I just saw some old friends from NYC who were dance colleagues of mine while living there.  They were all eager to hear about my experiences with dance in Indiana, and some later admitted that they expected me to respond with frustration since opportunities are not as plentiful here.  However, I happily recounted the many pleasant experiences I’ve had teaching, performing, and collaborating with other Hoosier artists, adding that I was happy to leave the competition on the East Coast.  

However, I have to recognize that part of my midwest dance bliss was due to the fact that I had moved to southern Indiana, just across the river from Louisville.  The dance scene there is growing and there is a community of artists who have been working there for years, willing to welcome one more into their crew.  It was easy enough to bring a few back with me over the river.  

I just moved to Evansville last week and am already beginning to miss running into other dancers at the coffee shop, something I had taken for granted in NYC and had come to really appreciate in Louisville.  The arts community is a good deal smaller here.  I’m yet again in that scary transition phase, searching for other artists who’ll want to be my friend, partner, collaborator, or supporter.  

My point: I wish we were more connected. It would so help those of us who are floating from city to city, attempting to continue our work despite geographical challenges.  Any ideas?