October 12, 2015
I began my professional journey as a multi-disciplinary artist in 1996 with two degrees in tow.
One in business economics/dance, and an MFA in choreography.
At that time, there was very little opportunity, colleges focused on promoting one paradigm in terms of what constitutes success in the field of dance, and there was a lot of trial and error before my dream of having my own dance company really took root.
It is only now, less than a week ago, after attending a dance concert of an individual deemed an American great as a choreographer, that I paused to count my many blessings that life chose for me, as a creative, the road less traveled by.
In college, I thought I wanted to be that figure, that I wanted to dance with a major contemporary dance company or become highly visible, because somehow - that is what was conveyed as success in the field.
My muse had something entirely different in store.
Living in the eaves of the contemporary art world, well-known and respected by my peers in the US, but just now becoming visible on a national level, and better known on an international level, I can truly say, I AM SO GLAD that THAT didn't happen.
I've chosen the path of most growth, to be a ground breaker and innovator, to work towards shifting the paradigm in how the arts organize and organize counter-intuitively to a competitive paradigm, and to value being a resource to other creatives equal to my own creative development.
It was excruciatingly difficult in the beginning, while, in the now, I find the flow, although stressful at times, easey peasey.
Since 1996 my creative work has been shared in Turkey, France, Austria, and Slovenia and in the United States in New York, Connecticut, and widely in Southern California. I've had one women shows as a visual artist in New York, Austria, and California and have a truckload of visual art, dances, and production experiences in my wide and varied background.
I am a success on my own terms.
I would very much say, that beginning to dance at the late age of 28, I was probably deemed the dancer/choreographer least likely to succeed.
I think, in hindsight, observing what my classmates have accomplished since they've graduated, and how their lives unfolded, that my college professors underestimated one thing.
The power of "grit"
The beauty of the soul's code
The genius of "late bloomers"
I think - in many ways, I am probably NOT considered a success by their standards, but I am by the standards I have innovated, and I take great comfort in that.
I know my path.
I am grateful!