Build Network (Why Get an MFA Part 2)

Why get an MFA and what practical use does it have in advancing my career? After completing my first year of graduate school at University of Michigan, here are the benefits I’ve experience so far:

1.    Resources for training and research

2.    Networking with industry and academic professionals

3.    Pedagogy and curriculum development

4.    Greater appreciation for theory, especially concepts regarding PERFORMANCE, PRACTICE, and PLACE

MFA Cohort strolling around Kerrytown in Ann Arbor

2.    Networking with industry and academic professionals

“It’s about who you know not what you know.”

We hear that phrase all the time as college students and young professionals. However, I can’t emphasize it enough because it is so true! Every job opportunity I’ve come across has been referred to me by a friend or an acquaintance. All of my life opportunities and successes have come to fruition because I’m blessed with meeting some amazing people and have developed a strong network of support.

(Side Rant: Like a relationship, building a network of support takes time. Yes, take risks, live your life, do you! But don’t rush the process! Our generation is always eager to jump to the next best thing, not knowing that “that thing” might not be the best thing for you right now. Like my pastor once told me, how we end one chapter of our life is how we start the next. Build a strong foundation so that you can stand strong on the next level/chapter in life.)

Attending the University of Michigan has given me opportunities to expand my network across the country and abroad. It now include several top dance industry and academic professionals such has Safi Thompson and Yvonne Chow, founder and directors of The Hip Hop Dance Conservative (H+) in NYC, Princess Lockeroo, creator of Waack to Success, Miss Funk and Breezelee, co-founders of Versa-Styles Dance Company and instructors at UCLA, Amy O’Neal, instructor at USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, Rascal Randi, instructor at Movement Lifestyle in LA and member Beat Freaks and The Hip Hop Nutcracker, and Galen Hooks, commercial dance extraordinaire.

Co-teaching a workshop with students at the University of Costa Rica

If that wasn’t enough networking for one year, I got to teach and dance with passionate young actors from The Market Theatre in Johannesburg, South Africa, innovative movers from the National University of Costa Rica, and members of the Atayal and Sediq indigenous communities in Nantou County in Taiwan. Grad school has opened the door to these connections, but how I maintain them will be up to me. Only time will tell. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for these opportunities and hope to continue to deepen these relationships in years to come.