By Sarah Lochhead
Acting Managing Editor and Staff Writer of The Dance Current Magazine

I would like to share a series of images or a brainstorm that has evolved over these two days. I’d like to invite you to close your eyes and in the space of these words and images take the time for your own reflection.

on the MOVE …picture an antique compass brass and glass … directions … arrow pointing north … pathways … guidance ... direction … finding you way.

Joanna Mackie and Margot Collins in Balancing Life and Work, had us examine the reason why we were drawn to this art form and what interests us now. They invited you to use this to guide you through times of transition.

Your magnetic north … magnetism … the attraction of inspiration … the ability to inspire each other and support each other and help each other grow … the ability to harness this in your teaching, performing, choreography.

It is important to have the tools to find your way. Elizabeth Chitty of the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, Ontario Chapter and Dennis Lepsi of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association spoke about professional standards being a guide … Dance Umbrella of Ontario has your dance passport … The Dance Current has Destination Dance Danse … itinerary … planning … budgeting … the Dancer Transition Resource Centre can help you plan your route … The Actors’ Fund of Canada and the Artists’ Health Centre can help you on a detour … stop and ask directions…Use your service organization map.

Maps … landscapes … traveling to other cities, countries exploring the scene … zig zag across Europe … seeing the world from a plane … patches of land like a patchwork quilt …“patchwork quilt” of experiences as Megan English put it while discussing parallel careers … Experience other dance forms… leap out of your comfort zone… take chances.

Meet new people on your travels … create connections … stay in touch.

Explore and make time for the other points of direction in your life: Family, friends, other interests … a night out … fulfill these personal needs too … stay healthy and be well rounded … inspiration can lie in places you don’t expect.

Articulate your path … reflect and explore your passions and interests. This is your path.

Be empowered … you are not in this journey alone … it is in your hands.