~ Meister Eckhart ~
I have never written a blog before… never wanted to… never thought I would have to! Yet here I am. This blog is part of the start of something new. And since I am new to all of this, I will use this first blog to explain a bit about myself and how I have come to this "new" place in my life.
My name is Ainsley Sudds. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I am a director and dance instructor at Crossings Dance Ministries in Calgary, which is under ownership of my family. I completed a BA Dance from the University of Calgary in 2007 specializing in Modern/Contemporary dance. From there I went on to complete a Professional Studies Program at the Limon Institute in NYC. On returning home to Canada I took on the Artistic Director position for Corps Bara Dance Theatre's Youth Company. For the past 6 years I have had the privilege of directing 20-30 young dancers ages 9-18. These dancers were committed to weekly rehearsals, monthly performances in churches, school and events in Calgary, as well as semi-annual original performances. I was in charge of making this youth company happen! I created an annual budget for the youth company, worked with the staff and Board of directors to compile a full company budget, created all scheduling for rehearsal and performances, hired choreographers, ran rehearsals, organized all elements of production, planned and gathered costumes, helped with fundraising, attended all Board meetings, communicated with churches, schools and other community organizations, and so much more! I loved having the opportunity to mentor and lead these talented and passionate young women for many years. However, all good things must come to an end.
This past year I began to feel unsettled. My life was completely consumed by my work that I had no "space" for anything outside of it. After an important meeting in June I hit a wall and realized that my life was not going to change unless I made a big change. Instantly the word "space" came to me. I realized that the life I led did not allow any space for new opportunities and in order to make any changes I needed to let something go. For 6 years I had not let this thought come into my head. While I loved my work, I could not continue letting my work consume my life. So I made the decision to leave this organization in order to create space to let new things enter my life.
With this decision came an immediate sense of relief! Finally I had space in my mind, heart, and life for new things! I had no idea at the time what those new things would be, but I was thrilled to even conceive that something new could be a possibility! Within 24 hours I was on my computer researching. I didn't know what I was looking for, but I was on the hunt! I googled NYC to see if there was anything there of interested. Nothing. I googled ISTD to see if maybe I was to begin the training for my Associate. Nope. I then googled "Master of dance education UK". I love the UK and thought that maybe with all of the great schools in the UK something may be out there of interest. And BOOM there it was. The first to pop up was the MAPP DTP program. I read the home page for the program and was convinced. This all took place on a Thursday evening and by Friday afternoon I had my family and close friends on board with my decision to leave my current job and begin an MA. I took the weekend to sit on this big decision, getting more and more excited as time passed. On Monday I began the processes of leaving my job and applying for the MA. And now here I am... It is time to start something new!
I am still quite confused and nervous about what all this MA will entail, but I look forward to honing in on my teaching and reviewing all that I have learned and experienced since I began my concentrated dance education in 2003. I feel like I will be rusty when it comes to school work, but I know that this time of focus, refreshment, and new challenges will be so rewarding. Taking this time to reflect and focus on my personal growth is much needed at this point in my life. I am also really intrigued to see how this program will translate into my teaching and the effect it will have on my students! I expect great things :)
I look forward to getting to know everyone more through our monthly Skypes, Blogs and Linkedin!
