Each week following an artist's post, reflection questions and research ideas will get posted. These are aimed towards college level courses (senior seminar, composition, dance education, and more), but of course anyone can read the postscript and find thought-provoking questions and activities.

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Discuss: Connections

Aaron thoroughly described his performing work over the past decade and how "one thing led to another." Was this surprising to read? Why has modern dance shifted away from the audition model for finding dancers? In your life right now, who are you connected to, and how might these connections lead you to future work? 

Research: Various Artists

Aaron has worked with a wide range of artists and in a variety of performance venues. Spend 15-20 minutes on the internet researching several artists, organizations, or venues such as:

• Big Dance Theater
• OtherShore Dance
• Ursula Eagly
• Kathy Westwater
• John Kelly
• David Parker
• David Gordon
• Doug Elkins
• Faye Driscoll
• Christopher Williams Dance
• New York Live Arts
• BAM's Next Wave Festival

Research: Aaron's Own Website

Many freelance artists create their own websites. Spend some time on Aaron's website. What are the categories on his site? Color scheme? Photos and video? What is the feel and tone of his site?

Reflect: Sacrifices

"Is this the thing you care about more than anything else in the whole world? What will you give up, sacrifice, go without, to make it happen?" These are two questions Aaron posed in his profile. Consider this for yourself. Consider the real sacrifices that could come up with a life in dance – financial, housing, use of time, scheduling, etc. Where are you okay flexing, adjusting, and sacrificing? Where do you feel strongly that you cannot comprise? If possible, pose these questions to dancers and mentors you know who are further along in their careers. These questions are real and important to consider and re-consider throughout your dance career.