Shannon Interviews former TDC Dancer Nikki DiGioia Stachon

Nikki DiGioia Stachon Photo by William Frederking

What time frame were you dancing with The Dance COLEctive? 

2004-2007

What interested you in dancing with the company? 

Margi was one of my teachers at Columbia and I loved learning from her at Columbia. I went to her Summer Intensive and really get like I understood and meshed with what she had going on. I wanted to continue learning anything she had to offer.

 


What is your favorite memory of dancing with The Dance COLEctive?

Oh so many! We were all like sisters and talked about anything and everything together. I'll never forget the dressing room and doing our make up together, Rachel teaching me how to do make up, the all nighters we would have at Donnette's house, playing "kiss it goodbye" with all of Margi's old costumes....there were so many heart warming memories during those years.

What was your favorite piece you got to dance in? 

Sinking In. I loved that dance.

After leaving the company, did you continue your dance practice? How so? (I.e. Taking classes, dancing with other choreographers, teaching, choreographing) 

I danced a few years with BreakBone Dance Co. And student taught in PE/Health/Dance. With teaching, I couldn't balance week night rehearsals with TDC so I had to stop. But in 2008 I began my career as a High School PE/Dance Teacher and have been working in the field ever since. I direct the Orchesis Dance Co. And am working with the next generation on dancers/artists. I even started my 2 year old twin girls in dance recently and am on a whole new side of dance as a "dance mom". ;)

How has dancing with The Dance COLEctive influenced your teaching career? 

I constantly use Margi-isms when I teach. Margi is such a great teacher and has influenced me more than she knows. Having experience with TDC had given me real like experiments of what it takes to produce a show, behind the scenes, dance etiquette and leadership.
 
If you could have the company bring back an old work, what would it be?
 
HUES

What is your birthday wish for The Dance COLEctive?
 
For Margi to really soak in what amazing things she has done for TDC and every single dancer that has been involved. Really soak it in and be proud.

Interview Conducted and Submitted by TDC Dancer Shannon Edwards on December 2015.

Dance COLEctive Summer Technique Week with a Twist!

Shannon Edwards Archives

For more than 12 years The Dance COLEctive has conducted an annual Summer Dance Workshop.  The beginning of this year, our 20th Anniversary Season is no different really....

The Dance COLEctive Summer Technique Week with a Twist is a great way to be exposed to the company.  While we are not having an official audition this season we are scouting for dancers to participate in our 20th Anniversary Performances.  Read long time company member Shannon McGuire Edwards' story about her first workshop and how it impacted her journey to join the company.  

Shannon says:
 
It was the summer after graduation in 2009. I never had the privilege of taking Margi's class in college, but I did have her as a sub once. I remember loving her class and found myself particularly eager to master "the run around".  So I signed up for the summer intensive. I was planning on attending the audition at the end of the week. I especially remember Margi talking about weight in the pelvis, the importance of authentic touch, and allowing the body to sink into the floor. These are concepts that still resonate with me show in the work I do with The Dance COLEctive. I still take Margi's class today and think about the special corrections and notes she gave me during those five, intense days at the TDC Summer Workshop.

This is the calendar still hanging in my bedroom at my mom's house. It's still on this page and I look at it often remembering how important that week was to me. (On the 8th it says "audition" and "family" because I went to my family reunion a day late so I could make it to the audition).

Margi says:

I remember Shannon working so diligently as a student in my Repertory Performance Workshop class at Columbia College.  I was drawn to her work ethic and to her powerful presence as a performer.  It has been such a pleasure to watch Shannon grow as a person and an artist in her years with the company and I am still magically drawn to her beauty and vulnerability as a performer.  

This year, in honor of our 20th Anniversary, we will not only do technique but we will teach repertory from our long history.  Should be fun! 

You can find more information here!

Submitted by TDC dancer Shannon Edwards, August 2, 2015.   

