I've never taken a dance lesson, but when I heard her style was "too pure", I knew what it meant. But what was I to expect? She grew up in a small town.
Kierstin Elliott, my first college roommate, grew up in Utopia, half way between Jackson and Kalamazoo, Michigan. If you can't find it on a map, drive westbound on Interstate 94 and look for a "Welcome to Marshall" signpost. During my first visit to Marshall, I was enthralled by the town's quaintnance. There was not a single time we left her house without running into an acquaintance. We ran into family friends walking into the grocery store, a set of friends at the checkout and yet another friend walking back to the car. Kierstin explained that this, and the way people sometimes waved to us as we drove downtown, is due in part to her being directly or indirectly acquainted to half the people in town. That would make sense. Marshall is knowing for being a solid community strongly devoted to the arts. Kierstin performed in every musical put on by the local company since she could walk. Her and the majority of the town. She believe growing up in Marshall was the sole reason she chose to major in theatre and dance.
Although Marshall bears a unique quality, it lacks diversity, making college in Detroit not only a culture shock, but also a thrust into an ill-natured town Kierstin has yet to become accustomed to. Growing up in a cradle of trust, she was unconscious of the heartless soul the big city embodies. Intrigued by Detroit's diverse nature and the number of opportunities at hand, it was hard for her to pass up an invitation. In fact, she has yet to turn one down. This was to be expected, of course. The only social gatherings to look forward to in Marshall were cast parties after the annual Nutcracker performance or ice cream socials following the spring musical. I was afraid for her at first. She would bounce out of bed in the early hours of the morning to accept an invitation to a local, or unlocal party. She trusts easily, just as she was able to in Marshall, embracing every new 'friend' in her circle of trust. As a suburban Detroiter, i knew the city was not a place to let my guard down. But I had to hold myself back from warning Kierstin of these dangers. In fact, I'm glad I have because she has undoubtedly benefitted from accepting every invitation that has come her way.
To an aspiring dancer, exposure is key. Although Marshall pledged itself to art appreciation, dancers from the town's studio were given no chance of exposure beyond city limits. In Detroit, Kierstin appreciates the amount of exposure she has attained not only to a broader audience but also to guest residents. In contrast to dance majors who grew up in the limelight, who tend to take an audition for granted, Kierstin takes every opportunity that comes her way seriously. Although her style may be "too pure" and homegrown compared to Detroit's raunchy hip-hop brand or competitive atmosphere, her purity in dance and willingness to except opportunity as it comes her way will only allow her to broaden her horizons as she continues her education in dance.
Next time your driving westbound on Interstate 94, look for the "Welcome to Marshall" signpost. Let the town enchant you. On your way out, look for the "Now Leaving Marshall" signpost. Take a peek at the fine print near the bottom and it may read something like "Proceed with Caution!" Kierstin took that risk and has ran with it.
