We recently connected with Xanthia Lace McCaul and have shared our conversation below.
Xanthia Lace, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In 2021, after spending a few years working with my family in my hometown of Potosi, Missouri, I felt the need for a creative outlet. I had studied theatre at Samford University but had previously turned down a position at my dream theater job, but the desire to weave stories and engage with audiences never left me—it felt like my true calling.
To fulfill this longing, I began offering free dance lessons in our community. Little did I know that this simple act would set the stage for a remarkable journey. After a few sessions, I gathered the courage to share an idea that had long danced in the periphery of my imagination: touring together. To my surprise and delight, the girls and their families eagerly embraced the notion, propelling us into uncharted territory.
Three years later, we’re now a successful nonprofit called Sonder Performance Company. We tour with our all-girls team, the Sonder Starlets, performing custom shows at festivals and events. We’ve covered everything from Greek mythology to pirate adventures, and this year, we’re doing an adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood. With each new story we share, our performances spark imagination and inspire wonder.
What makes this program truly special is its accessibility; it’s completely free for our Starlets and their families. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and sponsors, we’re able to provide everything our Starlets need—from dance equipment and practice attire to costumes and makeup—without imposing any financial burden on families. This inclusivity is more than just a program; it’s a gateway to enriching experiences and newfound opportunities for young women who may have never ventured beyond their own horizons.
This program isn’t just about dance; it’s about opening doors of opportunity for young women who may never have had access to such experiences before. By immersing themselves in our performances and touring adventures, our Starlets gain not only artistic skills but also invaluable life experiences. For me, it’s not just about dance or performance—it’s about fostering empathy and understanding through exposure to diverse cultures and perspectives. Every new place we visit, every new story we tell, adds another layer to our collective understanding of the world. And in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also sow the seeds of compassion and connection within our communities. Through the Sonder Starlets program, we’re not just sharing stories on stage; we’re empowering young women to broaden their horizons and become compassionate, globally minded individuals.
As I reflect on the journey of Sonder Performance Company and the remarkable growth we’ve achieved, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. None of this would have been possible without the dedication, talent, and unwavering commitment of our Starlets—the heartbeat of our organization. Their passion for storytelling, their tireless efforts in perfecting our craft, and their willingness to embrace the unknown have propelled us to where we stand today. Together, we’ve transformed dreams into reality, touching the lives of audiences far and wide with our performances. As we continue to evolve and expand our reach, I am endlessly proud of each and every member of our team for their invaluable contributions in shaping the legacy of Sonder Performance Company. Together, we’ll continue to push boundaries, inspire others, and create magic on and off the stage.
Xanthia Lace, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Since childhood, I’ve been captivated by the art of storytelling, constantly engaging in make-believe and crafting narratives that transported me to vibrant new worlds. This innate inclination towards creativity, especially when coupled with music, has been a driving force in my life. Each melody serves as a catalyst for the development of intricate storylines and vivid imagery within my mind. While I initially harbored aspirations of delving into the realm of music videos, it wasn’t until I experienced the profound impact of live performance that I realized my true calling lay within the theatre industry. The dynamic interplay of music, movement, and storytelling ignited a passion within me, compelling me to channel all the creativity swirling within my mind into this transformative medium.
With the establishment of Sonder Performance Company, I sought to create a platform where this passion could flourish while making a positive impact in our community. Central to our mission is the Sonder Starlets program, a free initiative aimed at providing young women in our local community and beyond with access to the transformative power of the performing arts. Additionally, at Sonder Studio, located in Potosi, Missouri, we offer an array of affordable visual and performance art classes. Recognizing the high demand for expressive opportunities in our area, our goal is to continually expand and enhance our offerings, ensuring that individuals of all backgrounds have the chance to explore their creativity in a supportive environment. Our dedicated team of instructors is committed to nurturing each student’s unique talents and accommodating their individual needs, fostering growth and empowerment through the arts.
As a nonprofit organization, Sonder Performance Company relies on the generosity of donors and sponsors to sustain our mission and programs. Your support can make a direct impact on the success of our initiatives, whether it’s through sponsoring specific programs like our visual art classes, dance classes, or the Sonder Starlets program, or by making a general donation to support our overall efforts. Every contribution, no matter the size or designation, helps us continue providing accessible, high-quality arts education to our community. Your generosity enables us to cover essential expenses, such as class materials, quality equipment, and instructor salaries, ensuring that we can continue offering transformative experiences to aspiring artists for years to come. Together, with the support of our community, we can keep the magic of storytelling alive and thriving.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey has been shaped by a specific challenge that has tested my resilience and adaptability in profound ways. I grapple with persistent post-concussion syndrome, a condition stemming from several impactful head injuries throughout my life. Initially, I underestimated the lasting effects of these injuries, believing the symptoms would dissipate within a month or so. Yet, years later, even minor bumps to the head reignite these symptoms, making everyday tasks, including performing, incredibly challenging.
Post-concussion syndrome has posed significant obstacles to my artistic pursuits, affecting areas such as memorization, balance, and managing overstimulation. However, amidst these struggles, I’ve found solace and strength in movement and storytelling. Despite the challenges, I’ve learned to adapt my approach to performing, adjusting my motions and teaching methods while listening to my body and brain’s cues for rest. Through this journey, I’ve discovered that resilience isn’t about never faltering, but rather about finding ways to overcome adversity without giving up on one’s passions and dreams.
During my university years, I temporarily sidelined my passion for dancing, discouraged by my perceived limitations. However, it was only upon returning to dance that I realized the importance of patience and self-compassion. Embracing a mindset of growth and self-care, I began exploring new boundaries and discovering safer techniques to express myself through movement, all while prioritizing my health.
This journey of trial and error, marked by internal battles and moments of doubt, has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and adaptation. It has shown me that growth often emerges from adversity, and that true flourishing comes from embracing change and evolving alongside it. Through my experiences, I’ve learned not only to navigate the challenges posed by post-concussion syndrome but also to thrive in spite of them.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist, there’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing the profound impact of storytelling on people’s understanding of humanity. Throughout history, storytelling has been woven into the very fabric of human existence, shaping our perspectives and connecting us to the world around us. To be a storyteller in today’s world is a tremendous honor—a privilege that comes with great responsibility.
I firmly believe in the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to shape the hearts and minds of generations. Through our words, actions, and the narratives we invoke, we have the potential to make people feel seen, heard, and understood. We can offer solace, love, and moments of magic amidst the monotony of everyday life. It’s a deeply rewarding experience, one that humbles me and reminds me of the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives.
Another extraordinary aspect of my work is witnessing the wonder and excitement of children as they experience art for the first time. Whether it’s immersing themselves in a performance or unleashing their creativity in response to what they see, children embody the essence of magic in our world. Encouraging their imagination and creativity is a privilege I hold dear, knowing that I play a role in shaping the lives of future generations.
I consider it a precious gift to be able to nurture the creativity and imagination of young minds. It’s a responsibility I cherish and vow never to take for granted. Through my work, I strive to inspire, uplift, and empower both young and old, fostering a love for art and storytelling that transcends generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: sonderstudio21.com
- Instagram: @sonderstarlets
- Facebook: Sonder Starlets
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonderStarlets
- Other: Donate today: https://givebutter.com/Z3jhEM
Image Credits
Cantrell Creative Studio