Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Marshall.
Hi Briana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, dance became one of the earliest ways I discovered my passion for the arts. What started as a childhood love for movement turned into a journey spanning performance, education, arts administration, and now entrepreneurship.
My formal dance training began at Just Dancin’ in Bloomfield, NJ, and continued through institutions including Sharron Miller’s Academy of the Performing Arts, Earl Mosley’s Institute of the Arts, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). I also attended Arts High School in Newark, where I continued developing my artistic foundation. In 2013, I was honored to receive NJPAC’s Star-Ledger Scholarship in recognition of my work in choreography and performance. I later earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance and Choreography from Towson University.
Since then, my professional journey has taken me in several directions, from concert dance to performing with music artists. Creating choreography, dance education, and competition judging. I’ve had the opportunity to perform in events such as the Philadelphia Fringe Festival as a dancer and aerialist and Philadelphia’s FIFA World Cup 2026 opening celebration. Alongside my artistic career, I’ve been building a career in the arts and culture nonprofit sector.
Over time, I began to recognize how my experiences as a performer, educator, and nonprofit professional complemented one another. I wanted to bring those perspectives together to create something that went beyond traditional dance training, offering dancers opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their artistry, and grow in an environment that celebrates individuality and diverse forms of dance.
That vision ultimately led me to establish Limitless Dance Experience (LDE), a dance platform built to support dancers and dance educators through performance, education, training and community-centered experiences. Rooted in the belief that dance has no boundaries, LDE creates spaces where artists from all styles, backgrounds, and training paths are valued and celebrated. Most recently, I brought that vision to life through LDE’s first program called The Process Intensive in Philadelphia. We welcomed 23 young dancers from Philadelphia, Maryland, and New York for a day of training, artistic exploration, and choreography.
Today, I’m continuing to grow LDE while remaining active in the dance and nonprofit space. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my experiences come full circle, and I’m excited to continue creating opportunities that encourage dancers to discover their potential without limits.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but some of the most challenging experiences have also been the most transformative. The years following the COVID-19 pandemic were really hard as I, like so many other artists, was trying to make a way out of no way. Finding stability while continuing to pursue my passion wasn’t always easy.
Throughout my professional career in the nonprofit sector, I’ve experienced two layoffs, both of which forced me to navigate unexpected transitions and the uncertainty of what would come next. It was actually during my second layoff that I founded Limitless Dance Experience, turning a period of uncertainty into an opportunity to create something of my own.
Building an organization from the ground up has it’s challenges. As both the employer and the only employee, I wear every hat, from programming and logistics to marketing and fundraising. I’m also balancing a full-time career in nonprofit administration while continuing to work as a dance competition adjudicator. Managing these responsibilities comes with its own pressures, especially when so much of LDE’s success rests on my shoulders.
What has always carried me through is leaning on my community and drawing from the resilience and creative problem-solving skills I’ve developed as a lifelong dancer. Dance has taught me to adapt, persevere, and find possibilities even when the path forward is uncertain. Those lessons continue to shape how I approach both life and building LDE, reminding me that sometimes you have to create the opportunities you hope to see.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Founder and Director of Limitless Dance Experience (LDE), my work centers on creating meaningful opportunities for dancers to train, explore their artistry, and grow beyond traditional expectations. LDE was founded with the belief that dance should be inclusive, multifaceted, and reflective of the diverse experiences and perspectives that make the art form so powerful.
Through LDE, my goal is to develop programs that bridge technical training, artistic exploration, professional development, and performance. What sets LDE apart is our commitment to creating multifaceted opportunities for dancers and educators.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been bringing LDE’s inaugural program, The Process Intensive, to life in Philadelphia this October. We welcomed 23 young dancers for a full day of training and creative exploration, culminating in an original choreographic work performed for family and friends. Watching the dancers immerse themselves in the creative process, challenge themselves, and bring a piece together in just a few hours was incredibly rewarding. It was a moment when I could truly see the vision behind LDE come to life.
I also believe my background as a performer, educator, and arts administrator brings a unique perspective to the organization. I understand the experience from both the artistic and operational sides, which allows me to approach programming with creativity, intention, and an understanding of what dancers and educators need to thrive.
Ultimately, what I’m most proud of is beginning to build something that reflects my values as an artist.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the value of community. Throughout my journey as an artist, educator, and now entrepreneur, the relationships I’ve built have been some of my greatest sources of support, encouragement, and opportunity. So many doors have opened for me through genuine connections with people who believed in me, shared their knowledge, or simply offered a helping hand when I needed it most.
Community has been especially important in building Limitless Dance Experience. From helping spread the word about LDE to connecting me with interested dancers, my network has played an incredible role in bringing my vision to life. Even the instructors and choreographers who joined me for The Process Intensive were artists I had developed personal and professional relationships with throughout my journey. Having people who believed in what I was creating and were willing to be part of it meant so much to me.
I’ve learned that while individual passion and determination can take you far, you don’t have to build something meaningful alone. Community is about showing up for one another, celebrating each other’s successes, and creating opportunities for others along the way. It’s a lesson I carry into everything I do, and one I hope to continue fostering through LDE.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.limitlessdanceexperience.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limitlessdanceexperience?igsh=aXkwbWxkOHRycnBm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14TkCDicCM4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Headshot by Nicole Souza
