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CHRIS JACOBSEN
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Chris Jacobsen
“The process, there’s nothing like it – nothing beats it, the vulnerability, the trust…”
When the word inspiring isn’t strong enough to describe a teacher, you know you’ve found that one in a million who is going to shape dancers in a way only few can do.
Chris Jacobsen, teacher and choreographer, is one of those people.
“The process, there’s nothing like it – nothing beats it, the vulnerability, the trust…”
As a teacher/choreographer who is on tour with Adrenaline Dance Convention, he told us that the most fulfilling project he has worked on so far in his career has been his creation; “The Dance Company of San Francisco”. A youth, pre-professional, dance company that he acted as Artistic Director from 2000-2006 where he trained young dancers and set work on them for performances and competitions. “Watching them progress and helping them achieve new things… that alone has been the most gratifying.” He loves that he has the opportunity to continue teaching pre-professional dancers on tour with Adrenaline, and is able to create a safe place for young dancers to be vulnerable, hard working, and to pour themselves into their dance.
Chris also offers really great advice for the young dancer about to graduate from high school as well. It’s a big question… “Do I go to University, or do I move to NY or LA and try to work right away?” Here is what Chris thinks about that loaded question. “Everyone has a totally different path” remember that you’re not stuck in any particular direction if you end up disliking your choice. He also believes that NY and LA have really different things to offer every dancer, but to keep in mind that both places have a very competitive atmosphere and to let that fuel your passion, not make you discouraged. He himself went to a performing arts high school, but didn’t study dance in college, however, he thinks college for dance is an amazing option and that it offers a structured environment for you to learn more about yourself personally and yourself as a dancer
With all that said, he also had some great advice for dancers who are just breaking into the business, “Going with your heart, going with what you love and indulging in it, but stay really open to everything. Stay really open to taking from different people and not just doing one thing; be open and willing to learn, and be humble. Treat people you meet with kindness and respect, and be supportive of yourself and supportive of those around you.” He also reminds that people can get caught up in themselves sometimes and become mean, but to always remember that all of us dancers are in this together and to always stay kind to each other.
Chris also runs, with his friend Sonya Tayeh, an awesome program called The Dance Sessions. (www.TheDanceSessions.com). It’s a place where serious, young dancers can come to train. A supportive environment, that focuses on positive reinforcement while challenging them to push past their boundaries, and also teaching them dance history, choreography, nutrition, body awareness, the list goes on. He hopes that eventually they can do a month long workshop, kind of like “sleep away” camp, where the dancers can come and train and live, and be surrounded by passionate people who are all there to grow as artists together. “I want my students to be better than me – I want to feel that I had a small little part in their growth, that’s awesome!”
If there is anything to be said about Chris Jacobsen it’s that his passion for what he does, and beautiful spirit shine through from just speaking to him for a short amount of time. He is a rarity in the dance world who wholeheartedly believes that,”We should always be paying it forward!”
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