Kim Hale - In Order to Create a Successful Media Campaign, A Brand Needs to Have Not Only a Wonderful Product but Also a Powerful Story to Tell (Artist, Publicist & Pro Dancer)

My current work as a Publicist was a natural progression from my previous experience as a Talent Agent and Head of Marketing, PR, and Social Media at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles. I regularly interacted with a few publicists and began to see an intersection between my work as a talent agent and the marketing/social media world.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

I was born and raised in Southern California. Torrance, to be exact. A true native. Dance and the performing arts were my passion from a very young age. I started working as a professional dancer in my early 20’s, performing in productions in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Branson, and ultimately around the world on a cruise ship.

I had always wanted to move to New York City, so when my contract on the cruise ship ended, I moved to the Big Apple. It was one of the most exhilarating, frightening, and boldest things I have ever done and launched me on a path of self-discovery that made me the woman I am today.

As challenging a time as it was, I was fueled by my dream and worked hard every day to pursue that goal. I was proud to be part of the workshops of a few hit Broadway shows, including Fosse and the revival of Chicago.

I eventually booked the National Tour of Applause starring Stefanie Powers of the 90’s television hit “Hart to Hart.” I had the opportunity to work with the legendary Ann Reinking, a dream come true, but sadly the show closed a few weeks into the tour. I was devastated, returned to auditioning, and started thinking about my future after the theater.

I enrolled in a course at a local community college and soon discovered I was smart, articulate, and more than a dancer. Soon after, I hung up my dancing shoes (for the first time) and started my journey in higher education, which culminated in earning my Bachelor’s degree in Urban Politics from Wellesley College and a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration Syracuse University.

I was fortunate to spend six years as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Syracuse University. I enjoyed my time there but instinctively knew that I did not want to spend the rest of my life in Syracuse. Many of my students have gone to have incredible careers on Broadway and in other equally valued roles in production, producing, education, and the list goes on.

It was there that I began to unravel my interest in “the business.” When I was auditioning and dancing in New York City, I was the person who would always say to friends, “you should audition for this” or “you should consider reaching out to so and so.” That was true at SU. Seeing the potential and possibility in other people is in my DNA. If I am truly in vibrational sync with someone, the ideas and visions of the next step come quite naturally.

I left Syracuse and returned to New York City for a brief moment before heading back to Los Angeles for the first time in 15-years. I did not know it at the time, but this was a life-changing decision.

I ended up teaching at the Debbie Allen Dance Academy, and a whole new world of possibility revealed itself to me as I absorbed everything I could from Ms. Allen. Eventually, I would assist her on choreography projects for shows like Scandal, on commercials, Dolly Parton’s Christmas On The Square for Netflix even on the legendary Diana Ross’ performance at the Hollywood Bowl in 2018. Mind-blowing.

I soaked it all in and exponentially grew my skill set. She allowed me the opportunity to try new things, which eventually led to me handling the PR for her 10th Anniversary production of the “Hot Chocolate Nutcracker.” I loved every minute of that experience.

One of my craziest memories is managing the Red Carpet and then running backstage to perform in the Opening Number. When you work with Ms. Debbie Allen, you learn to wear many hats — like her — and not complain. I was hooked.

I knew I wanted to dig deeper into public relations and soon after created Kim Hale | Public Relations, which focuses on artists and creatives in various stages of their careers. The best part is, since “officially” retiring from dance, I have appeared in two episodes of The Late Late Show with James Corden, on Ellen, at Diana Ross’ 75th birthday party, a Netflix musical, and more. I have finally come to terms with and surrendered to the fact that dance is and will always be a part of my life. Lucky me.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be an artist?

From an early age, I demonstrated a deeply rooted passion, dedication, and a love for dance and all things “showbiz” that I think made both my parents nervous. As a toddler, I would watch all the Hollywood gossip shows with my Mom, and on occasion, she would bring with her to the movies.

I remember seeing “Funny Lady” starring Barbra Streisand at age seven. I was memorized and intrigued by the music, singing, dancing, and acting. I knew at that moment that I wanted to be part of that magical world. And so it was.

