Susan Custer
Susan Custer is home based in Stoughton, Wisconsin. She has Bachelor of Science in Performance and Choreography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she also received a Stagecraft Apprentice Scholarship through Duke University, Durham, NC. There she earned ten college credits while working and studying with world renowned choreographers and dancers. It is there that she met and worked beside choreographer Merce Cunningham and his dancers. Susan has dedicated over 40 years to the art of dance, beginning as a young ballet student supported by her father and progressing to professional training at the Illinois Academy of Ballet. She has combined her passion for movement with a commitment to community engagement, teaching ballet and creative movement to children and adults through her self-employed practice and continuing life science studies which has led to her role at the City of Monona Parks & Recreation. As a Brain Health Trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE - IFIT), Susan integrates her expertise in fitness, nutrition, and health sciences to promote holistic well-being. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering creativity, physical health, and inclusivity, reflected in her work offering scholarships to students through her business, "Dancing with Care", LLC and providing ballet slippers to ensure all participants feel welcomed and supported. She is also actively involved with the Isthmus Dance Collective of Madison Wisconsin, collaborating with other professionals to bring dance education to the broader community. Susan’s professional journey includes a range of leadership and advocacy experiences, from serving as a Student Liaison on the Madison Area Technical College District Board to completing the Wisconsin AHEC Scholars program, where the program addressed population health needs through interprofessional learning. Throughout her career, she has overcome significant personal challenges, demonstrating resilience and dedication to her students, the field of dance and continuing health education. Susan's philosophy in dance is to follow the pedagogy of Margaret H'Doubler who is known for creating the first dance major at the University of Wisconsin .
Her work continues to inspire creativity, inclusivity, and wellness in every community she serves.
• Senior Fitness Specialist
• University of Wisconsin-Madison - BS
• UW Madison Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (CIPE)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the guidance and support I’ve received from mentors dating all the way back to my Junior High School gym Teacher Mrs. Winforf who inspired me to believe in myself.,Particularly for the twenty years of working with the same preschool director at the Preschool of the Arts, who generously supported my plan to teach dance in an after school program. By providing space and allowing an exchange in lessons for consecutive years. Through higher education in occupational therapy studies and life sciences studies my comprehensive program for Seniors known as "I'm Possible" ballet is strong. I am also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of friends and family. Their combined guidance and belief in me has been instrumental in shaping a path and fueling growth. I am the tenth child of eleven siblings. Our family rarely has it easy but we remain surrounded in music, laughter and creative approaches to challenges remaing rich in unconditional love.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Why are you not dancing?" During my time as a Student Liaison to the District Board for Madison College, I was mentored by the College President in one-on-one meetings. Together, we would discuss meeting agenda prior for attendance of Board meetings. To my delight, along with a window into collaborattion towards advocating for students, communities, and cultures, I witness comradery, self cares and individual identies of respected Board Members. One highly educated and esteemed Board Member shares with me a hobby of spinning records for a non-commercial listener-sponsored community radio station founded in 1975. His inspiration leads me towards teaching dance again. It may seem overstated to express, love what you do, or to be the best you can be at whatever feeds your soul but, passion and pursuit for good opens doors so we can lead with our heart.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to fully own your skills and your voice. Overcoming imposter syndrome is key—I’ve faced it myself, particularly when challenged by someone who pushed me to grow. That experience taught me resilience and the importance of trusting in my own abilities. In ways they were right. I just didn't want to hear it.
Embrace challenges as opportunities to strengthen your confidence and expertise.
Take this as a message not a warning.We cannot plan ahead for challenges. Do not let them get the best of you. It is easily said that from someone who has already witnessed them. Know your truth and stand by your own integrity. In the end we must believe in ourselves but do not forget to take a look at yourself from the eyes of others. There is much to be learned from the outside looking in.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges in my field now are the same they were twenty years ago.
The trick is to find a way to be different and to be consistently good. The only way to do that is to not be afraid to learn like a beginner.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are dedication, to be playful and a commitment to growth. I currently balance self-employment with teaching at the City of Monona’s Parks and Recreation facility, where I developed a successful ballet program for youth and seniors after initially connecting through LinkedIn. My experience as an AHEC Scholar, studying women’s and children’s health disparities in Wisconsin and touring Native American territories, reinforced my belief in self-directed learning and the importance of exploring diverse perspectives. To witness harsdship and frustrations in life compels me to provide a pathway through the gift of dance where each participant gives themselves health and joy through movement.
On a personal level, my husband and two grown sons have taught me invaluable lessons about adventures, creativity and higher education, reminding me that learning and curiosity are endless.