photo from the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Throughout my time on South Chicago Dance Theatre, I have had the incredible privilege of touring internationally FIVE times. I can hardly believe it and I am filled with immense gratitude for this organization, our director Kia, and our touring manager Terra who all work together to bring us to beautiful places to experience, learn, perform, and dive into all things dance.

I was reflecting during the past trip to Berlin on how this was country number 5 with SCDT for me and was amazed at all we’ve done throughout the experiences. In order, below are the places I’ve been AND a short blurb about my favorite dance things we did at each location.

1. Arnhem, Netherlands (Season 5): It was the most incredible trip to ArtEz University teaching and collaborating with the students there. This was my first ever international trip for dance purposes and it swept me off my feet to discover the differences in dance culture.

2. Colombia (Season 7): We visited both Medellin and Bogota, both beautiful places. Collaborating with the dancers in Colombia was nothing short of a spiritual experience – they are connected to dance in a soulful way I can hardly articulate.

3. South Korea (Season 8): Being in Seoul was vibrant and fun, though my favorite memory was performing at the festival in Tank. The outdoor venue was unlike any other stage I’ve ever been on.

4. Vietnam (Season 8): In Vietnam, we collaborated with both a company from Vietnam as well as our beloved dancers from Choomna in Korea. Having two days to dance together, take class from one another, and learn the styles of each company was a beautiful collection of dance.

5. Berlin, Germany (Season 9): The focus we all had at LAKE studios Berlin was unlike any other. We created an entire new piece with Kia and everyone was locked in and connected through the process thanks to the beautiful facility and hospitality of LAKE studios.

Overall, I am insanely thrilled to have grown so much as a dancer and person throughout my travels with SCDT. I take a bit of wisdom from each country we tour and when I reflect on these travels, I remember nothing but joy and discovery!