I received my BA in dance. Now what?

Photo by William Frederking

I remember when I had to make the big life decision on what I was going to do for the rest of my life (at the ripe age of 18). "Where will you go to college?" "What will you study?" "What do you want to be?" I remember answering "all I want to do is dance". To this day I'm not quite sure what I meant by that, but at the same time I know precisely. I didn't know how I would make money or if I even could. I proceeded (at the last minute) filling out college applications and before I knew it, I made it across the big stage with my diploma. I received my BA in dance. Now what?

I picked up a small teaching job towards the end of college and found myself completely loving it. I found a way to give my joy to others. I saw the way the kids lit up from week to week. This was exactly what I was meant to do. After graduation I acquired more teaching jobs around the city. Some classes I enjoyed teaching more than others, but ultimately, after each day, my soul felt good.

It takes more than a trained dancer to teach dance. Needed requirements would be: patience, mental and physical energy, a firm tone of voice, and an accessible personality.
It's important to be giving of everything. I know that when I go into a class, for the next 30-90 minutes, these bodies need everything I can give them. I know I can't slack. They need instruction, critique, enthusiasm, patience, investment, and motivation. The hardest part about teaching is never letting them down no matter what. I have to be the example of perseverance. If I'm tired and let it show, they are allowed to do the same. If I watch the clock, they do, too. I expect top notch students and they expect that of me.

At the same time, maybe that's why I'm deeply passionate about teaching. I stay motivated through teaching my students. If I get one smile per class, I know I made a difference. When a two year old can finally find her own first position, I dance a little inside. When a teen finally discovers the life altering way of dancing from her core, I am one happy lady. These are moments I celebrate, because I remember how hard it was for me.

Looking back ten years, I smile remembering how easy it was to know I wanted to dance forever. I didn't know where I was going and frankly, I still don't. But one thing I know is the absolute joy of passing on passion that runs so deeply.

Submitted by TDC Dancer Shannon Edwards, September 29, 2014.  

The Path I Traveled

Photo by Eric Olson

Years ago, I thought long and hard on the big decision of where I wanted to go to college and what I'd be doing for the rest of my life. The only thing I knew and kept reverting back to, the place where I felt most comfortable and like myself, was when I was dancing. I am truly thankful my parents supported my ultimate dream, no matter the cost. (Trust me, I’m definitely paying for it.) Sometimes I wonder why they didn’t avert my ambitious 17-year-old-self from attending a school in which I could sustain a job that allowed me to support myself financially. What did I know? And then again, would I listen anyway? But, in writing this blog, I’m really glad they didn’t. I fully enjoyed my college experience once I stopped being a homesick baby. I wore sweatpants to class, I went to dance performances and dinners, I danced every day for four years while learning to stand on my own. Sometimes it was brutal and exhausting, but well worth the exploration. Not to mention, I met a lot of great people who are a huge part of the Chicago dance scene, and my life.

I worked part-time through college at a dancewear store a few blocks from my dorm in the city. After graduation, that job turned into a full-time opportunity, so I stayed. The first year after graduation, I went to numerous auditions- the pickings were slim and like all auditions, competition was intense. I am not a highfalutin dancer, probably the least flexible dancer in the history of the universe, but I found where my quirks and creativity were acceptable. This occurred a year later when I was asked to be an apprentice with The Dance COLEctive. Though the apprenticeship was an unpaid position, I was able to put my BA in dance to good use, and luckily I had a job that supported me and two roommates to help share the costs of living.

Along my way, I strangely stumbled into the field of law. I think I got lucky considering the fact that I now work full-time as a legal assistant downtown. I never dreamed of this when I was younger, ever. Dancer? Yes. Teacher? Maybe. Legal assistant??? No. Never even a question. But I feel really grateful that I understand and am pretty good at what I do, as it pays the bills. It’s one of those things that definitely happened for a reason. Working a 9:00am to 5:00pm is convenient and sometimes redundant. And redundancy is well, redundant. I'd like to know what job isn't. I’m glad that my schedule allows "me" time to even have a source – an outlet granting me the opportunity to take an uppercut to my routine – rehearsing, teaching, creating work, performing, and taking class year round.

I have come to find that it is tough to find a dance career that pays the bills, even now as a company member, and in this teetering economy. I am happy that I get to do what I love on nights and weekends and have the monetary support I need working during the day. Grant it, most of my days are technically 12 hour workdays and on occasion there is sacrifice for fun, family, and time, I get to do what I love which definitely keeps me sane. Most people can't say that and maybe some people don’t even get the chance.

Dance and TDC has been a major constant during the most important time of my life while finding myself and evolving as an adult. It’s always been the one thing I can rely on. It’s hard to count on and trust people, but every Tuesday and Thursday night, I know my team is there, and I know I can find myself there too.

Submitted by TDC dancer Katie Petrunich on January 26, 2014.