Today we’d like to introduce you to Christen Reyes
Hi Christen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas and was exposed to concert dance at Arlington Heights High School, under the leadership of Joy Bollinger, and knew that concert dance was the avenue for me. I attended Howard University where I received my B.F.A. in Dance Arts, and began to build a network in the professional concert dance community. I then performed professionally with Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore for 4 seasons. It was then when I realized the fire and punch that Concert Dance brings to Dallas. Once I received the position as Founder/Director of Terrell Dance, I knew that I wanted to bring that same fire to the city of Fort Worth, the place that I grew up in! I saw that the city has music festivals, art festivals, tech festivals galore, but not one single dance festival. I saw the need, and just did something about it! I created Fort Worth Dance Festival, a space for community, not just for the dance space, but for the community at large! So that everyone could see what beautiful things are happening in our city, regarding dance. Similarly, I saw this need with regards to data. We see the Betty Buckley Awards for Theatre, various TMEA awards for music, but nothing regarding dance. So, I thought it would be special to create an award system for dance education, and present those awards at the Festival. I contacted my mentor, mentioned above, Joy Bollinger, to see if she would help support this idea of awards, and collaborating with Bruce Wood Dance, as Bruce Wood is also a Fort Worth native, and they have been supportive since day one! Essentially, I just want dance, dance education, dance as a profession to take off in Fort Worth, because far too long has amazing things been happening, but not many know about it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The struggle for me is fundraising and exposure. I don’t have a background in fundraising or marketing, and am currently in the process of creating committee’s for more help. I never want money to be a reason why someone can’t attend. Growing up in a middle class family, I know the struggle, and I absolutely recognized my parents sacrifice. I would love to have sponsors, sponsor all of the FWISD Dance Students to be able to experience the festival free of charge every year! Many never get a chance to see Texas Ballet Theatre or Bruce Wood Dance, let alone be able to take class from college professionals/master teachers, so it is my goal to have true access to all, no matter where they come from.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a dance artist. A late bloomer. Not flexible. Not a turner. Not a jumper. Just a person who loves dance, and hopes to change lives through dance. I am a Horton Certified teacher, which is codified modern technique, and I love West African and the Dunham technique, and often combine all things within my class. I think I am most known for the relationships that I build in the dance classroom, and my passion for dance. I am most proud that I didn’t let starting dance late kill my spark to become a professional, and because of my determination, drive, and focus, my dreams came true as a performing professional artist. As an educator, I have always been the underdog. When I.M. Terrell first opened in 2018, I was the only teacher who had zero, public school education knowledge. I had to create a program with little to no help, design a curriculum and structure for the students attending, and find creative ways to fund the professional experiences I knew that they needed to be successful dancers of their own. I had a great experience as a high school student already, and because I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, like Elizabeth Gillaspy, Leslie Jones, Madoline Rosenthal, and Joy Bollinger, I knew that excellence was the only option. Lastly, I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I started dancing late. When you have to work for something, you are more hyper-focused on all of the things that make a dancer great. I think is what makes me a great teacher, and I think the dream and drive to make it, has never gone away. I think I am always reaching for the next best opportunity for students and for dance as a whole.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I am so proud of how dance has shaped and grown in the city of Fort Worth, since I graduated. I am inspired by every single dance educator in FWISD and in the charter schools. Additionally, I believe the community, connection, and support of studio owners have grown immensely. Everyone is on the same team, growing phenomenal dance artists! Because of this, I see more and more students graduating in Fort Worth, and going to the top collegiate programs, or auditioning for companies right out of high school and being successful. I see the date for Dance Education, how it translates beyond the stage and into other career fields being brought to light so that more support happens. And lastly, I definitely see more companies being birthed out of our city, and growing audiences of all genres outside of ballet.
Pricing:
- Friday, Professional Artist Performance- $20
- Saturday, Gala Performance- $25
- Sunday, Youth Artist Performance- $15
- Master Class Drop in- $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.terrelldance.com/fwdf
- Instagram: @fortworthdancefestival
Image Credits
Shawn Lawson (my headshot)
