Angela Trimbur, an actor, dancer, choreographer, and writer, has transformed her Upper West Side apartment into a functional dance studio that also serves as the base for her creative work. The space, lined with multiple mirrors installed to accommodate her rehearsals and recordings, allows her to dance, teach, and choreograph from home—a necessity given the challenges of maintaining a career in the arts.
Ms. Trimbur, 45, relocated to New York City five years ago from Los Angeles after securing a supporting role on the comedy series "Search Party," which ignited her interest in Brooklyn. Initially renting a loft in Bushwick, she later sought a living environment that combined room for movement with a more serene atmosphere. The desire for a “cinematic” neighborhood, inspired by films like "You’ve Got Mail," led her to the Upper West Side, where she now lives in a one-bedroom apartment outfitted with professional-grade mirrors costing around $3,000.
Her home studio supports a range of artistic activities, including weekly dance classes that attract about 50 participants each session at a fee of $27. These classes represent her primary income source, supplemented by monthly subscription-based choreography tutorials distributed through her Substack platform, annual dance camps, and intermittent gigs in choreography and acting. Ms. Trimbur is also developing an autobiographical television project, reflecting her ongoing commitment to creative work.
Operating as a dance instructor in New York presents considerable financial challenges, with substantial recurring expenses such as studio rentals at prominent venues like the Mark Morris Dance Group and the Martha Graham Center, where hourly rates can reach $150. Additional costs include services like Mailchimp, which she uses for managing her mailing list. Despite the precarious nature of the work, Ms. Trimbur describes the city’s dance community as “the best” and remains motivated by her long-term goal of establishing a dedicated studio space.
Beyond its functional role, the apartment has become a personal sanctuary. Ms. Trimbur’s daily routine includes mindful movement and stretches before engaging with her audiences through filmed performances and choreography shared on social media. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining neighborly relations to accommodate the realities of practicing dance within a residential building, a strategy that has fostered mutual understanding with those living below.
While a permanent studio remains a future ambition, the mirrored walls of her apartment provide a versatile environment that fuels her creative process. For Ms. Trimbur, this space is not only a workplace but also a “playground,” reflecting her dedication and adaptability as a working artist in New York City.