Daylin Williams, who dances with Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company’s second company, Wasatch II, and teaches dance at Cedar Valley High School in Utah, has struggled with depression since age 13. Dealing with mental illness while pursuing a dance career has presented unique challenges. “There have been days where I was in rehearsal and I had to leave the room and go cry in a changing room,” she says, “because I felt overwhelmed and was struggling with medication changes.”

It often starts as a little voice. “She looked better doing that combination than I did.” “I’m never going to get that role.” But over time, the whispers can turn to shouts. “I’m not as good as they think I am.” “I’m never going to make it as a professional dancer.” “I don’t belong in […]

Most dancers are over the moon when they get accepted into their dream dance program. But what happens when your parents don’t share the same excitement? For some students, receiving an acceptance letter is the start of an even bigger battle: convincing their family of the validity of a dance degree. Talk It Out Know […]