SIDEWAYS has been my second home for ten years, and has become a part of me. I love SIDEWAYS because I am passionate about the stories we tell and challenged by the variety of movement we get to perform. From cha cha to modern and waltz to musical theater, I have gotten to perform my strengths and grow as a dancer by trying new things. I never grow stagnant because there is always a new challenge waiting around the corner.
SIDEWAYS is a special place that values dancers strengths and differences. Far from requiring dancers to conform or move the same, SIDEWAYS choreographers, especially Charlotte, work to feature dancers in ways that highlight their uniqueness and special skills. The goal of SIDEWAYS has always been to tell stories through dance, and dancers are given equal voice to the choreographers in the expression of those stories. We are able to work together as dancers and choreographers from vastly different backgrounds because we all recognize that we have different strengths. We are able to learn from each other and grow together to create something truly unique. Charlotte and other SIDEWAYS choreographers have always supported this collaborative spirit, which is rare in dance companies.
Working with Foster-Schmidt is another highlight of being a SIDEWAYS member, and another unique feature of the company. We dance because we believe in the transformative power of art and storytelling, but I have been transformed by Foster-Schmidt. Getting to share the stage with these dancers reminds me about the joy of dancing and living, and how dance communicates something that words do not.
Mary certainly is inspiring to watch!
Thank you for lighting up the stage with SIDEWAYS for the past 10 years !