Artist Profile #30: Jill Voorhees Edwards (Salt Lake City, UT)

Photo: Deseret News

Hometown: Salt Lake City, Utah

Current city: Salt Lake City, Utah

Age: 39

College and degree: BFA in Modern Dance, University of Utah

All of the dance hats you wear: Dancer, choreographer and teacher

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Describe your dance career post-college, in your 20s, and in your 30s:

I feel like my story is somewhat different than many dancers. I joined Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company (RWDC) right out of college. We had 46 week contracts which meant we only had 6 weeks off per year. It was an amazing, hard, and a cherished experience. We taught everywhere, everything and everyone. I performed with the company for 2 years. I learned early on that I absolutely loved teaching. I left the company when I was 24 years old. I had children when I was 25, 27 and 30 years old. My husband and I decided to have more traditional family roles. My husband was the breadwinner and I stayed home with our children. I taught several semesters at the University of Utah and at a couple different studios, including Tanner Dance. But everything I did was very part-time. I continued to perform in various performances and even filled in for injured dancers several times with RWDC.

We then moved to Boston for my husband’s graduate program. In Boston, I continued to take classes and performed a few times. We then moved to Seattle for 3 years. It was in Seattle where we had our third child. At this time, it was really difficult to take classes or see any kind of dance. My husband traveled almost 100% of the time and I had 3 young children under the age of 5. These were the years that I gave myself a technique class (in the kitchen) several times a week. I knew that if I ever wanted to perform and teach at a high level I would need to be prepared. After a couple of years, I was able to find ways to start dancing again. The dance scene in Seattle was exciting. Classes were offered everyday by really great teachers. By the end of our 3^rd year, I ended up producing a show with some friends. I felt like my soul came back to life. This is when we moved back home to Salt Lake City.

It was wonderful to have family close by and to know and understand the dance scene. Of course, things change, dance is constantly changing, but I felt the same wonderful spirit of dance that has always been here in Utah. Right away I had so many teaching opportunities, more than I could have even imagined. But, I learned early on, with limited time, I needed to figure out exactly what would work best for me and my family. After my youngest started 1^st grade (and was gone all day), I started teaching at Utah Valley University. I am now finishing my 3^rd year there. I love the students and I love the program. I feel like I’m growing along with my students.

For the last 5 years, I have co-produced Momentum, a RWDC alumni event, with my dear friend Juan Carlos Claudio. This year, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company celebrates their 50^th season and we have been asked to co-produce their Alumni concert in December. I am excited to choreograph, perform and produce. I usually end up performing in one show a year. I’d love to perform more, but my reality doesn’t really allow for it. Come 2:45 pm at my house, I enjoy my kids and all of their activities—music, dance, football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, swimming, scouts, church youth group, homework, etc. We love to travel, hike, ski and play.

Ever since my kids started kindergarten, I have taught creative movement in each of their classes. This is one of my very favorite things. I get to share my love of movement (with my kids) and feel like I’m making a difference in their classrooms.

I have learned that there are so many opportunities out there for dancers, and many times, you have to create them. I have taught and performed in some of the most random places, but every time I feel better for having had the experience. I feel fortunate to still be dancing, choreographing, performing, producing, AND being a mom and wife. Balancing the “dancer” and “mom” in me is not always easy…..but it’s always worth it!!

With Juan Carlos Claudio

Advice to young dancers on teaching, the role of teaching in their dance lives ahead, and becoming a well-prepared teacher:

Prepare, prepare, prepare! And, ask for feedback on your teaching from teachers/peers that you trust. As a RWDC member, we taught each other every day and gave/received feedback. This was sometimes hard to swallow, but it allowed us to grow as artists. I also feel strongly that teachers do a better job if they, themselves, are taking classes. This helps maintain your technique but also reminds you of other points of view.

College courses that made the most impact on your career path:

-Teaching Methods taught by Abby Fiat, Ann Riordan and Mary Ann Lee

-Kinesiology taught by Sally Fitt. This class changed my life. I still use her book and the personal strength program we developed. I loved kinesiology so much that I took a couple of graduate classes. Had I not joined RWDC, I would have pursued an MFA in Kinesiology.

-Improvisation taught by Phyllis Haskell

-Performing Dance Company directed by Ford Evans

How have modern dance technique classes changed since you were in college?

I think it completely depends on the teacher, just as it did when I was in college. Technique classes now range from strict technique to learning tricks and styles. I really enjoyed my technique classes in college so I have sought out similar classes since. My favorite classes are ones where I get a combination of technique and artistry.

One icon in modern dance that you still think about in your work or teaching?

As a teacher, Abby Fiat has always been a huge “icon” to me. She is a fabulous! She is dedicated, engaged and brilliant. I love the way she crafted so much into each class.

Joan Woodbury is another “icon” for me. She is Co-Founder of Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company. I have learned so much from her. She is also a brilliant teacher, choreographer and mentor. I continue to be amazed as she continues to be a strong ambassador for dance. Whenever I choreograph, I always want her feedback. Her instincts are spot on.

How would you describe the modern dance scene in Salt Lake right now in terms of classes, companies, and performance opportunities?

Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Repertory Dance Company and Stephen Brown are the companies that have been around for a long time and have continued to receive support. Many dancers are now putting their own shows together, similar to the one I produce, Momentum. There are several weekly classes that are offered to the community—RDT has a great community school, RWDC offers Master Classes on Saturdays, and many others at Sugar Space and various studios around town. Most of the classes take place at the Rose Wagner Performing Center for the Arts. It’s a beautiful center with 3 performing spaces and 5 big studios. There aren’t as many classes offered here as there was in Boston or Seattle but I’m hoping we eventually get to that point. Performances are happening all over the place and many workshops are offered throughout the summer—Salt Fest at the University of Utah, RWDC Summer Workshop and RDT Summer Workshop.

 

 

Comments

[Phyllis Haskell Tims]

Thank you, Jill Voorhees Edwards. What a wonderful profile and a wonderful life. It has always given me such pleasure to see you dance. And thank you, Jill Homan. I think you are amazing and stand in awe of all you do.