Career Transitions
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KRISTIN SLOAN |
From the archives… a backstage photo by Doug in 2005.
My face and lashes may thank me for my recent decision!
I sincerely apologize for taking my time in letting you all know about my recent transition. I’ve been trying to make this decision for many months, and once it all started happening I became so completely wrapped up in it (as I tend to do) that I couldn’t find the time to properly let you all know about it!
As of November 13th (approximately 3 weeks ago), I have taken on the role (or I guess I should say we have begun creating the role) of New Media Director for the New York City Ballet.
As many of you are already aware, I’ve been dealing with hip injuries throughout much of my career as a ballet dancer. Most recently, I have been fighting against the latest incarnation of pain my body has decided to throw at me, and have been unable to return to dancing after a year and a half of physical therapy and cortisone injections, and three prior surgeries. (Ballet is tough - it happens.)
But with the trust and freedom the company has so wonderfully given me over this time period, the amazing opportunities I have been offered to help the company in new ways, and the tremendous support many of you have shared with me, I have been able to further explore other artistic avenues within the dance field.
Through all the hard work, self-education (and fun) involved in these projects, I began to realize a new creative interest and passion for dance that didn’t require my body to be able handle the physical stress of ballet technique.
This summer I sat down with two of my (and everyone’s) guiding forces within the company, and was given all the options and encouragement a dancer and artist could hope for. The interest in my dancing abilities and potential was reiterated, after which the idea and option of a new position was raised. It was made clear that I was valued and wanted, but it was up to me to decide what I wanted to do.
It was thoughtfully stressed that I should take time in making this decision. I’ve spent the last three and a half months thinking about what I want to do, what my body will allow me to do, and where I want to go in the future.
Even though I will miss dancing more than I could ever predict at this point, I am so excited about this new opportunity. It is incredible to be able to research and think creatively about things that I am already so interested in outside of dance, bringing that passion together with my passion for dance and NYCB.
Anyhow, I’ll still be at Lincoln Center, running back and forth between the offices at the theater and WSD’s physical therapy across the street. I am still hoping to heal my hip to the point that I can dance in some capacity and be active in the future.
I will continue to post about my journeys and experiences in the dance world, from a slightly new perspective. Thanks again to our family of Winger readers for all your support (and of course my own family and friends who have helped me through this tough decision)!
