Inside DM
How do you fit into the dance world? For some of us, the answer’s obvious. But more often, it takes years of experimenting before we find the sweet spot where our passions and talents collide. This month’s cover girl, Celia Rowlson-Hall, has discovered a place in the dance field that might be all her own. After being told as a student that she lacked professional potential, she’s used her gangly movement quality to her advantage—first as a Bessie-award winning dancer and now as a filmmaker/choreographer/performer for music videos, TV shows, fashion labels and her own whimsical short films. By embracing her inner goofball and fearlessly taking on a giant range of opportunities, she’s created a DIY career with remarkable success.
Many dancers figure out their ideal path during college, that crucial time of self-discovery. Unfortunately, that can sometimes mean their original higher ed plans no longer serve their new dreams. We spoke to a handful of students who changed course midway through to find out how they knew it was time to transfer schools—and how the decision to start over shaped their careers.
Right: “In cabaret the woman is a vehicle to display the costume. That presents an idea about feminism I find really interesting.” —Rosie Herrera, whose latest dance theater work was inspired by her days as a showgirl. Photos by Moris Moreno.
Whether you have a particular goal in mind or are still searching, this issue also offers a detailed scholarship guide to help you get to where you want to be. We list more than 200 opportunities for both students and professionals. Look carefully to find the ones that match up with your ambitions.
Even when you find your fit, you’ll need to keep adapting as you—and the dance world—change over time. Even an artist as established as William Forsythe continues to reinvent himself. As we report in “The Latest,” he’s shocked many in the dance world by announcing that he will leave his renowned company behind to join the faculty of University of Southern California’s new dance program. His move may be unexpected, but it just proves that there is no one right way to find success in the dance field.
Jennifer Stahl
Editor in Chief
