ALASYN ZIMMERMAN
Why did you start dancing?
My mom says I told her when I was three I wanted to dance, she drove by a studio in Derby, KS and enrolled me in a class, the rest is history. As I got older, the dance studio became my safe space and I’ve learned that movement truly is medicine.
What years did you dance with MB?
I started with the Nutcracker when I was 8 years old, three years later I decided to dance with Miss Jill for training and stayed with her until I graduated high school in 2011.
Favorite memory of dancing?
So many come to mind (I know the question was one but there really are just too many!!) For me, some of my favorite memories are the time spent with my dearest friends and second, those moments where I finally accomplished something so challenging. I loved performing and there was something so satisfying about doing your best in front of an audience. Feeling in sync with music and the meaning of the movement was something I loved. Nutcrackers were special, dance became my second family. There are so many cool things I got to do while dancing— I will never forget the dance events in Downtown Wichita. Whether it was shadow dancing, living statues, or performing ballet in the park.
Does having danced affect you now?
Absolutely. There are so many lessons I have from dancing and Miss Jill that have stuck with me and will always be in my head. I realized in my mid twenties that I need to have some sort of dance for my mental health and well being. It’s something I truly don’t believe I would be whole without.
What do you do for a living?
I’m an investigative reporter for a television station in Colorado Springs, CO.
How does what you do differ from what you thought you would be doing when you graduated from High School?
I’m lucky to say it doesn’t differ a whole lot. I was torn in high school between pursuing journalism and a career in dance/performing arts. I realized when I graduated high school I wanted to pursue journalism instead but I always knew dance would be in my life in some way. I minored in dance in college and am so grateful for that experience and knowledge.
Do you have any advice for younger dancers?
Dance is such a special part of your life in so many ways. Whether you pursue it professionally or don’t, it’s always going to be a part of you. Enjoy it and if it’s something you want as a career “make it work”. Also, get curious and listen to your dance teachers and ask lots of questions now. They know so much and even if you don’t do this professionally the lessons you learn from them will apply in and outside of the studio.
Advice you would give to your 15 year old self?
First piece of advice “you don’t have to do it all”. I feel like I put a lot of pressure on myself at age 15. In reality, it was too much. I felt I had to “do and have it all” from grades, activities, relationships, etc. I became so overwhelmed that it hindsight, it all suffered in different ways. I would tell 15 year-old Alasyn to chill out, focus on what matters and as cliche as it is, don’t sweat the small stuff.
Do you see dance performances at this point in your life?
Yes! I do my best every year to get to a local Nutcracker performance and other ballet or performing arts shows to support my community dance and performing arts organizations. I know the work that goes into these and I truly believe art is such a valuable asset to protect.
What is the one moment where you have experienced the most joy in your life?
This is SO hard, but I love this question. I remember being asked it in high school. I don’t remember what I said then, but I can guarantee it is very different from my answer today. I’ve done a lot of study in finding joy in ordinary moments over the last few years so this is TOUGH. I have to go with the moment in my life that I discovered the peace that is a morning walk. I love the feeling of a sunrise on my face, fresh air, and a simple way to move. I don’t know exactly when that discovery was, but it was recent. Finishing a walk with a cup of coffee where I can see the heat come off the cup- that is joy and a lot of it.
