A Home for Fish Out of Water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: John Byrne

I sat down with dance artist Rebecca (Becca) Wegner to discuss teaching children and starting a dance life as an adult. Becca has been teaching on-site classes for the Fort Wayne Dance Collective since 2000 and is a vital part of what makes this organization special. She currently teaches Creative Movement, Modern Dance Technique Levels 1 & 2 for Children and Modern Dance Improvisation & Choreography for Adults. She also regularly choreographs and performs in concerts and performances at the Fort Wayne Dance Collective. Becca’s expressive talent has been cultivated through the fine educational dance program of FWDC. She holds a B.S.W. in Social Work with a minor in Sociology from Ball State University. Becca regularly choreographs for the annual Halloween show and the Choreographers Laboratory performance in addition to the December and June concerts.

John Byrne: What is your favorite thing about teaching young dancers?

Rebecca Wegner: The best part of working with children is the energy they give me. They have so much energy.

 

JB: What is your favorite genre or style to teach?

RW: For the younger children, I like teaching creative movement. I use different rhythms and concepts to teach. I teach my older students about their body. I teach them how their head connects to their “tail” and help prepare them for the modern dance classes they will take later.

 

JB: How did you end up at Fort Wayne Dance Collective?

RW: I took some jazz classes growing up and then I just stopped. After my oldest child turned two, I decided to come into a modern dance class with Liz Monnier at the Collective. About 6 months later, Liz asked me to teach Creative Movement for children here. I felt like a fish out of water. I felt like a fake. But after years of teaching I know how to give a really good class.

 

JB: What art, outside of dance inspires you?

RW: I am very busy running a household, but I do love music.

 

JB: What places outside of Indiana have inspired you?

RW: I want to travel more. Last summer I did go to Myrtle Beach and was very inspired by the ocean. I love the beach. I want to get my passport and travel more.

 

JB: You are a single parent. How would you motivate other busy parents to get into dance class?

RW: It is hard. Most times I feel too tired to come to class. But I just make myself go and once I’m taking the class, and even after the class I feel so good. Dance is not only good exercise but it’s so much fun.

 

JB: In a dream world, if you were given unlimited range to create a dance piece about anything, what would it be?

RW: I know that I would use lots of dancers. But I would have to think about this one!