Celebrating the Women of Can Can: An interview with Fae Pink
As Women's History Month is celebrated, we at Can Can are honored to highlight one of our own: the extraordinary Fae Pink.
Fae is not only the co-owner of Can Can, but she is also a trailblazer in the performing arts and business world. Her impressive career as an accomplished dancer and successful businesswoman has spanned the years, and she has continuously broken down barriers and uplifted women along the way.
Read on to explore Fae Pink's path to success and the pivots, and pirouettes, she’s made to revolutionize the dance environment into a space that empowers all.
Fae Pink on her birthday prior to Can Can reopening in 2021
THECANCAN.COM: Let's begin by discussing your background. Growing up in a family of artists, how did this experience influence your perception of women's roles in the performing arts industry?
Fae Pink: Well, from a very young age, I figured that the performing arts would be the only industry I’d ever be a part of. My mom was a dancer and dance teacher, and I never for a moment considered doing anything else. I loved it. My father was a performer, too, so the environment has always been a part of my life. My childhood with artist parents was a magical experience for me, and I know I’m lucky to say that. I never really heard the words, “No, you can't do that.” It was just an open flow of creativity all the time, and my parents always included me in whatever they were working on artistically. It was an open, safe space to just be exactly who you are. It was never like, “You should do this other practical thing instead, you should be studying for this other more stable career, or you should go to college for something to fall back on.”
I was lucky in that way. It was always a very equal, safe space. I don't think it was until I was much older that I even realized there were differences in roles for men and women in the industry. I didn’t feel like I was at a disadvantage because I’m a woman.
THECANCAN.COM: Can you describe a significant obstacle you faced in the performing arts industry and how you overcame it?
Fae Pink: I think my biggest obstacle has always been myself. I had a dance teacher tell me once, when I was a freshman in high school, that it's hard as a performer because you’ll naturally create this ideal person in your head. You’ll be around other performers and think, “I want this person's legs and this person's feet and this person's face.” You’ll compile all of those things into this perfect imaginary dancer. She’ll stay in your head, and you’ll always compare yourself to her. I think I’ve struggled with this my whole life. I think women struggle with this constantly, even when they're not performers. But, it’s especially prevalent in a world where you're standing in a leotard, looking at yourself in the mirror every day, all day.
It's really hard to not do that. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get over that idea of needing to be like anybody else and just really embracing who I am and what I'm good at.
THECANCAN.COM: How have you worked to amplify your own voice and the voices of other women in these spaces?
Fae Pink: I will begin by saying that I have worked for other choreographers in the past – not all of them, but some were very intimidating. As a performer, you accept that as the norm for this kind of environment. I remember feeling this level of intensity when I was studying ballet growing up, too. Being around teachers and choreographers, especially in that realm of dance, was honestly terrifying at times. It’s hard to explain it to someone who hasn’t had to experience that feeling. It was a constant feeling of fear and feeling judged and scrutinized all of the time.
I’m really trying to not replicate that in my own environment. I try to just be accepting of all people and who they came in the door as. I’m not into having all our dancers weigh in when they arrive at work or comment on what people are eating. I've been through every emotion of feeling like I shouldn't eat as much, having jobs with weekly weigh-ins, and things like that. I would never want to perpetuate that type of culture that is really typical in the dance world. It doesn’t bring out someone’s best self.
Long story short…my past helps me navigate our Can Can culture and make sure that I can create an environment that feels safe and empowering for our performers.
I always want to make sure that our performers feel like they're embodying their most confident selves. I want them to be comfortable with what they're doing, wearing, and, most of all, comfortable and confident in their beautiful skin.
Fae Pink walking to Can Can in style (2021)
THECANCAN.COM: There aren't enough good things to say about the fierce, yet dazzling women of Can Can. What's it been like working among other powerful women in your day-to-day?
Photo by Nate Watters (2018)
Fae Pink: The people I work with are one of my favorite parts of Can Can. Especially because the women here are so strong and smart! I work really closely with Shadou, and I’m so thankful to have somebody like her who I really trust and work really well with. I feel like we can speak the same language, or she can at least interpret my oftentimes insane language – especially in rehearsal. In this business, it's a huge value to have someone who can really see the vision, help make it come to life, and make it even better. My relationship with Shadou is like a lifeblood for me. She remembers every bit of choreography from the last 10 years. She’s wicked smart. Because of her, I’m able to wear all the hats I need to wear at this stage in my life and be a present mother for my two children.
THECANCAN.COM: How can we continue to lift up the women in our lives? Do you have any advice for women overcoming diversity in their workspace?
Fae Pink: I would just say keep being true to yourself and know that your voice is so very powerful and important. The world needs the female perspective now more than ever.
Eager to experience the charm and wonderment of Fae Pink? Take a seat, you’ll feel her magic all around you. thecancan.com/Season2023
