i'm figure this out.

[Beth Rodriguez]

announcing i was leaving nyc to move to louisville was enough to convince friends and colleagues to abandon general manners and say, wincing, "WHY! are you retiring?"
rude, perhaps. presumptuous, yes. ignorant, definitely.

what many didn't know (or believe, once told) was that louisville is a medium-sized city with the art community of its big brothers. painters, glass artists, contemporary performers, musicians...they are all represented. and no, they are not simply following the innovations of the coasts.

sure, i wondered if there would be a place for me. during a public improvisational performance in a very trendy Louisville neighborhood (a dime a dozen in nyc) i was met with confused, quick glances and passersby rushed to escape the threat of engagement. few modern dancers locally are as interested in experimental work and I am, and my pitches for collaboration are met with enthusiasm only occasionally.

BUT, i am finding my niche. i went knocking on doors of contemporary art galleries downtown this weekend, ready to sell myself if necessary. i found gems, exhibiting exciting work and offering ideas for future collaborations. my focus has changed, has moved from theatrical works for controlled settings to public/experimental/improvisational works set in/at/on ______. louisville offers a brilliant canvas.

so no, dear new york friends, there are not directories filled with independent rehearsal spaces. and there are, to date, only 4 professional dance companies. but there are some definite advantages, like audiences who are still excited to see dance (and do not arrive to shows armed with prepared, sarcastic criticism), dancers who are adventurous and committed, and colleagues who are supportive and encouraging.

believe it or not, my dance career is more fulfilling now that I have left one of the modern-day epicenters. it is a message i communicate to young dancers just beginning: we have options, now. more so than when i was fresh out of the university, there are pockets within the middle of the country where one can create meaningful work within a community of artists, for a public that is hungry for it.