Looking up to the girls

When my young 23-year-old-self stood in the rehearsal space, it was a pleasure looking up to the top dogs who were the heart and soul of TDC – Molly Grimm-Leasure, Maggie Koller, Alaina Murray, Kaitlin Bishop, Jessica Post, Olivia May, and Summer Avery. Holding much respect for these women, I embraced the opportunity to learn from each of them, all the while carefully surveilling their technique. The way they worked together and moved; I was constantly in awe. We created concrete bonds that helped shape who I am today. Even though things have shifted since then, we still remain as friends.

In 2009, Shannon Edwards and I came into the company as apprentices. The year prior, Summer was an apprentice and had then moved up in the company as a member. I felt that we connected most and I like to think it was because she understood where I was coming from and how it felt to stand where I was. (That could also just be that Summer is such a giving person and probably one of the nicest people I know.) She took me under her wing and I recall numerous times she was there for me especially when I just needed a friend.

Summer was the first to leave that year. She was moving out of state and I still remember that sad announcement. It was devastating because a piece of us, a piece of who I was, was leaving. Over the years things changed, and we lost the top dogs slowly along the way - many of them being a part of TDC for over 7 years or more. Each one was sad because the TDC that I knew and loved was them. It is comparable to moving on and separating from your childhood friends because you watched each other grow up; nobody knows you like they do. Now in this moment, it is hard to realize that I am where they used to stand. Olivia is now the senior member, along with Shannon and I a year thereafter. We have had great loss and I have come to accept that people come into our lives for a reason and people live their lives according to their own plans. Things cannot stay the same forever and I cherish those years. (I also miss former apprentice, Molly Kirkpatrick, as she ventures off to grad school this fall.) And again, with great loss comes great gain. We have had members come and go and the TDC of today is full of strong women who I admire just the same. Madelyn Doyle and Julie Boruff now have a few years under their belt as well, and not to mention, are two of my closest friends.

I feel so overwhelmed writing this because of my experience with these energetic influences. We put our hearts, emotions and tears on that dance floor – hours upon end until we were exhausted and beat but we always made it through because we had each other.

Margi ultimately makes the final decision when it comes to roll call. Not one rehearsal goes by that I do not think about how she has never given up on me. She takes chances and risks on people. And not only does she worry about strong performance qualities and technique, but how about dedication and passion? And from a dancer’s standpoint, getting into a dance company in Chicago is slim to none. What makes you more exciting to watch out of thirty-five people? Trust me, back at the time of my audition, my technique was nowhere near stellar, but I was excited and confident and inventive in my movement generation. Six years later (besides feeling what we call the “A-G-E”), I feel grounded and strong and wise. My technique has improved and I make even smarter choices when creating material. I also could not have been able to choreograph my own piece on such a refined level without Margi, and I am very proud of that personal accomplishment.  We go through so much in our lives and never once has she not supported or believed in me. This process that we go through, we may struggle, we may tire, we may scrap hours of hard work, but this process is raw and beautiful and intelligent and great.

When you begin something, sometimes you do not know how it will end, even if you have an end in mind. I never wanted the group to change when I was in the moment, but as it was and had happened, it was great to see how the group has evolved and shifted. It is also great now to see some new bodies in the space, Jamie Corliss and Liz Conway.

I am grateful for my chance at this opportunity and as I do not know where I will stand at the end of this path, I am savoring my journey. My experience with these unique individuals has made me a stronger dancer, better performer and a more plentiful human being.  I am infinitely grateful to be surrounded by a great group of people in my dance community and genuine friends I can depend on. Through it all, now being one of the leaders of the group, I just hope I can provide the girls with what the top dogs once permitted to me. 






Submitted by TDC Dancer Katie Petrunich, Tuesday, October 14, 2014.

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.  

Year Two at Mongan Dance Academy

 Year Two:

A year and a half ago, my mom and I co-opened a dance studio in Evergreen Park, IL. Our vision was to develop an artful and educational dance program. We never dreamed that in year two our enrollment would sky rocket and collaborations with the area school district would be in full swing. We, as a duo, could not be more proud.

