Summary

Deidre Rogan shares her journey of becoming a member of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. From a young age, Deidre knew she wanted to dance for the company after seeing Alvin Ailey's iconic work, Revelations. She trained extensively in modern dance and auditioned for the Ailey summer intensives and the BFA program. After graduating, she joined Ailey Two and eventually auditioned for the main company, seven years in a row (!!!), finally getting hired in 2022. Deidre discusses the physical and emotional toll of being a professional dancer, the challenges of touring, and the importance of body image in the dance world. She also shares her aspirations for the future, including potentially pursuing Broadway and voiceover work. Deidre's story is one of resilience and never, ever giving up on her ultimate dream, a dream she made her reality.

Takeaways

• Never give up on your dreams, even if it takes multiple auditions or years of training.
• The dance world is shifting towards celebrating all body types and athleticism.
• Touring as a dancer can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging, but the love for performing keeps dancers going.
• Balancing personal life and touring can be difficult, but communication and understanding are key.
• It's important to take care of your body and prioritize your physical and mental well-being as a dancer.
• Timing is everything, and connections and perseverance can play a significant role in achieving your goals.
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Early Dance Aspirations

08:06 A Day in the Life of an Ailey Dancer

26:07 The Physical Toll and Career Lifespan of a Dancer

31:44 Body Image in the Dance World

39:59 Balancing Personal Life and Touring

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