Five Things I Learned While Working at Dance Spirit

DS editor in chief Alison Feller (far left) and me at “So You Think You Can Dance” auditions in NYC.

Yesterday was my last day as a Dance Spirit editor. I’m so sad to be leaving my dream job, but I’m thrilled to welcome a darling baby ballerina into the world. So naturally, I’ve been thinking a lot about my time at DS.

When I began my DS internship four and a half years ago, I never could’ve imagined how much I would fall in love with dance and my favorite dance publication. At the time, I thought I knew a lot about dance—I’d grown up training in most styles and competing at competitions like New York City Dance Alliance, JUMP, Starpower, etc. Plus, I had a National Dance Alliance championship ring on my finger from my college dance team days.

Boy, was I wrong.

After four years of working at DS and attending countless amazing dance events in NYC and around the country (New York City Ballet at least 5 times a season—this job definitely has its perks!), I still don’t know everything about dance (really, who does?). But, my eyes have been opened to styles and companies I never even dreamed of.

Without further ado, five things I learned at Dance Spirit:

1. If you have a dream job, go for it!
My teenage self never would’ve dreamed that in 10 years I’d be living in NYC and writing for the magazine I obsessed over every month.

2. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know who a dancer/choreographer/producer is.
This may be the best piece of professional advice DS editor in chief Alison Feller ever gave me. The dance world is extensive and there are always emerging choreographers and performers. If you pretend to know someone you actually know nothing about, chances are you’ll end up looking ridiculous. Just say: “I’m not familiar—tell me about him/her.” You’ll learn so much!

3. If you think you’re not a “modern” person, think again.
You probably just haven’t seen your kind of modern performance yet. The first time I saw KEIGWIN + COMPANY perform Megalopolis I flipped out I loved it so much. I couldn’t wipe the goofy grin off my face for hours.

4. Dance can always be a part of your life, even if you stop performing.
It’s a strange transition to go from the stage to the audience, but it’s also wonderful. Figuring out who your favorite ballerinas/tappers/Broadway performers are is so much fun! Go to dance events, watch dance videos and, of course, keep reading Dance Spirit!

5. No one’s ever too old to love
Dance Spirit. Technically DS is a teen magazine, but I know I’ll continue to read it cover to cover for the rest of my life. It’s such a fun, exciting tool to help you grow as a dancer and stay involved in the dance community.

Can you tell I love DS? Thank you for being such loyal readers!