“Dance is a medium in which women can unlock their greatest power. “ Today’s woman dreamer, Arianna Perry, is a Boston-based Technology Consultant with a passion for dance. In her Women Who Win interview, she shares her journey, her favorite female dancers, and how she balances her technology career with being a dancer. She writes, “Listen to your body. My advice is to have patience; it can be challenging to switch from a dancer to a technology consultant lifestyle. Being a dancer is a mindset.” Enjoy!

1. Tell us your story. You are based in Boston, and have a passion for technology and dance. That is amazing. Tell us what inspired your passions? 

I’ve always had a passion for dancing. When I hear music, I can’t help but move– no doubt I took all of my mom’s genes. It all started for me as a little girl; from dancing to The Cheetah Girls in my parent’s kitchen to putting on musicals with my cousins, I was always demanding the audience's attention. These moments were a glimpse into the years of pre-professional training I would have throughout my youth, and ultimately define the way I approach life today. 

Training to become a dancer teaches you things like patience, diligence, discipline, dedication, and creativity which are all necessary to work in technology. My dance background changed how I approached my work, connected with people, and stayed persistent against challenges. These are the skills I took with me to college that enabled my interest in technology to develop.

My passion for technology was established during my years at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. In the fall of my sophomore year of school, I began studying Information systems- drawing Business Process Models felt just like mapping choreography to me. The opportunities that were available to me in Questrom helped me become a Technology Consultant at EY. 

2. Tell us more about your dance experience. What types of dance do you practice? Do you think dance is a medium for empowering women? 

I grew up training in all styles of dance - ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary. I started dancing at the age of 5 and began training professionally in high school. I danced every day during the week and performed almost every weekend at theaters around the Boston area. 

After COVID hit and the art community was shook, dance took on a new meaning for me. It was less about the freedom to sweat in a room full of people and travel sharing that story, but rather a deeper connection with my body. When I dance, I know where every muscle in my body is placed, how my weight changes within a centimeter of movement, and what physical elements reflect my emotional state. Dance saved me and my body during this time period.

Dance brings freedom, awareness, and community. It’s an artform that reaches farther than movement; dance is a medium in which women (people) can unlock their greatest power: autonomy, attunement to their body, and emotional expression. The deep physical and cathartic connection that is formed brings a self- awareness like no other. 

3. Who are some of your favorite female dancers out there?

My favorite female dancers are Margot Parsons, Katie Pustizzi, and Sarah-Katarina (SKooJ CorE-O) who are all boston- based choreographers and incredible mentors to me. Each one of them has not only made me into a better dancer, but also a better human. 

4.  How do you find time to practice dance with balancing starting off your tech career? Any advice to other young women on this! 

Listen to your body! My advice is to have patience; it can be challenging to switch from a dancer to a technology consultant lifestyle. Take it one change at a time, and slowly start to incorporate dance into your routine. Being a dancer is a mindset– naturally gravitate toward and find time for things that authentically call you. With a dance background, music, community, and live art will always find a way to you.

5. What is one of your key goals for 2023? 

Travel more!

Thank you Arianna for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!

Bio: Upon graduating Boston University's Questrom School of Business in May of 2022, Arianna joined Ernst & Young LLP as a Technology Consultant in the Supply Chain Technology practice. During undergrad, she majored in Business Administration and Management with a dual concentration in Management Information Systems and Strategy. She also served as an IS teaching assistant, President of the Peer Advisor Program, and fellow in the Dean's Fellowship for Social Impact. Today, Arianna is working alongside her co-workers assisting in software implementation to EY’s clients.