On October 25, CFA students had the opportunity to visit Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company for our first Career Trek of the year. Students were able to learn about the roles within the company, take a tour of the theatre, and network with professionals.
Ririe-Woodbury was founded in 1964 by Joan Woodbury and Shirley Ririe with the motto “dance is for everyone.” Since its founding, the company has grown from local performances to being internationally renowned, with programs shown all over the world. Currently, the company resides in the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center.
We first met with executive director Thom Dancy, who gave us a small introduction to the company’s history before taking us to a rehearsal room where the performers were rehearsing. We met the artistic director, Daniel Charon, as well as Fausto Rivera, Luke Dakota Zender, Megan McCarthy, Miche’ Smith, Nick Elizondo, and Sasha Rydlizky, who are all performers with the company. We were able to sit in on their rehearsal, watching them work on various dances meant for their upcoming program. They showed us dances multiple times, with different music at varying speeds. Charon talked to us about choreography, and his process with his work. He told us that he finds inspiration in a variety of ways, even basing one of his dances off purple.
After watching the dancers interact and rehearse, Dancy took us on a tour of the theater. We were able to go up onto the stage, viewing it from the sides and backstage. We then went up the stairs by the stage to view the auditorium from the balcony seats. Dancy told us about the kind of performances and events they put on and the logistics behind it. During that day an event was being set up in the auditorium, so we got to see a little bit of this in the background. He then took us to the office space, where the executive team and other staff work. He let us ask questions about their work life, projects, and general questions about working for the company.
We then returned to the dancers' rehearsal, where we watched them work on other dances for a small while. We were soon joined by development director Kirt Bateman, and marketing manager Karessa Pitcher. Afterward they opened for any questions about dance, performances, and other aspects of the company.
One of the things discussed was the educational aspect of the company. Dancers travel to elementary schools in Utah to offer kids dance classes, often going to rural areas that may not have access to dance education. It’s a great way for kids to develop motor skills and creativity, and it may even introduce them to a career path they didn’t know was possible.
The company talked about their experiences, ranging from the audition process to pulling a show together. Many of the dancers had to audition during the COVID-19 pandemic when the future of the performing arts was uncertain. Others who auditioned had to do so multiple times before being offered a position in the company. The performers told us always to keep applying for art positions, even if you aren’t accepted on the first go. Sometimes you won’t make it on your first try, and that’s okay! Keeping motivation and a passion for your art will push you towards opportunities. Karessa Pitcher even discussed how she was an intern before she joined the company as an employee. Those in administrative positions talked about their love of the arts, and how they continued to be involved by joining an arts-based company. Even if you aren’t creating for your job, you still get to be involved with what you love.
ARTSFORCE TAKEAWAYS
- There are many ways to be involved in the arts in your career. You don’t need to be creating art to be part of the field!
- Don’t give up when auditioning! Opportunities may not come instantly, but that doesn’t mean they won’t come at all.
- Networking with professionals is a great way to learn of opportunities and make connections in your field.
