Her Story
About Margaret
I've been dancing since I was [AGE], growing up as a competitive dancer and performing in a ballet company. After earning my BA in dance with a minor in social justice, I pursued dance professionally in the New York City area. Today, I continue performing professionally through adult heels classes, workshops, and performances with friends throughout the city. As Dance Coordinator at a dance school in Westchester, New York, I've spent almost 5 years building this business from the ground up alongside my boss. We started with just 50 students and it was just the two of us working - now we have almost 350 students and a whole staff of employees. My passion for dance has always been intertwined with my commitment to community building, particularly in Elmsford, New York, where I have such a strong connection with the kids and people who live there. Beyond dance, I've worked as a mental health sponsor in college with people who had schizophrenia, as a stretch therapist working with professional athletes, and as a nurse assistant - all nurturing professions that reflect my calling to help others while pursuing my artistic passion.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Margaret
01What do you attribute your success to?
I really just think it boils down to dance being my passion. Ever since I was younger, I knew dance is something I definitely wanted to pursue. Being in the specific community of Elmsford, New York, I just have such a connection with the kids and the people that live there. My volunteer work as a mental health sponsor in college and my passion for nonprofit work has also really inspired me and helped me to know that I can pursue my own dreams while still working within the community and helping others. The arts can be almost selfish in a way - it's like, I'm dancing before you watch me - so it's also very fulfilling to be able to teach other people not only how to dance, but to give them some sort of release in their life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I would say every teacher I've encountered, I've always taken something from them, whether they were in a residency for a few weeks, or if it was even just one time taking their class, or the professors I had, or all the teachers who basically helped raise me growing up. You kind of take experiences from everyone that you encounter, and I think that's really important - being able to absorb all of that information regardless of the specific bond you have with someone.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think just remember why you're doing it. I think purpose is important. Really focus on your own goals instead of another person's vision, and then also just be disciplined. You have to have a certain motivation to want to fulfill it, because it's not easy. It's definitely competitive, so just really have that self-assurance and confidence that you are able to do it, because if you keep putting yourself in a situation, eventually it's gonna happen. It's not really about the time it takes you to get there, it's really about the direction you're moving in.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I want to keep pursuing dance in general and keep dancing, but also make more inclusive communities in the professional world, because everything is very competitive and it's very superficial. If you know someone, you know someone, and as great as all that is, I'm focused on getting more opportunities to younger dancers as well.
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