People often assume Studio C stands for “Crystal”. It makes perfect sense — except I’m not that conceited. Several years into my Dancesport career (circa 2005), I noticed a concerning trend in studio management — the quelling of creativity. Systems, processes and procedures were an accepted way of life in the nation’s capital, yet, I was dismayed that it had the ability to extinguish the excitement and life creativity brings to a dance studio. So, I started to brainstorm words that would best represent the values I would promise to keep forefront in my actions and future studio: Creativity. Compassion. Community.
If three wasn’t as succinct and pleasing to the artist in me, I’d add Communication to that list. Also, for my diligent academics, you may have guessed that I factored in The Rule of Three to this list.
Compassion has been important to me for a long time. If I trace it back to when it became important, it was sometime in middle school when a friend of mine said, “I no longer seek someone who cares. Just someone who understands.” It broke my heart. It left me determined. I decided that I would try my best to understand — if it could somehow mean that people like my friend wouldn’t feel so completely alone. As the years passed, I learned that a little compassion goes a long way in healing wounds, in bridging gaps, and in building a better world.
Now, we come to Community. What started out as an artist’s naive wish for a collaborative creative space, quickly became the realization that the idea of community requires a great deal of education. I spent the majority of my life in a densely populated metropolitan area with a seasoned dance community. When I moved to Greenville, the culture shock was present at multiple levels. From strangers making small talk, to Southern Time being a real thing, to the indirect, passive-aggressiveness of the local dialogue — I was dumbstruck. Once that feeling subsided, I noticed the strange habits of the local dance socials. Yet, I heard the dance community complain about the lack of availability of dance events and socials. It was then I realized that we — the dance community — needed more education so we could grow our population and enjoy everything more. More dancers, more events, more excitement, more everything. But, to get there, we need to build our community.
Now that you have a little background on the 3 C’s and why I picked them as values, here are the three quotes in the studio that I chose to display:
CREATIVITY
There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.
Martha Graham
COMPASSION
An attitude of compassion does not mean looking down on someone, pitying them in their misery. Compassion is based on respect. We discuss life as equals, learn from each other and strive together to improve our lives.
Daisaku Ikeda
COMMUNITY
We are all one family in the world. Building a community that empowers everyone to attain their full potential through each of us respecting each other’s dignity, rights and responsibilities makes the world a better place to live.
Pope John Paul II
And finally, the Studio C Greenville mission:
Empowering our students with the connection of dance – physical touch that ignites our mental and emotional fire. Our purpose is to create that spark through quality dancesport education and fuel it with the continual growth and development of our craft.
Studio C Greenville
We should always strive to learn and to grow as long as we draw breath. Students are teachers, and teachers are students. “In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way.” – Yoda
STUDIO C 