Kelsey Middleton dances with the contemporary dance company Visceral Dance Chicago

1. How did you first become involved with dance?

I started dancing at the Academy of Movement in Music in Oak Park, IL at the age of 12. Both of my younger sisters were enrolled in ballet classes and I thought it looked like something I would enjoy.

2. What are you currently doing in the dance field?

I’m currently in my second season with Visceral Dance Chicago. We are busy preparing for our fall engagement at the Harris. When I’m not rehearsing with Visceral I also like to find time to collaborate on small projects with other dancers in the Chicago community.

3. What is the best advice you have received about dance?

The best piece of advice I’ve received about dance is to stay focused on myself and trust in my own journey. It’s so easy to compare your progress with your peers or covet the careers of dancers you admire. While it’s only natural to compare yourself to the other artists, the only way you’re going to grow and achieve your goals is by focusing on your own unique strengths and weaknesses.

4.What do you find most challenging about dance?

I’ve always been a highly self-critical person. This definitely presents its challenges as dance classes and rehearsals are largely centered around receiving corrections. I’m working to find some levity in my dancing and to simply not be so hard on myself. I also try to remember to hone in on my strengths just as much as I work to improve on my weaknesses.

5. What dance achievement are you most proud of so far?

Becoming a member of Visceral Dance Chicago has been my proudest dance achievement thus far. It was a dream come true.

6. What advice would you give to students who are considering majoring in dance in college? [Read more…]