Perspectives: Zooming in on Dance Leadership featuring Jocelyn Peden
Get to Know Jocelyn:
Where are you from and where are you based now?
I am from Fort Saskatchewan Alberta, based in Pitt Meadows now.
What are your roles in the dance industry?
Dance Educator, Choreographer, Performer, Adjudicator, Owner/ Founder/ Director of a dance-related organization
What are your top 3 favourite credits or jobs from your dance career?
Dancer for Janet Jackson & Whitney Houston, choreography... a lot of memorable ones but most recent was for the Jonas Bros at the 111th Grey Cup
“Mentorship is such a rewarding and beautiful thing, one of my favourite parts of this industry.”
What does the word Leadership mean to you in the context of the dance industry? How do you think it applies to your roles as a dance educator, choreographer, and mentor, and how does it influence your teaching and leadership practices?
The word leader is very important to me. I think because I have been lucky enough to have a semi successful professional career in the arts that spans almost 40 years I have a lot to share. Whether it be advice or leading by example I have many situations that I can draw upon. My most important role would be as a dance studio teacher. From young children through the teens and into adulthood, my time in the studio environment has been most rewarding. Seeing someone consistently week after week allows me the best opportunity to make a difference in their lives. I try to bring laughter to each class as well as a strong work ethic and advice when needed. Having fun at dance every time I see the dancers ensures that they will work hard in return and be committed to their team. I believe this is where the love of dance and arts is created. Knowing that what a dancer learns from their studio life will carry over into all aspects of their adulthood is an amazing reward to all that have contributed to their growing process. The lessons that all of us learn at our studios is invaluable. I feel the same about my own upbringing at the studio and it has helped shape me as a leader in many ways.
What is your favourite thing about working in the dance industry?
My favourite thing about the dance industry is all the amazing people I have met along the way....everyone with their own story and special memories that keep them devoted to this crazy world of the Arts. Sometimes the memories are so personal and would mean little to others but they have the most impact on that person when it is happening. The memories shape them as people and contribute to their growth as a human. The Arts is such a rare a beautiful thing ...especially in todays economy and changing world. I am grateful to have had so many amazing years surrounded by it all.
What advice would you give to others in leadership roles within the dance industry, particularly those mentoring or teaching aspiring dancers?
Mentorship is such a rewarding and beautiful thing, one of my favourite parts of this industry. New leaders I encourage you to focus on making positive connections and friendships along the way because these are the situations you will draw upon to share with your students. Human connection is so important and should be a top priority for yourself and whoever you are mentoring. Also reminding the young people starting out that exploring as many different avenues along the way will open up their world in the arts so much more. Encourage them to try not to pigeonhole themselves into one area. The more people they meet and connections they make in every area of the arts could move them in a new direction of the arts they never even dreamed possible.
If you could give one piece of advice to young dancers or people who want to build a successful career in the arts and dance industry, what would it be?
My biggest advice would be patience. It takes a lifetime to build your world in the Arts. It will always be ever changing and morphing into areas that you never even had on your radar. The arts is never cut and dry...just one way. This is why it's called the arts.... it's subjective. So, "ENJOY THE PROCESS" and try not to worry about the outcome as its ever changing.
Thank you, Jocelyn for sharing your unique perspective as a leader in our dance community. You can stay up to date with Jocelyn via Facebook and Instagram - @jocelynpeden
