Elevé-ted Conversations--A Series of Culture-Driven Dance Journal Entries

N ovember 16 marked 6 months since I moved to Atlanta, and I have to admit it has been as much of a hustle as I had anticipated. Most of the tough decisions made are rooted in the need for me to submit to the process of transitioning to a new city/lifestyle and not run back home to Chicago unnecessarily. Though I am currently between both cities performing and teaching due to a residency I was awarded through Links Hall in Chicago, IL, I relocated to Atlanta, GA to accept a company apprenticeship position with Ballethnic Dance Company and get deeper into the commercial dance world. In Chicago I have had the opportunity to dance in music videos or choreograph performances for Tha Pope, DLow, Juiix, Nola Adé, and JaLonny--thoroughly enjoying each experience. However, there seems to be a glass ceiling for commercial work in Chicago if you are not signed to dance-oriented talent agencies, like Clear Talent Group, Bloc Talent, and MSA, or a performer under sports entertainment franchises...

F un Fact: Though dancing is a talent and most certainly is the main focus of my life currently, I do not consider it to be my “gift”, nor am I threatened by the idea that I will not be able to perform forever. With how society is evolving, I could perform well in to my 70s, given my health allows it and the audience that would welcome it (there definitely are collectives and showcases dedicated to presenting works by, for, and featuring middle-aged and senior citizens; e.g.: the Chicago Bulls Swingin’ Seniors Dance Team, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s Mature H.O.T. Women Program). I realized in my teen years, though, that I have the innate abilities of and deep interest in understanding multiple content areas (and do so interdisciplinarily!), relating to people from various walks of life, and writing (i.e. journalism, proposals, narratives). When I began living as a full-time artist, I still taught classes at academies and schools, and occasionally taught private and party classes. T...