It celebrates those who dared to dance—and encourages today’s performers and dreamers to defy expectations and embrace their own paths.
Choreographic Collaborations: Creating Together Across Borders
Collaboration is the lifeblood of the arts—and of human progress. Eric shares stories from choreographic projects that brought together artists from different cultures, traditions, and artistic backgrounds. With vivid examples from international exchanges and professional theatre, he demonstrates how creative partnerships thrive on listening, compromise, and trust. This talk speaks not only to artists but also to organizations, businesses, and educators seeking to build stronger, more innovative teams. Audiences learn that collaboration is both an art and a practice—and that the stage offers lessons that can transform every aspect of our professional and personal lives.
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Eric Brandt Nielsen - Speaker Engagement Guide
Eric’s mission is to share stories and lessons from six decades in the performing arts. He views speaking as an opportunity to inspire, connect, and encourage audiences of all kinds. Instead of focusing on traditional speaking fees, Eric prioritizes meaningful engagement and making his book, Showboy to Showman: A Lifetime in the Performing Arts, available to attendees.