Today we’d like to introduce you to Mercedes Rice
Hi Mercedes, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
One of my first memories was of me dancing on my mom’s bathroom floor in my red patten leather shoes. It was early on that she recognized the need to sign me up for dance classes. At the age of 9, I competed vigorously in all types of genres such as hip-hop, jazz, contemporary and ballet at Pulse 31 Dance Studio. It was there I found my soul. My self-esteem sky rocketed and I discovered my true passion for life.
A couple years later I transferred my training to Ballet West Academy. I spent years of dedication in the technique of ballet. When it was time to graduate I premiered as Giselle in the classical ballet “Giselle.” Shortly after, I was invited to be a trainee in their professional training division on scholarship. I understudied George Balanchine’s iconic excerpt “Rubies” during a stage rehearsal and got hired into Ballet West II a week later. It was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. Years of hard work finally paid off and I was finally a paid professional dancer. Being a part of the corps de ballet is full of so many beautiful ups and difficult downs. My co-workers/friends, the roles I was given and the tour opportunities we had were a few of the many highlights. On the flip side, I spent three years enduring the strenuous environment that pulls and tugs on your emotional, physical and mental states. It was during my third year in the industry at Nevada Ballet Theatre that I realized ballet wasn’t the expression my body deeply wanted.
Shortly after my contract ended I took time away from dance discovering who I was outside of it and healing the parts of me that were strained and broken. I made a lot of friends during this time and discovered a love for the intuitive arts such as yoga, card readings and meditation.
After this adventure, I applied to the University of Utah’s Modern Dance program. I had a strong desire to learn and grow my mind intellectually. After years of studying dance, film and choreography I finally graduated with a BFA in Modern Dance from the U of U. Post graduation, I was invited to be a guest with Bare Bait Dance Company in Missoula, Montana for their winter season.
Presently, I am going back to my origins of competition dance and unveiling the pleasure of that type of movement. I am pursuing my dream as a back-up dancer and being a part of a production again!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was difficult for me to thrive in the ballet environment because everything was so black and white. I am very grateful for the time being a corps artist and wouldn’t trade it for the world but the stresses of keeping the right body image, always doing it “right” and juggling the stresses on my body had an impact on me. I experienced it on a whole other level when I was in Nevada. I was verbally abused everyday. I was taken advantage of by my young age and innocence. I realized I will never stand for that treatment as long as I live. Environment is everything!
Secondly, even though I was doing what I loved I struggled finding the right dance path for me aside from what my parents wanted of me. Being 30, I’m finally able to carve out my own path and on my terms.
Thirdly, being a professional dancer hasn’t been easy financially. It isn’t the most lucrative career. I’ve tried going away from it for that reason. However, every time I’ve left it behind I didn’t feel like myself. I always felt like there was a big hole in my life. So I’ve committed myself to the art because it is my soul calling. I am determined to stay in the art form and make it lucrative for myself! Investing and not settling for non-pay gigs has been a huge leap for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a dance artist at my core. I specialize in jazz, contemporary, modern, ballet, hip-hop and jazz funk. I am most proud of the versatility I have in my art. I can walk into a ballet class and jam out in a hip-hop class quite easily. I dabble in choreography, film, fashion and photography. An eye for design is my strength. I love teaching movement and mindfulness combining both the body, mind and spirit. I’m proud of myself for taking the non-traditional path!
What makes you happy?
Aside from all things dance, being with my family and friends is essential for my happiness. Traveling, taking care of plants and creating content makes me smile. Connecting with my inner circle, nature, creating and discovering different parts of the world is important for my overall happiness because these elements show me the meaning of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mercedesrice.com
- Instagram: mercedesrice
