After graduating from Appalachian State University in the mountains of North Carolina with degrees in Dance Studies and Psychology in May 2011, I knew that I wanted to continue dancing. I didn’t exactly know how I was going to do that, but I knew that I wanted to find a dance community in which I wouldn’t lose myself. A place where I could be challenged creatively and fulfill my desire to be a part of making and presenting interesting and meaningful work. Somewhere I could be part of the process and part of a team. I feel so blessed to have found all of these things as an apprentice this season with The Dance COLEctive!
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| Photo by Eric Olson |
I visited Chicago only a handful of times before I decided to move here this past June. I loved the city. It felt like a big city with a small neighborhood feel and extremely friendly people. I was up for a new adventure. I took dance classes at a number of dance studios whenever I was in Chicago. Then, during one of my visits, TDC company member Olivia May invited me to an open company class. I knew Olivia from our hometown of Raleigh, NC. I am so grateful to her for allowing me to tag along and get a taste of the the Dance COLEctive. The class was wonderful! All the dancers were welcoming and Margi’s class was challenging and fun.
When I finally
built up enough courage (and money) to make the move to the big windy city, I
made the leap. With a good friend from home, in a Penske truck filled with all
of our belongings, we steered north – and a little west. Once in Chicago, I tried to take advantage of
as many dance classes and opportunities as I could. I was overwhelmed (and
still am) by how much is going on here. I attended The Dance COLEctive audition
in August, immensely intimidated to be at my first ever professional audition.
After auditions and call backs, I was so pleased to be offered an apprentice
position with the company. I literally jumped up and down when I received the
email from Margi. And now, after our first performance together this season, I really
feel a part of it all. Surrounded by inspiring and powerful women, dancing to
my heart’s content, I can officially say I’m livin’ the dream.
Submitted by TDC Apprentice Molly Kirkpatrick on Sunday, February 10, 2013.
