Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Thurston

Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Dancing has always been a part of my life since I can remember. I trained in various styles of dance throughout my childhood, and went on to get a Bachelors degree in Dance Performance, graduating from Columbia College in 2005.

My professional career began in 2004 with Chicago Dance Crash, performing from 2004-2007. From 2007-2008, I performed with Corpo Dance Company, and 2008-2009 I performed with Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater. In 2009, I Co-Founded Piel Morena Contemporary Dance, performing from 2009-2012. In 2013, Laura Co-Founded Still Inspired, performing in the first season.

I began work in arts administration in 2009, where I gained experience in public relations, grant writing, data management, accounting, fundraising, and event coordination.

I am absolutely thrilled to continue my work as Artistic Director, Choreographer and Co-Producer of Still Inspired, sharing artistic visions with other dance and visual creators while providing opportunities to artists and dancers. It is through Still Inspired that I aspire to continue cultivating a better world through the lens I know and love.

Still Inspired’s Mission Statement:

​​​​​​​​Still Inspired is a Chicago-based dance company that engages audience members through live performance. Highly collaborative at its core, the company features visual artists and their work which serve as inspiration for choreographers to create their own work.

Each performance offers audience members a glimpse into the creative process through a Q&A with the choreographers and visual artist, serving as a jumping-off point from which viewers are free to form their own interpretations.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Working for a small arts organization in the United States, financial support is uncertain. I like to dream big, hoping one day Still Inspired will no longer be a “small arts organization” and can provide sustainable work for artists and arts administrators in Chicago. In the meantime, I find myself wearing many of the organization’s administrative hats. I operate as the organization’s Executive-Artistic Director, Social Media/PR, Board President, Grant Writer, and Outreach Coordinator. It’s a careful balancing act with my other part-time job that helps to support my family (I am a wife and mom of two).

To avoid burnout, I dabble in gardening, biking, and take dance classes for myself, where my love for the art form reinvigorates me to push forward. Still Inspired recently converted to a 501c3 organization in 2022, making the organization applicable for grants and foundation support. I dream to reach more dance and visual artists, audiences, and support for the organization’s collaborative performances in Chicago.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Still Inspired is known for its collaborative process with visual artists in Chicago. Still Inspired’s professional programming has contracted 13 visual artists and 12 choreographers, totaling 36 new premiered dance works and 39 contracted performing dance artists since 2014. Together, dance and visual artists work together to create newly premiered dance works inspired by the work of an annually featured visual artist.

The goal of Still Inspired is to dive into the world of another artist, thoroughly researching their process and purpose through the medium of dance choreography. With 10 annual performances and collaborations behind us, we can collectively say that the project has taught us more about our community, humanity, and the effect we have on each other. Sharing our project with others and curating an artist talk with audience participation and Q&A post performance have culminated in continued connection and growth with our audiences past and present.

Still Inspired’s community reach expands to young dance makers. Since 2015, the organization has annually produced Future Artists, a performance opportunity for budding choreographers aged 14-22 to choreograph a piece inspired by the work of a visual artist (painter, sculpture, photographer, etc.) and present their work via live performance. Choreographers have the option to present a dance film, also inspired by the work of a visual artist, to be screened live during the performance. The Future Artists program offers young dance makers opportunity to present their work, where financial challenges typically prevent young creators from showcasing their choreography. Still Inspired has produced 76 new dance works in Future Artists. In the year 2022, the program expanded the opportunity nationwide and presents young choreographers and visual artists in Chicago from across the US.

I am incredibly proud of both programs produced by Still Inspired. The collaborative process, inspired by the work of another artist creates a unique artistic rehearsal process. It challenges dance artists to investigate the work of someone else, ultimately resulting in nuanced reflection of humanity and the world that surrounds us.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?

Patience.

I am a product of a fast-paced world. As a choreographer, each year I am introduced to a different visual artist, their work, and their purpose. I’ve found that the longer I sit with the visual art (without trying to create dance), the better the outcome.

Pricing:

• Future Artists Application Fee: $50
• Ticket to Professional Production: $20-$35

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stillinspireddance.co,m
• Instagram: @still.inspired
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillinspired

Image Credits
All Images by Rhys Bakulinski of Rhys B. Photography from Season 10’s production titled “There Is Still Magic Here” inspired by the magical landscapes of visual artist Jennifer Cronin.