Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Heen.
Hi Cindy, 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?
My vision for my dance company came during my second year in grad school while attending Mills College in Oakland, California. But I had a little awakening in 2015 that I wanted to move across the US to California to go after my dreams of getting my MFA in Dance and Choreography. I wanted to commit my life fully to the art of dance, choreography, and teaching. With my company, I felt I wanted something I could call authentically my own, and also something I felt connected to. Personally, I have always felt connected with the butterfly and its metamorphosis. I had a harder life as a kid, and I was almost homeless at a certain point. I was grateful for the many angels in my life, helping guide me and all the opportunities that were given to me. I call these people angels because these people helped shape me and my life.
They were my dance teachers, therapists, leaders, friends, professors, colleagues, and many more. Grad school was tough because of how well you become in tune with yourself- all the past pain resurfaced, I completely surrendered to my vulnerability in my own choreography and dancing. By doing this, it felt as if the chains of darkness were lifted, and feelings of liberation, freedom, and lightness flowed through me, just like a beautiful butterfly. I found my myself as an artist and my mission for my dance company. When the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, it transforms itself. Having a positive impact on this world is important and is what gives me hope every day. I am always trying my best every day to step toward the light and continue to share my gifts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every day is a new day, and it sure has been one heck of a journey. A continuous uphill battle. I would say the biggest struggle currently besides COVID is to get the appropriate funds to continue to have our company flourish and reach our mission. I am excited to be working towards becoming a non-profit. I try my best to maintain a positive outlook and know it takes time to build your company and brand. With COVID, I took that struggle and turned it around by creating a virtual event- Emergence Dance Festival. I have completed two so far and will be hosting my third event on 2/19. We have had great success and I want to keep growing my event. My festival has been a positive outlet for many in the community, whether watching or creating/dancing.
ADMISSION INFO
Tickets on sale now!
Tickets: $10 per stream
Link to purchase: https://teachtix.com/emergencedance
Access to the festival will be available to stream up until two weeks after the premiere date!
Email: emergencedancecompany@gmail.com
INDIVIDUAL DATES & TIMES
Feb 19, 2021 at 08:00 pm (Fri)
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the artistic director of Emergence Dance Company, a choreographer, a dancer, and a creator. My specialty is choreography, creating live art through movement and dance. I am known for my skills as a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and hard-working leader. I would say I am an inspiring person and a light to those around me. When an audience comes to watch my work, they are sure to have an experience and feel something. My choreography has this special energy to it. I am most proud of being adjunct faculty of dance at UCF, the creation of Emergence Dance Company and Emergence Dance Festival. Getting my MFA in dance. What sets me apart from others is my ability to connect people to themselves and with others, take them on a journey through my dances, and bring light to the world through the art of dance.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see more Dance Festivals happening, and dance continuously growing because of the healing and coping mechanisms is brings to communities. We see it already with TikTok and the dance trends it is bringing, but truly there is so much more than that. There is so much more than a dance competition. There is the power of what dance makes a person feel. I hope that in time more funding will be given to qualified performing arts groups that bring dance to the community, that we incorporate dance curriculum more in schools, and that it can be seen as important as other subjects. With the rise of mental health issues, dance is needed now more than ever.
Pricing:
- Ticket cost to our shows range $10-$50.
- Personalized TSHIRTS for sale – $25.00
- Master Dance Class teaching – $250.00
Contact Info:
- Email: info@emergencedance.com
- Website: https://emergencedance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergencedancecompany/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/emergencedancecompany/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/emergence_dance/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CindyHeen
Image Credits
The Studio CV – Carmen Veronia – top image
Kyle Addler Photography – black white image of two dancers, as well as the one of them on chest
Ego Concepts – Leather Jacket
