Thoughts on being an Alaskan Artist

PDC company member Brooke Nguyen.

There are a lot of wonderful things about Alaska - location, opportunities, community, the view.

Those same things can simultaneously become the hardships - and the saving graces - of being a working artist in our state.

Location? We're completely detached from art hubs. New York, LA, Europe. It's safe to say Jiri Kylian doesn't Google search "dance in Anchorage" when he needs inspiration. And so it remains our responsibility to seek knowledge, chase new experiences, and share them generously.

Opportunities? They're as vast as our state's square footage... but only if you make them. As Alaska approaches its Centennial Celebration, it's important to note that a city is only as vibrant as the art it supports, and within 100 years, we've come far. It's equally important to note that without arts leaders forging ahead, our (limited) arts scene wouldn't be what it is today. For that, I am thankful.

A sense of community. Without it we're weak, and together, we can do more, and better. Not everyone will share the same vision, and that's OK. Countless arts organizations across the nation work together for mutually beneficial outcomes, and that in and of itself creates a safety net for what can be a perilous work climate for the arts. Strength in numbers, power in support, commUNITY. It's a beautiful thing to know people have your back, and empowering to have theirs. Pulse has been lucky to have the support of leading local arts organizations including the Anchorage Concert Association, Momentum Dance Collective, Underground Dance Company, Studio 49, and the University of Alaska. Together, we can build an environment that nurtures the art we care so passionately about, and together, we can continue growing.

The view. Well - the view's always great.

Pulse launched a Kickstarter campaign on September 20 for a restaging of Cinderella, and what has been most beautiful about the Kickstarter experience is the massive amount of support it has received, and not just financially. Our campaign has been shared nearly 900 times by donors and non-donors looking to make our project happen. That, if anything, is what it's all about: bringing people together, making art a viable possibility in Anchorage, and no matter the struggle, finding ways to make big things happen. Thanks for taking the journey with us.

Until next time, friends.

Stephanie Wonchala
Pulse Dance Company
Artistic Director/Choreographer

And Another Thing...: Whim W'him: The Courage Of Conviction

And Another Thing...: Whim W'him: The Courage Of Conviction: Whim W'him company members in "Les Biches" by Anabelle Lopez Ochoa photo @ Bamberg Fine Art, courtesy Whim W'him It ta...

Fairbanks 2014 AWG Gala Finale

This was ridiculously cool. Throat singers meet break dancers, native dance meets Greenland flair. Such an amazing experience - and while the sound drops when the awesome drumming kicks in, you get the idea. 
We are one community, even if continents apart. 



More: http://awg2014.org/culture

Life of a Freelance Dancer: Should Artists be Shamed into Taking "Normal" Jobs...

"Professional artists need to remember that art is their job. Not some fun, child-like hobby that we are too stubborn to let go of."

Amen. Looking forward to having the highly accomplished, mega-talented Barry Kerollis back in our state. As sequestered as we are, it will be a delight to have his professional dance current ripple into our midst.

Catch up on his blog below:

Life of a Freelance Dancer: Should Artists be Shamed into Taking "Normal" Jobs...: At the beginning of 2014, I posted an article on Facebook about the hotly debated emergency extension of unemployment benefits . My intentio...

Pageant School - THROWBACK!

A fun blast from the past - pun intended - feat. Pulse director Stephanie Wonchala doing her thang. #throwback

Pulse Dance Company in Concert finale: an excerpt

Tighty Whitey Leaps Galore!

Fun is what we do. ;)

The Black Swan Challenge: Curtain

Greetings, Black Swan fan,

We were so delighted to have Brittany take on the Black Swan Challenge - she dove in head first and never wavered! Not only was a life change of this nature impressive, but her will to complete the challenge is inspirational. Over two hours of dance everyday. All styles. No matter the weather, work load, or mood. Truly, Brittany's dance-centered lifestyle, even alongside a full time job and recent engagement is proof that if you want it, and work for it, you can achieve anything. Where there is a will, there is a way.

A big, special thank you to Alaska Dancer Emporium for sponsoring Brittany's epic dance quest. Upon completion, Brittany was awarded a shopping spree during which she scored much more dance gear than we had initially thought possible! $100 goes far at Alaska Dancer Emporium, and Brittany left with lovely new leos, tights, a skirt, and accessories (and I may or may not have splurged on a dark blue Natalie leo with velour trim myself).

So many choice, sizes, colors!

<3

Aside from connecting with such a beautiful mover and soul, the best part was watching Brittany nestle back into her "dancer self," confidently adding artistic flair to increasingly long lines and confidently-executed combinations. We officially have our first Black Swan. Are you next?

Hoping to meet your swan self at the Studio!

Stephanie Wonchala

Owner/Director

- - - -

Brittany's final post:

I came. I stretched. I ached. I was sore. I was impossibly stiff. I hurt. I sweat. I put my water bottle through its paces. I nursed a bum foot. I took countless Epsom salt baths. I neglected many dirty dishes. I pushed myself. And... I. Did. It. I completed the challenge!!! I am the first completed Black Swan at Studio Pulse!!!! I can't contain my exclamation points!!

I am proud of myself. But, more than that, I am thankful I got this chance. I said in my first blog post that I thought the challenge coming about was the Universe's way of telling my to get to dancing again. I believe that even more now. I also believe that any potential cosmic gestures the good ol' Universe may offer up won't amount to anything if they aren't met with a willing spirit. Because the Universe just can't do all the work, y'know? Not that I am here to dispense advice or anything... but I'm going to. My advice to you is: try. It doesn't matter what it is. Just... try. And really give it everything you've got.

And I'm not done. This challenge is over, but mine is ongoing. I will keep dancing, moving, and grooving. I have a swan status to maintain! To all those dancers out there: keep it up. Even when you're discouraged, or tired, remember how much you love it. As a friend once told me, (and the Steve Miller Band confirmed) dance, dance, dance; you will never grow old. And to everyone out there: dance is a universal language. Something primal, something beautiful; some piece of humanity we can all share in some way. Explore that, especially if you never have before. It goes on and on.

Because, *ahem*, YOU can dance if you want to. You can leave your friends behind (if it comes to that, for, like, an hour or so while you're in the studio) Because your friends don't dance, and if they don't dance (they totally can, though, just bring them with you) then they're no friends of mine.

THANK YOU, everyone, for reading. And THANK YOU, Studio Pulse and all of my instructors and fellow dancers, for your encouragement, support, and for just being there.

This week's Theme song: Applause - Lady Gaga

Brittany "before" photo.

After 30 days of dedicated dancing!

So much attitude.