Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Wallace-Green.
Hi Isabel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a professional dancer based in New York City. Originally from Houston, Texas, I started dancing at age six at Houston Ballet Academy. My parents, who are both artists, prioritized arts exposure throughout my childhood. My earliest memories of home are colored with in-house art displays and family outings to art exhibitions, live theater, and dance performances. Creativity was a constant thread in the fabric of my upbringing. Over time, my own artistic passion settled on dance and performing. What initially started with focused ballet training later expanded to include hip hop, musical theater, jazz, modern, and West African dance styles. I attended Fordham University/The Ailey School and graduated with a double major in Dance and African/African American Studies. Soon afterwards, my blossoming dance career took shape and began to reflect my versatile interests. From performing as an ensemble member of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, to joining Dallas Black Dance Theatre as a company member, to serving on faculty at multiple dance studios, my artistic endeavors have gifted me countless opportunities to share and connect with diverse communities. I am currently wrapping up my third season dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which includes extensive touring both nationally and internationally. As my path continues to unfold, my artistic inspiration remains seated at the intersection of art and social justice. I gravitate towards work that explores themes of identity, culture, and human resilience. With that, I fully embrace the performing arts as essential to the betterment of our society.
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?
I proudly own my unique path as an artist, complete with the natural whirlwind of ups and downs. As a dancer whose body is my instrument, some of my greatest challenges have been physical injuries. I’ve undergone two ACL reconstruction surgeries and most recently recovered from a fractured metatarsal. During these intense and prolonged rehabilitation periods, difficulty arises in the attempt to separate what I do (or rather what my body can no longer do at that time) from who I am. As a performing artist, my work stems from and exists within my physical body. Therefore, removing that physical capability quickly puts my identity into question. Who am I without what my body can do? I’ve found that these brutal injuries take a detrimental toll on my sense of self-worth and purpose. Interestingly enough, physical recovery—which is demanding on its own—often proves to be easier than facing the accompanying mental hurdles. Learning to trust my body again and retrain my mind to block doubt require immense mental strength and stamina. Yet each recovery makes my body and mind stronger than they ever were before. I have grown to appreciate all of these challenges as necessary to my journey. I am not me without my hardships; and I remain extremely thankful for the entirety of my path.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a professional dancer, I spend most of my time in studios and theaters. I actively work on my craft through movement, choreography, and teaching, but also cherish time with other artists as inspirational to my own creativity. I grew up in a visual arts based household and use that foundation to influence my outlook on and exploration of performance. Consequently, my work as a dancer involves constant collaboration and learning. I believe that I am forever a student and always evolving. The work that I am most proud of can rarely be reduced to a single achievement. Instead I value the extensive journey that leads to a particular culminating moment. Whether it be onstage or off, the fulfillment of accomplishing a physical feat— embedded with creative expression and vulnerability—is only gratifying because I excavated a new layer of self and forged stronger connections with those around me. I fell in love with performance because a show always leaves me feeling more uplifted and/or understood. As a performer now myself, I have the opportunity to pass on that transformation and acceptance to anyone who attends my shows. This is a great honor that I do not take lightly. After all, art heals; and we could all use a little more healing these days.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Anyone interested in supporting or collaborating with me can start by attending more live performances. Support your local arts organizations and share its impact with those around you. Art reflects stories that stem from universal human experiences. By engaging with art, we encourage vulnerability, community, and connection. In a world that is so heavily divided, art allows us to see each other. Whether or not we are familiar with one another, we soften our hearts through art and become more understanding and caring individuals in the process. I remain open to collaboration with any creative interested in inclusion, accessibility, resilience, and identity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isabelwallacegreen.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/izwalgreens
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/isabel.wallacegreen
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/isabel-wallace-green
Image Credits
Xavier Mack, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Kent Barker, Xavier Mack, Xavier Mack
