Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Hart
Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi! I am a singer-songwriter and dancer from Allen, TX. My love of music and movement has always been intertwined because I began dance lessons and piano lessons around the same time as a child. I felt like both passions fueled each other, and songwriting became a natural extension of my dance training. My piano teacher used to tell my mom that I enjoyed playing by ear verses reading the sheet music, and this same idea translated over into my dance training. I only took piano lessons for a few years before becoming very busy with dance conventions and competitions, but I continued writing songs on my grandparents upright piano in my parents’ house whenever I could. Over the summers, I would spend time with “Soulescape”, a project based dance company in Dallas led by Justin Giles, one of my greatest mentors. Justin was one of the first people to really believe in my music, and he offered me the space to utilize both of my passions by singing and dancing as part of our shows. Later, I received my BFA in dance at Point Park University, where I studied various styles of movement and improvisation, frequently visiting practice rooms between classes to experiment with my voice. In 2020, I choreographed my own work for Point Park’s Student Choreography Show, where I discovered my passion for choreography and editing music. After graduating, I became a dance company artist with Nova Linea Contemporary Dance in Milwaukee, WI, where I danced professionally and got the opportunity to experiment with both my voice and dancing for 2 years. During the day I was rehearsing with the company for our shows and at night I was teaching at various dance studios in the area. Before moving back to Texas, I got the opportunity to play my own music for a contemporary dance class with Nova Linea. Watching dancers move to my voice was a surreal experience for me, and I began feeling like this was something unique I could actually pursue. Back in Texas, I recorded and released my first EP, “The Host”, on music streaming platforms in October of 2023. My songs began to trickle throughout the Dallas dance community, and eventually made their way to dance competitions and classrooms all over. In March of 2024, I took a trip to NYC where I was able to work with choreographer and director Chelsea Thedinga on my first music video, as well as accompany a class for her at Steps On Broadway. Today, I am officially a company member and musician with Soulescape, and I hope to continue creating unique collaborations between music and movement, and connecting people through all forms of art.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I didn’t begin to fully explore my music until after graduating college. That summer of 2021 was a brutal one, and I struggled with anxiety in a way that I never had before. The idea of someone having “anxiety” sounded like a made up thing to me, and I quickly discovered how real it was and the physical effects it can have when you don’t understand how to manage it. All of this stemmed from the false narrative I created in my head that I wouldn’t be able to be a professional dancer or teacher, and the thought of being truly independent for the first time terrified me. Eventually, I learned to embrace the fear and do the thing anyway. By doing so, you gradually quiet the threat response in your brain and rewire your body’s response. This kind of out of body experience with mental health I was having also lead to the creation of my very first song, “All At Once”. So, in a way, it was a win!
I’ve also found it challenging at times to confidently call myself a “musician”, because it almost feels like betraying a best friend (the “dancer” me). Another way to describe this is the phrase, “jack of all trades, master of none.” It feels like I can never fully dedicate 100% of myself to the thing I love. On the flip side, I think having two artistic passions is the best thing in the world. I’m working on giving myself grace, and allowing one thing to rest while the other thing thrives. It’s a constant exchange.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I would describe myself as a singer-songwriter and contemporary dance artist. I draw mostly from indie, blues, and alternative influences. I’m most inspired by artists like Maggie Rogers, Angel Olsen, Sylvan Esso, and Birdy. I also enjoy singers like Etta James, Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday. I love how nuanced and rich all of their voices are, but I also love the vulnerability and honesty in their songs. One thing I’m most proud of with my music and dancing is that I always try my best to tell the truth. I never want anything to feel like it’s unnecessarily decorated, and I always want people to feel like they can relate to it. I don’t see many musicians playing live for dance classes, and I am fortunate enough to have received training in both. Because of this, I have a deeper understanding of how to navigate that space. My hope is that my music resonates with people in some way, big or small, even if it’s entirely different than the way it resonates with me. I think that is the most rewarding thing about art, it’s ability to connect people deeper to each other and to themselves.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Absolutely. I was a junior dance major in college during the Covid-19 Crisis. We were taking class in 5×5 taped off boxes in the dance studio with masks on and unable to touch each other. Eventually, we were all stuck in our apartments taking dance classes on zoom and slamming into our furniture, hahaha. It was definitely a unique experience, but also one of the greatest lessons: never take anything for granted. It provided a much needed pause and gave me the space to turn towards music again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://courtneyhartcreations.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtney_hart98/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@courtneyhartmusic
- Other: https://linktr.ee/courtney_hart
Image Credits
Aubrey Wise
