From training in Alaska to Hawaii to Washington, Naquoia Bautista has rich experience dancing in various genres across an array of settings. Today, she is an assistant store manager at Dancewear Center and a pointe shoe fitter in training. Read on to learn more about Naquoia’s dance journey and goals at the store.
Read MoreThere are many unspoken assumptions in the dance world, one of which is that dancers don’t need to put in work outside of the studio. However, conditioning and engaging in other complementary activities can make a world of difference when it comes to dancing with resilience and avoiding injuries. Zoe Geiger, PT, DPT, CSCS chats about her dance experience, the importance of restorative conditioning, and her upcoming appearance at Tea & Tendus at DWC Renton on April 10, 2022.
Read MoreFor many dancers, facing moderate to severe injuries has been an unfortunate part of their dance journeys. Having to sit out of classes, performances, and competitions, for weeks and months at a time is never what dancers are hoping to get out of their dance experiences. Fortunately, Brianne Zborowski and Kaycee Jones have created Apolla Performance, a company that creates revolutionary compression socks that can help dancers and other movers do what they love for longer. Read on to learn more about Co-Founder and CEO Bri Zborowski’s background and mission and tune in to Shark Tank on ABC on April 1, 2022, at 8/7 EST (or check local listings for times) to witness her and Kaycee pitch their business!
Read MoreNatalie Smith is a dancer, local to the greater Seattle area and one of the newest shift leads at Dancewear Center. From her experience dancing in a variety of genres to her aspirations of dancing en pointe, Natalie is a dynamic and seasoned employee that we’re grateful to have on the team.
Read MoreWithin any industry, narrow definitions and expectations are often formed regarding what the “typical” individual should look like. Such definitions and expectations can not only breed bland conformity but also lead to the creation of exclusive communities that leave certain people feeling like they do not belong. The dance industry is no exception. Through using her platform as a DWC ambassador, local dancer Jade Fraser strives to debunk myths about disabled dancers and share her unique experiences as a way to help make the community a better place.
Read MoreNo two dancers’ journeys are completely the same or even linear for that matter. When physical, mental, and societal obstacles are thrown in their way, dancers often take paths that they don’t expect. This was certainly the case for DWC Ambassador Anna Nelson. Read on to hear about her choosing to pause professional dance to pursue a college education, come back from an injury, and learn how to cope with anxiety throughout her dance career.
Read MoreWithin a culture and industry that often promotes conformity, being the one to stand out can be an uncomfortable, and sometimes even traumatizing experience. DWC Ambassador Austin Sexton knows what it’s like to experience discomfort for straying from the norm. But through adopting inclusive teaching practices, community members like Austin are helping make our local dance community more welcoming one step at a time.
Read MorePeople feel comfortable within their comfort zones. Here in the Seattle dance scene, it’s natural to flock to micro-communities of people who have similar interests as you. Nonetheless, such divisions can foster a competitive atmosphere in a world where dancers increasingly need the support of each other. Marlo Martin, artistic director of eXit SPACE, is interested in disrupting this dominant script, uplifting dancers, and fostering cross-community collaboration through her work at eXit SPACE.
Read More
Putting together a dance production can be a stressful experience for a choreographer and director. When putting the final touches on choreography, managing dancers, and carrying out other tasks, lighting design and stage management can slip to the back of choreographers’ and directors’ brains. Nonetheless, lighting design, stage, and house management are important parts of a production to consider, as they can greatly benefit the experience of a production for audience members and dancers alike when considered in detail. Elizabeth Bonar wears many hats as a local dancer, choreographer, teacher, lighting designer, and stage manager. Tune into Tea & Tendus at DWC Renton on March 13 at 5:30 PM to hear more about Elizabeth’s expertise and ask questions about all things “behind the scenes.”
Read MoreIt’s no secret that the dance world today is riddled with competition. Whether it’s the stages of dance competitions or within the crowded studio of an audition, dancers are often encouraged to pull out their best skills to win over the hearts and minds of judges, casting directors, and audiences across the globe. Within a competitive world, it’s easy to lose sight of the supportive communities that dance can foster. Daniel Wilkins of DASSdance strives to promote an inclusive and celebratory environment at All-4-1 Dancepalooza, a dance festival showcasing over a hundred young artists in the greater Seattle dance community March 12-13, 2022.
Read More