Meet Anna Cuffari | Dancer & Movement Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Cuffari and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The idea just came to me after struggling to get students in the door when I worked for a studio that hired me to teach dance fitness classes, but didn’t promote my offerings or pay me if people didn’t show up. Each week I had class I found I was begging my closest friends to come just so I could make ends meet. Then I started getting creative and inviting local artists who made music to come to class with friends and in turn, I would create choreography to their music and promote their work. This idea turned into my networking event, The Kinect. I created this artist networking event out of a need and a struggle! It was not easy to begin my teaching journey, but you gotta create ways to make people WANT to show up…because showing up is the hardest part of deciding to do anything really. The Kinect has been super successful I am happy to share. The last two events featured were completely sold out. Each Kinect event features a local artist and their music. The artist performs a set, which is followed by a short dance class by moi to get people moving and dancing to one of the artist’s new singles, then finally a networking hour! Did I mention the artist that is featured also gets paid for the event? As they should…

The Kinect is meant to inspire artists and young entrepreneurs to find unique ways of working together and helping build each other up – because there is room at the top for everyone.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a pro dancer and instructor. I have been training my entire life in this. I have a knack for absorbing information, picking up corrections, and applying instruction and technique. I have performed at venues such as Lincoln Center, The Park Avenue Armory, Ailey Citigroup Theatre, and more! I would say the hardest thing about journeying as a dancer is the lack of professionalism in the industry. People have a tendency to be disorganized. People often expect you to work overtime for meager wages. You have to know certain people in order to get invited to the rooms where you want to be in. BUT the good thing about the industry is that there are so many different spaces where you can find a place to thrive.

I still don’t know if I can define my “brand.” I feel like that can limit someone and forces them to always uphold a certain image that isn’t truly authentic. I am an ever changing brand, with different perspectives, and personalities. I just want people to know that if you work hard and be kind…you can accomplish anything.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well it must be during the Summer or Spring time because I just simply cannot do anything when it’s cold. Probably beach bumming it would be my first move. Going to a cool exhibit in the city. Definitely restaurant hopping at Italian eateries and bougie brunch spots.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my dance instructors from when I was a child. I trained with them more days than I can count. I still have their mantras in my head till this day. One of the most important being, “Practice makes Permanent, not Perfect.”

I want to thank my boyfriend of almost 5 years, Matt. He pushes me harder than I think anyone ever has. Sometimes to the point of frustration, but he seems to be one of the few patient people out there who sees my potential and sees through my stubbornness. He is my biggest supporter and always has my back.

I want to thank my family and the friends who were there for me when I was down. When I needed someone to vent to. When I needed someone to simply hear me out and be present with me. Those moments will never be forgotten and have always made me feel safest in this world.

Instagram: @a_cuffs

Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/AnnaCuffari

Image Credits
@davidtufinophotography @tahirmckenzie @werkhauss_photos