Introducing Bri Price (they/them), a passionate individual navigating the intersection of performance arts and massage therapy. In this interview, Bri shares their journey toward becoming a massage therapist, and how it allows them to pursue their passions. We want our students to know that massage therapy doesn’t always have to be your first love. Because bodywork requires less hours and can be quite flexible, sometimes it’s what allows you the time and stability to do what you’re most passionate about. Bri’s story is a beautiful example of this in action.
Tell us about the work you currently do: I mostly do deep tissue work with my clients.
Describe your journey to becoming a bodyworker. When did it begin, and why did you choose bodywork?:I was in a dead-end management position in a job that was more stressful than I liked, despite being in the circus field, which I loved. I decided to go back to performance work, my first love. I knew I'd need a day job that's flexible and I wanted it to be something that involved my body. I love working with my body. I chose massage because it matched that criteria.
Why (and when) did you choose to attend IPSB?I chose IPSB because my sister and good friend had gone there and I knew it was more in alignment with my outlook on bodywork than other schools which felt more clinical. I started the program in the Fall of 2018 and graduated late 2019.
You’re also an incredibly talented Circus and Performance Artist. Tell us more about this!
My background is in theater, which I have a bachelor's degree in. After college, I was looking for work that might involve performance in some capacity and landed a job at an aerial studio because of my background working with children and my clowning training. They said they'd train me from the ground up and I didn't need any prior acrobatic experience. I fell in love with it and I've been training for 12 years now.
In 2019, I landed a performance opportunity at Pirate's Dinner Adventure, a dinner theater experience in Buena Park. It was my first time performing aerial and really validated my hard work.
How does a career in bodywork allow you to pursue your art?
Not only is massage a flexible job that allows me to work the countless other gigs I do, it keeps my body strong and grounded. Massaging can feel like a meditation sometimes, too. The client is relaxed, there's soft music playing, it's a nice way to quiet my own mind while connecting with another body.
What advice would you give someone pursuing bodywork or considering school at IPSB? (If you have any advice for performers specifically, even better!):
During school, I worked at a chiropractor's office and I worked full time (full time for a bodyworker at least) and it felt like a lot. Make sure you're taking care of your body when you first start. Don't burn out early! I think chiro offices are amazing places to get your feet wet and to always have a steady place to be able to get work. I also like that you get to work directly under a doctor. They can tell you exactly what the client needs worked on so they come away feeling like their needs were listened to and met. It feels satisfying.
In terms of school, IPSB offers so much more than clinical training. They have a holistic approach and believe in community. I learned about listening to my body and the bodies of others. I cried in class! We are encouraged to be vulnerable and they are a safe container for it. Their approach integrates eastern and western philosophies and mind/body connection. Sabrina's vision for the school mirrors the way she runs her classes. She believes in community care and interdependence and it is precisely that ethos that drew me to IPSB.
You can learn more about Bri and their work at bit.ly/briprice
Comments