66 - Caitlin Wheeler: Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Dance Moms, Adele

Episode Summary:

Caitlin Wheeler, a multifaceted dance professional with an impressive resume spanning creative direction, choreography, and event production. Originally from Australia, Caitlin has worked globally with top artists such as Drake, Adele, and T-Pain, and brands like Nike and Reebok. She shares insights into her journey from a dancer to a choreographer and creative director, emphasizing the importance of connections, staying open to opportunities, and continually evolving.

Caitlin reflects on how saying "yes" to unexpected challenges has shaped her career, including her transition into the world of corporate event production with Blueprint NYC. She encourages young dancers to embrace risks, remain professional, and focus on building a strong reputation, as talent alone is often not enough. Caitlin's story highlights the power of resilience, networking, and the willingness to pivot in the pursuit of long-term success in the dance industry.

Her advice to the next generation of dancers is to keep learning, remain adaptable, and always approach challenges with confidence and gratitude. This episode is a wealth of knowledge for aspiring dancers and creatives looking to navigate the diverse opportunities within the entertainment world.

Show Notes:

• 0:00 – Introduction to the podcast

• 3:00 – Caitlin’s Early Dance Journey

• 7:00 – Transitioning to the U.S.

• 12:00 – The Power of Networking

• 17:30 – Creative Direction and Choreography

• 22:30 – Working with Cirque du Soleil

• 28:00 – The Shift to Production and Event Management

• 35:00 – Advice for Aspiring Dancers

• 40:00 – Navigating Career Transitions

• 45:00 – Final Thoughts and Words of Encouragement

Biography:

Caitlin’s credits hail from all over the world such as Australia, USA, UK, India, Europe and Africa, and include a scope of Creative Directing, Choreography, Performance, Event Production, Hosting and Teaching.Caitlin has worked with an extensive list of Artists, Celebrities, Brands, and has worked on Television Shows, Industrials, Live Shows, Movies and Music Videos. Some of these esteemed names include - Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Glady’s Knight, T-Pain, Adele, LaToya Jackson, Raven Symone, Fifth Harmony, Michelle Williams, Seal, Joey Fatone, Daughtry, Donny Osmond, Kelly Osborne, Paulina Rubio, “Carlton” Alfonzo Remeiro, Guy Sebastian, Jessica Mauboy, Neymar, Carl Lewis, Gabby Douglas, Russell Wilson, Serena Williams, Colin Kapernick, Bo Jackson and Michelle Obama just to name a few.

Brands such as Sony, Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Jay-Z, Stila, Nickelodeon, Buxom, Planet Fitness, Snapchat, In & Out, Miss USA and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Caitlin has a strong passion and skillset for Creative Directing, Choreography and Event Production. Some of her credits include Assistant Director & Associate Choreographer for Cirque Du Soleil’s Vegas show “R.U.N”.

Choreographer on Fox’s hit Tv show “The Masked Singer”, New Years Rockin Eve featuring Alfonso Ribeiro, “Unleashed” on Nickelodeon, Nike Forum Fashion Week New York, “Obsessed with the babysitter” premiering on Lifetime Movies, The Rose Bowl Parade, Ringling Bros Circus “Circus Extreme”, Nickelodeon Kids Sports Awards, Nike “Born Mercurial” London, Snap Chat Annual New Years Eve Gala, In & Out Annual Gala, Nike’s Strongest Plus one Brunch, India’s Rawstar, Nike Olympics Puerto Rico Live Show, Reebok Global Live Summits, So You Think You Can Dance (Australia/USA), Nike “Let’s Move” campaign with Michelle Obama, Miss World Tourism, Miss Angola, UNICEF, Westfield, Bachelor’s Ball, and Buxom.

Caitlin was also a Competition judge and Director for