Over the summer we successfully ran a dance program at the Evergreen Park Elementary summer program. This led to further interest in a continuing collaboration throughout the school year. On top of our in studio summer class and camp program, we collaborated with A Fairytale Ballet for an extra special and exclusive one day camp that the students were ecstatic about. Overall, the growth of Mongan Dance Academy has exceeded our expectations and has been so fulfilling.

From here our dreams only get bigger. We are excited to start working more with the Evergreen Park School District. My vision of creating a performance group with our older students seems more of a reality now than ever. We have dedicated and committed students who are eager to grow as dancers and artists at our studio. We are looking forward to fully realizing our vision and really molding our program into what has been a longtime dream.  

Submitted by TDC dancer Shannon Edwards, Thursday, September 25, 2014.

Aim, Journey, Tackle

Photo by Eric Olson

I have been around The Dance COLEctive block a couple times. Heck, I’d say I’ve been living in the neighborhood for quite some time. Margi Cole began COLEctive Notions the first season I joined the company (2009-2010). I was able to be a part of each year’s process since then, observing the ins and outs of each choreographer’s decisions and being aware of all the behind-the-scenes action, and learning what it takes to put an entire show together. Allowing the time to become a stronger dancer and letting the techniques and customs of TDC sink into my body and thought processes made the wait well worth it.

In order to choreograph for this dancer-produced show, one must be a company member for two years. Starting as an apprentice for my first two years and then continuing on my TDC journey as a full company member - four years later, I was eligible to submit a proposal for the upcoming show. I felt seasoned and ready, and luckily, I had an idea. (And fortunately for me, Margi was also supportive of that idea.)

I had a wonderful experience working with my fellow dancers, Julie Boruff and Shannon Edwards. They worked wonderfully together, trusted each other and trusted me, which I appreciated tremendously. Their dynamic movement styles fueled my idea, bringing the duet to life. Their vulnerability spilled over, leading the piece to its fullness - sharp and soft movement sweeping the floor.

My initial concept shifted throughout the process as well, but I accepted the flow, rode the wave and let it create itself. I had to trust my gut in that I was making the right decisions, which came fairly easy. I grew up choreographing, in high school mostly, and it’s always been an artform that I thoroughly enjoy.

I would definitely choreograph again if I was given the chance, and another concept sparked my brain. I already have the wonderful opportunity to work with a great group of dancers, which makes the whole process fun, easy, inspiring and completely satisfying.  Margi has graciously given us the chance to take the stage in a different way and I am thankful to have her support and expertise. Her willingness to let us represent our voices under The Dance COLEctive’s name is an honor and definitely one of my biggest accomplishments as a professional dancer.

Read the review about the show here in The Huffington Post. 

Submitted by TDC Dancer Katie Petrunich on Sunday, January 12, 2014

Thoughts on Teaching

There is no better way to understand the dancer in you than teaching a classroom full of young dancers. The bonus - understanding the human in you, as well.

In teaching dance we emphasize our personal interests and goals with a dollop of personal flair. But in teaching dance to the youngest of dancers, we have to find a way to break down important principles and relay it to them in a way they can understand. It would be simple to teach a mature person how to stand in first position. But try asking a three year old to "find their first." It is a timely task in which half the class stares intently at their feet trying their hardest to just make them touch. Half of the class stares blankly at me, eagerly awaiting further instruction. In my classroom it is the sound of a kiss that instantly reminds them to put their heels together ("kissing") with hardly any conscious effort. My job in teaching young dancers is communicating simple principles in ways they can both understand and enjoy. If one student can not achieve a concept, it is difficult for the group to move on. How do I communicate in ways they can understand? I have to answer this uniquely for each group of students I have. The answer is almost always different. I have to deeply investigate myself. Sometimes I find the answers down memory lane and sometimes I use simple imagery that has always helped me in class. Then I translate my understandings in ways in which they can understand. It seems simple enough, but the challenge is in keeping the young dancer interested. They come because they want to have fun. Some come because they want to someday be a prima ballerina. I have to give them a good time while instilling discipline, poise, and technique. If they don't understand something, they become uninterested. If they are not enjoying the class, they become uninterested. I am responsible for keeping their inner fire ablaze.

