From day one, the team at Estudio13 welcomed me as one of their own. Their camaraderie was infectious. Whether it was brainstorming session ideas, coordinating schedules, or simply sharing stories over coffee, I felt like an integral part of something bigger. Their deepened bonds and the importance of teamwork spell the creation of a thriving space like Estudio13.
My first big task was leading classes during two weeks that the dancers usually leading them were rehearsing for the performance. It was deeply satisfying to meet all the new students and get into the work with them, to see their breakthroughs, the small nods of understanding as a movement clicked or a rhythm finally fell into place. It wasn’t just about teaching. These moments, shared with students of all ages, became a mirror. I saw my own journey reflected in theirs, a reminder of how far I’ve come and how much more there is to learn.
Perhaps the most inspiring part of december at Estudio13 was watching the preparations for the final performance of the artist residency they were hosting. What struck me most was how everyone – from the choreographer to the lighting designer – approached the performance with an almost sacred reverence. It wasn’t just about putting on a show, it was about telling a story that required every ounce of their passion and commitment.
One area where I gained unexpected insight was in the finances and overall operation of the dance school. I wondered and was very curious about what it takes to keep a place like Estudio13 running smoothly. Watching the team navigate budgets, funding requests and resource allocation was eye-opening. Their comments have made it easier for me to look for forms of funding that I could include in my future activities. I learned about the delicate balance between maintaining artistic integrity and ensuring financial sustainability. This requires creativity, strategy and, above all, resilience. These lessons will no doubt shape my approach to future projects.
These weeks have been a combination of professional development, teamwork and personal reflection, leaving me inspired by what lies ahead for the rest of this exchange.