Season 10

Update from Berlin

If you've been around the blog for awhile, you know I love to journal. It's a habit I've formed and maintained for years now and helps me process my thoughts. I thought I'd let you all in on one of my journals from our Berlin trip, giving you a more personalized perspective on my time in Germany. We performed, we interacted with various artists that were also staying or taking class at LAKE studios, and we bonded as a company. Here's my inside scoop on our Berlin, Germany tour in August 2026:
My daily life is often built around routine. I tend to be a creature of habit and love the orderliness of a to-do list and the satisfaction I get when I check things off of it. As a dancer, I tend to be overly regimented - same meals before and during rehearsals, same wellness routine before rehearsal, and same morning rituals to brighten my mood and start my day.
It may make me sound strict in my structure, but I will say I do highly appreciate and take advantage of a switch-up. One of my favorite things about any tour - especially international - is that it amplifies my rituals and routines and allows me to experience everything in a new perspective.
While in Germany August 25-30, 2026, I implemented one of my favorite routines of a morning walk and coffee each day while we were in Friedrichshagen. Our rehearsals and festivities generally occurred in the afternoon, so I took full advantage and would go for two hour walks each day. I originally thought these hours would be nice alone time and beautiful scenery. It was - though it turned out to be much more. Walking time in Berlin, Germany turned out to be a perspective-shift and one that I needed. While walking through beautifully architectured houses in bright colors, cafes with locals meeting for coffee, and citizens biking the streets, I couldn't help but smile.
You see - I walk to achieve a step count and start my day off with movement. These locals walked and biked to experience leisure time with friends or family. The people around me walked slower than me because they didn't have anywhere to get to, but everything to appreciate. I had time to physically see and take in each building, notice its color and structure, and appreciate its beauty. I wasn't in a rush.
I JUST started a book called "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" and this felt like a real-life example of it. Each morning I had two hours to reflect on myself, my relationships, my experience the night before, think deeply about dance, and reconnect with the joy I have in this career. No hurry.
Sometimes all it takes is a shift of scenery to shift your perspective.
I will forever cherish how traveling, experiencing, and interacting with new cultures teaches me more about myself and what I need.
I know it's nothing major - but a simple walk every morning turned into one of my favorite parts of the trip.

by Kelly Anderson

Off to Germany!

Three weeks into the season and we are already on to our first tour of the season! It amazes me how fast our new dancers have learned the repertoire & are ready to go to Germany after just eight rehearsal days focusing on the piece we are bringing!

Today, on August 24, eight of us Main Company Artists are traveling to Berlin, Germany to participate in LAKE studio’s Submerge Festival. We have a few rehearsal days followed by a performance on Saturday, August 29. I am so looking forward to being back in Germany with some returning and some new Company Members.

I’m ready to explore, meet new dancers, see the sights, and enjoy our return to Berlin.

 

I will of course update you throughout our stay and give a recap after, but for now we have an hour before takeoff and we are settling in four our long 12 hour travel day!

by Kelly Anderson

Get to know our new Artists: Sanaa Fairley

Season 10 brings SO much excitement - including 5 brand new artists! Throughout the season, I'm excited to introduce you to each of them and give you a little background on who they are.

First up - one of our Associate Artists, Sanaa Fairley!

Age: 22 years old

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Favorite Color: Purple all the way!

Favorite style of dance: Contemporary ballet

Favorite Choreographer: Amy Hall Garner

When I started dancing: 3 years old

College/training: George Mason University School of Dance

Siblings: I have one pretty awesome older brother!

Why do you feel passionate about dance?: I believe I was called to dance in order to enlighten other people's lives beyond my own satisfaction or reward.

If you weren’t a dancer, what career would you choose?: A counseling psychologist, though I actually hope to do that too!

If you could do a duet with one person, who would it be?: Francesca Forcella

Favorite place you’ve traveled: Honestly, Chicago, and now I get to live here!

Favorite food: Salmon

One word to describe yourself: Considerate

If you had a dance move that described you, what would it be?: I would say an Italian pas de chat because they are precise but unique!

Fun facts: I have never had a pet in my life thus far. I don't prefer when there is too much dip on my chips. Prior to pursuing dance full-time, I did cheer, soccer, track, and softball. I love chocolate.

by Kelly Anderson

Season 10 Kickoff!

I'm not sure HOW we are here, but we are HERE! SEASON 10! Ten incredible years of dancing, community, collaborations, domestic and international tours, and most of all meeting and entertaining audience members like you all!

On August 4, 2026 eleven company dancers (plus Terra, Kia, and Noelle - our administrative staff) met together at Hyde Park School of Dance to kickoff this monumental season. Just following, we all traveled nearby to Promontory Point for a picnic in the sunshine.

It's always so fun to meet the new members, reconnect with the returning (two of whom are ENGAGED to be married just this summer!), and delight in the community of dancers.

If we haven't met yet, I'm Kelly Anderson. I've been a Main Company Artist for the past 6 seasons making this one my seventh season - WILD! In addition to dancing, I serve as the Repertoire and Staging Director as well as managing the Blog. Within this blog I'll share the triumphs of our season - where we travel, what we are involved in, the dance pieces we are working on, and the people we work with.

It's such a special thing to essentially have a diary of my past 7 years here for you online!

Let's jump in - Happy Season 10 y'all! It's a BIG one and I can't wait to share with you all that we have in store!!

-Kelly :)

by Kelly Anderson

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