Photo by Steven Schreiber; L to R: Lawrence Cassella, Ivy Baldwin, Eleanor Smith, Katy Workum

 

From Joanna Kotze

Meet people, take classes, go to auditions, get into the studio, see the city, see all kinds of art, see performances in dance and otherwise, walk around a lot, write a lot, seek out the free events and free museum hours, talk to people, build a community, keep costs low, have good walking shoes, introduce yourself to your teachers, go to classes you wouldn’t normally go to, have a reason to be in New York and keep reminding yourself of that reason when you start to doubt. Constantly ask questions, and be inspired by others.

From Ivy Baldwin

Find an affordable apartment and a job that won’t kill you and allows you time to dance and see lots of dance. If you discover someone’s work that truly inspires you, tell him/her you’re interested. Spend lots of time at Movement Research. Take advantage of the museums, galleries, shows, film, interesting classes, food…..it’s an amazing city.

From Jennifer Nugent

NYC can be intimidating. It takes some time to feel settled, sometimes longer than you thought. Think about your expectations and hold them loosely. There is a lot of different work happening, so many projects, and people wanting to make and share. The idea of moving to NYC and auditioning to get in a company is quickly changing. There are companies and choreographers making work, but keeping an open mind and heart is helpful. You can find a job doing Pilates or body work, a box office, childcare, restaurant work, catering. It is easier to find a job than you might think, but you have to be creative with your dance/class taking schedule. NYC is a fun place with so much energy. I have loved all 15 years of it!

From Alexandra Beller

Brace yourself. Dive in. Try to milk the city for everything its got. Usher for shows, intern at a company you love, get all the things your hometown didn’t have.

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