Discipline is another challenge. What one child learns at home another may not. Having patience in a classroom full of young dancers is key. It takes a lot of self control, inner dialogue, and openness to the student. This is where my human reflection stares me in my face. I can lose my cool and later drown in self doubt. Or I can bite the grit, pull it together, and in my very gentle "Miss Shannon voice" let the little ones know how very inappropriate they are being. I usually opt for the gentle (yet very firm) "Miss Shannon voice". And as always, I want the student to walk away having learned something, rather than having had a negative experience.

I love teaching children through adults. It is a calm and smooth environment in a room full of older children, teenagers, and adults learning dance. I usually feel at ease from the start of class to the end, unlike the young classes where my experience can range from one extreme to the other. The young children are the most challenging, most exhausting, most adorable, and loving little dancers. They inspire me just as much as the mature dancers. The frustration I sometimes feel leaves immediately when I see the smiles on their faces. It is most gratifying to have little dancers that leave the studio with a love for dance. I just have to find new, fun, and creative ways to enlighten the little bundles of awesomeness. It all comes from a little digging and finding the answers from deep within.


Submitted by TDC dancer Shannon Edwards on December 5, 2013.

On starting her own business

 

Photo by Eric Olson

Mongan Dance Academy opened in June of 2013. It was a long time coming. As beautiful as the studio is, it first started as just a thought.

My mom and I have worked together before. We had several conversations about how awesome it would be to bring our two passions together and create our own business. I am a lifelong dancer with a passion for teaching, and my mother is a brilliant business woman with a love for the youth. An opportunity arose and we took it, knowing that we were risking a lot. However, it was a risk we were more than willing to take.

The easy part was our creative collaborations. Finding a space on the southwest side of Chicago seemed logical. Deciding on a name for our business was a thoughtful process, but we soon agreed to use the name of the street my sisters and I grew up on. It was a place where the whole family grew together. Soon enough, we found a quaint space that would most definitely serve wonderfully as Mongan Dance Academy. My mother put her extraordinary talent of crafting, woodwork, and designing to work. Soon the space was a beautiful dance studio, complete with mirrors, hand-crafted ballet barres, and dance floors.

The biggest challenge wasn't putting our minds together, it was pulling in clientele. We were off to a slow start. Our student body was minimal and our means of marketing were reliant on the two of us. We were interviewed for news articles, posted flyers, and even walked door to door throughout Evergreen Park, IL. We decided to have a five week summer camp promotion instead of just normal classes. We developed a Facebook page, joined a text marketing program, had booths at local vendor fairs, and walked up and down the lined streets at the Fourth of July parade. Somewhere between the Facebook setup and the parade, we hit a boom. Calls flooded our phone lines and soon we had to open another day of camp just to accommodate our pre-school kids. The program went wonderfully and soon we started our Fall Program.

Of all the marketing we tried, our clients reported that Facebook posts and re-posts caught their eye and prompted them to call. Word of mouth tipped and soon friends and family were joining. As the students consistently trickle in, we are excitedly waiting for our next boom.

Dance students have showed eager interest in the program. Yet, somehow, adults are still unwilling to join in with our incredible fitness classes. It seems that the workout world on the southwest side of Chicago stays popular in gyms. We have a small group of devoted attendees, but our newest challenge is bringing in an even larger adult student body.

Mongan Dance Academy has truly been a dream come true thus far. It is so great (contrary to popular belief) to be working so closely with my mother. Challenges are super common in this journey. However, I believe these challenges only exist to better our program in the long run. I have learned so much about myself, my dancing, my teaching ethics, and team building. Ultimately, Mongan Dance is worth every bit of the hard work it has taken.

Submitted by TDC dancer Shannon Edwards on November 12, 2013.