| Q. |
What is the greatest piece of advice you received as a dancer? |
| A. |
Just relax. Everything goes so much more easily when I'm relaxed. When I perform in a relaxed state, I feel like I'm dancing with the floor rather than skittering over the top of it. If I step out onstage worried that I am going to mess up out there, there's a good chance I will. But, when I allow myself to relax and enjoy myself up there, I feel that this energy transfers directly to my audience, which makes the performance joyful for us both. |
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| Q. |
What do you do to help the development of the next generation of dancers? |
| A. |
As dancers, we are constantly criticized and have even taught ourselves to be severely self-critical every time we look in the mirror or watch a tape of our performances. So, what I like to do with young dancers is laud praise on them for all they have done well, simply because we so often overlook the good and focus on the "bad." |
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| Q. |
Other than dance, what really excites you? |
| A. |
My family, science fiction books, writing, romantic movies, the ocean...and peanut butter! |
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| Q. |
What special tips do you use for breaking in your shoes? |
| A. |
With the shoes still inside, I step on the boxes to flatten them out and then whack the shoe tips on a concrete surface 20 or more times! I know, it seems horrible to be so violent towards something that was so beautifully handmade, but it's the only way I can make them "soundproof." (I hate noisy shoes when I dance.) |
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| Q. |
What is the most important advice given to you (and by whom)? |
| A. |
"Be a servant to others." I don't remember who actually said it, but I do remember hearing it in a sermon. That instantly resonated with me and has stayed with me ever since. |
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| Q. |
If you were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would you want with you, and why? |
| A. |
In the past, I had always thought that if asked this question, I would say "a helicopter, because then I could get off the darn island", but now I have to say it would be my husband. I know he is not a "thing", but I just can't be apart from him. |
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