In our three-part collection, Easy methods to navigate your European audition tour, Dance Informa speaks with three American artists who’re dwelling the dream – dancing professionally in Europe. However how did they get there? How did they hear about auditions or community to be seen by corporations? The place did they keep whereas embarking on their very own curated audition tour? How did they get their foot within the door overseas?

This version, we hear from Shannon Maynor, who danced a few years as a freelancer in NYC, and is now making a dwelling dancing, educating and creating in Berlin, Germany.

Shannon Maynor – @shannon_maynor

Background

“I began my ballet coaching at 4 years previous, and by age 10, I just about wished to do it on a regular basis. I moved to review at San Francisco Ballet College once I was 16. Getting to watch and dance with top-of-the-line corporations in america was an enormous step and supply of inspiration.

Freelancing in New York additionally gave me invaluable abilities and uncovered me to many various types and methods of working. I like that within the NYC dance scene, you possibly can juggle so many various tasks –– something is feasible at any time. For me, although, I felt like I wanted a little bit of a slower tempo, to essentially relish within the course of. I reached a degree in New York the place I felt like I used to be on autopilot. I like performing, however I used to be involved in diving deeper into creating and being coached within the studio.

Transferring to Berlin in 2019 completely rejuvenated me and my profession, and even by way of COVID, I’ve felt absolutely supported as an artist. Right here, there’s time and assets to domesticate my work. I’m in my 30s and extra in love with dance and making artwork than I’ve ever been. My greatest mistake was initially making an attempt to squeeze myself right into a field that didn’t match, which triggered me to get discouraged early on. To keep away from that, attempt to be actually clear about what you need (what types, freelance vs. salaried firm, what’s vital to you as a dancer, and so forth.). Whereas it’s vital to be open-minded, attempt to not drive your self into conditions that you recognize aren’t aligned with what you want as an artist and human being.

Except for the entire on-line assets (danceeurope.internet, dancingopportunities.com, and so forth.), I counsel checking the social media accounts of particular corporations or choreographers you’re involved in. Additionally, don’t be shy, particularly should you’re new to a metropolis, to inform colleagues and academics that you simply’re in search of alternatives. Even with the effectivity of the web, I discover that phrase of mouth remains to be one of the best ways. Once I determined that I wished to maneuver to Europe, I advised principally everybody I spoke to and ended up with invaluable recommendation and contacts.

My greatest piece of recommendation is to not be shy! In case you’re taking an organization class, ask questions and possibly see should you can observe a rehearsal. Planning an audition tour might be costly and complex, however in case you have time and there’s a metropolis you’re involved in, attempt taking a category or workshop there. These are nice methods to satisfy much more dancers who can supply steerage or assets.”

By Charly Santagado of Dance Informa.