Emery Feagin, KDC Class of 2018

At KDC, we are so proud of all of our dancers: past, present, and future. We enjoy staying connected with our alumni, learning about their journey, and hearing about how Kennebec Dance Centre may have helped them prepare for their future. Here is what one of our KDC graduates, Emery Feagin, shared about their dance journey after graduating from high school.

Q: What collegiate dance activities are you partaking in?

A: I am currently a Dance & Performance Studies major at Roger Williams University. I am also an active member of RWU’s Dance Theatre Company, regularly performing; and more recently, choreographing for the group. 

Q: How did your time at KDC prepare you for the future?

A: I would say the biggest thing KDC gave me was the confidence to keep dancing beyond high school. The combination of the training I received and the positive encouragement I received from my teachers helped me to realize what my true potential was in the field, and to pursue further opportunities and training in dance. Without the foundation given to me by my teachers, I do not know where I would be today. KDC was definitely the biggest factor in getting me to where I am now.

Q: What are some of your recent dance-related opportunities or experiences?

A: This past year [2021] has been filled with many performing and choreographing opportunities for me. I have choreographed and performed my own work in RWU’s Dance & Performance Studies’ Banned Books Project and the Jr/Sr Showcase, co- choreographed a site specific piece for RWU’s Dance Theatre Concert, and created a dance film for RWU’s Dance on film night. In addition to all of this, I have been teaching a creative movement class for adults with developmental disabilities through a partnership with L.I.F.E (Living in Fulfilling Environments) for the past two years and creating, teaching, and performance opportunities for the individuals in this class. 

Q:What were some of your favorite things about KDC?

A: One thing that will always stand out to me in my memories at KDC was how much like home it felt. Everyone was there because they loved to dance and were genuinely supportive of one another. It is a place that welcomes people and encourages students to be the best they can be, and that is in large part due to the teachers there.  

Q: What would you say to someone debating whether or not KDC is right for them?

A: I would say this goes for any studio, but I think the most important questions to ask yourself when choosing a studio is what kind of environment you want and what so

rt of dance opportunities you would like to pursue. In my experience [the right studio has] a little bit of everything in a place that wants you to succeed, no matter what you may do with dance later in life.

Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at KDC?

A: Definitely the down time between classes. Having the ability to talk about dance and life with classmates and teachers was always really nice and was one of the things that made the studio feel like home.

Q: Why do you love dancing?

A: I love dancing because of how versatile it is. For me, it’s a form of processing, communicating with others, and understanding the world. In my mind, you can’t match what dance is and can be, which is why I love it so much. It’s vastness is endlessly fascinating.

Q: How has dance impacted you as a person?

A: Dance has given me a sense of identity in a way that nothing else has in my life. It encourages me to be myself, express who I am, and connect with other people and subjects in a way that other forms of communication don’t quite manage for me. My understanding of the world is so integrally tied to dance that I genuinely do not know where I would be or who I would be without it.