Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Ross.
Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Fem Dance Company started as a collective performing at the Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival. We then produced our first evening-length show in December of 2021, and started to establish the company more. Our values and mission to represent and empower women in dance propelled us into the dance community and we have been growing our audience since then. With every project, we also work with more dancers so that we can provide performance and choreography opportunities for as many women artists as possible. Our most recent show was presented in August, and we’re now preparing for two new projects to premiere in early 2023. We are eager and excited to continue sharing work and inspiring people through dance!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road, and we’re definitely still learning every day. Our biggest challenge has been finding the financial support needed for our shows. The costs of venue rental fees, marketing materials, insurance and music licensing, costuming, and paying all artists involved have made it difficult to produce professional projects. We have recently started applying for grants though, and we now have a fiscal sponsor to aid in fundraising. We have high hopes that we will be able to gain momentum and pay women artists what they deserve for their hard work.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Fem Dance Co is committed to representing and empowering women in dance. Our work thus far has explored many topics such as women’s voices in society, self-reflection and growth, the war in Ukraine, and women’s strength and excellence. We take pride in giving the choreographer of each work the freedom to create whatever they want and dive deep into themes and conversations without fear or hesitation. The artists, therefore, have full creative liberty and are able to produce work that is authentic, personal, and meaningful.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is spending time together doing what we love. The creative process is my favorite part – being in the studio and making art with these amazing women. It makes me feel valued, heard, and surrounded by love and inspiration. We get to solve problems together, laugh together, and support each other in a way that is unlike anything else.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/fem-dance-company/campaigns/5301
- Instagram: femdanceco
Image Credits
Katie Bruce
Hailey Caminiti