3. What got you into Public Relations?

Ms. Allen always graciously allowed me the opportunity to try new things, which eventually led to me handling the PR for her 10th Anniversary production of the Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. I loved every minute of that experience. I knew I wanted to dig deeper into public relations and began working with my friend Emmy Award nominee Chloe and her sister Maud Arnold, one of the tap dance world’s leading ladies.

The chemistry was instant, and I started booking them immediately. I quickly realized that to succeed as a publicist, you have to be passionate about the people you are representing and the stories you are telling.

4. What are the few elements that a brand needs to succeed in Public Relations?

To create a successful media campaign, a brand needs to have a wonderful product (which can be an individual) and a powerful story to tell. People are hungry for content that is uplifting and inspiring. What they do not want is to be “sold” to. What is the story you want to tell, and how can the media help shine a light on it? This is an important question to ask yourself before engaging a publicist.

In my opinion, the brand/publicist relationship is really a storytelling collaboration. It is important to give yourself the time to truly contemplate your brand’s place in the marketplace - why now? Once you have done that homework and have a clear understanding of your value, it will be much easier to not only tell your story but find an audience of like-minded individuals.

5. Who is your favorite artist and why?

There are many artists who I admire, but one that stands out is Barbra Streisand. I am fascinated by artists who are multi-faceted, like Ms. Streisand and numerous others. The fact that she is a singer, actress, and filmmaker is awe-inspiring to me. With a career spanning seven decades, she has achieved success in multiple fields of the entertainment industry. She is one of the few artists who have been awarded an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award (EGOT).

It is also astonishing to think that Ms. Streisand has personally raised $25 million for organizations through her live performances. The Streisand Foundation, established in 1986, has also contributed over $16 million through nearly 1,000 grants to "national organizations working on preserving the environment, voter education, the protection of civil liberties and civil rights, women's issues and nuclear disarmament.” Incredible.

6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring artists?

The biggest piece of advice that I wish someone had given me is to take the time to really get to know yourself, to go within and discover the true essence of who you are. I came to the entertainment industry with an immature belief that the “perfect” job or opportunity would make me whole.

That kind of mindset is destined to bring you everything but happiness because you end up spending your time looking to the external world for that which already exists within you. Once you understand your inherent worth as a human being, it becomes about learning how to navigate the journey with a sense of detachment and self-respect. My sincere hope is that young artists will learn this a lot sooner than I did.

7. What is your advice to someone wanting to enter the PR consulting world?

My advice for someone wanting to enter the PR world is to keep their eyes and ears open. You never know where your first opportunity could come from. Do your research and learn about people who are leaders in the field. Follow them on social media. Join a Clubhouse Room. Ask for their advice and insights into that career path.

In my experience, people are always willing to reach back and assist people who are sincere about doing the work and aren’t just looking for a handout. The first step is asking. To be honest, PR was something I had never considered, but when I became intrigued and saw an opportunity I thought I could deliver on, I spoke up and asked how I could get involved. It wasn’t about making a lot of money. It was about getting that first opportunity to prove myself, which I did. From there, everything else fell into place.

8. How do you manage to strike a balance between your professional and personal life?

This is such a wonderful question. My intention is to always do what I love, with people I love, for people love. I heard former Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) President Sheri Salata share this one, and it has resonated with me ever since. I believe in living one life, so, for me, a balance between my professional and personal life exists automatically. I know that may sound crazy to some, but there is no separation between the two when you truly love everything you are doing.

9. Which is your favorite book and why?

My favorite book is How Starbucks Saved My Life by Michael Gates Gill. This book isn’t what you may think. It is a powerful riches-to-rags true story of an advertising executive who had it all, then lost it all—and was finally redeemed by his new job and his twenty-eight-year-old boss at Starbucks.

I have turned to this book and reread it multiple times during my journey as it is a powerful reminder that true happiness and fulfillment come from within. I try to remind myself of this every day. In my experience, going within, trusting my heart, and staying connected to my truest, authentic self are the only things that will bring lasting happiness.