Be A Dance Artist Your Own Way is a guidebook designed to inspire dancers ages 7-18 to take ownership of their dance journey. This book encourages readers to explore creativity beyond traditional training by establishing personalized dance routines that reflect their unique needs and passions. With a practical and accessible approach, it helps dancers gain confidence in their artistic abilities while fostering an independent mindset that will support them throughout their careers.
What distinguishes Be A Dance Artist Your Own Way from other dance resources is its focus on personal expression and self-empowerment. Rather than relying solely on institutional instruction, the book challenges dancers to become the architects of their own practice. Featuring exercises and tips for developing sustainable, healthy dance routines, the book highlights the importance of self-acceptance and self-care, while promoting a holistic approach to the art form. It guides dancers to lay a solid ground for pursuing their passion long-term, reducing the risk of physical and creative burnout and achieving the greatest creative potential.
The book also highlights the value of creativity across disciplines and advocates for inclusivity in body representation, encouraging dancers to embrace their unique physicality and artistic voice. With a focus on interdisciplinary skill-building, Be A Dance Artist Your Own Way invites dancers to expand their horizons, blending techniques and knowledge from various dance styles and other fields to become well-rounded performers and creators. Its ultimate goal is to equip each reader with the tools they need to thrive both personally and professionally, in a way that aligns with their individual style and values.
More than just a dance manual, Be A Dance Artist Your Own Way is a roadmap for dancers seeking to have a lifelong adventure with dance - one that is rewarding, nourishing, and full of inspiration. Whether they aspire to be choreographers, performers, researchers, educators, or simply want dance to remain a meaningful part of their lives, this book offers the guidance and motivation to help turn their dreams into reality, all while celebrating the joy of dance and the power of artistic self-expression.
Chiu, Ailin: - Ailin Chiu is a freelance journalist.
Liao, Joyce: - Joyce Liao is a dancer, choreographer, improviser, and writer whose work explores the intersection of movement and language across contemporary and traditional forms. She holds a BA in Dance from the University of Washington and has presented work at Studio Current, On the Boards, Velocity Dance Center, Seattle Art Museum, Meany Hall, and other performance venues. Active in the local dance community, Joyce has contributed through original choreography, improvisation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. As an artist-in-residence at Studio Current, she developed a reflective writing practice rooted in observation and creative inquiry. She also contributed performance reviews and commentary as a freelance journalist for Asia Today. Her current work surveys the poetic relationship between movement and writing, exploring dance as a practice for artistic expression, self-discovery, and lifelong learning.
