Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Krista Carson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Krista, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Dance has found its way to me constantly throughout my life. At an early age, my aunt started her own dance studio & company that I grew up a part of. Eventually, I took a break in my teen years before magically finding my way back in high school. From there, it’s been a beautiful journey filled with so many inspiring people that continued to pave the way. I don’t think there’s really a secret to speed up the learning process. You can train day in & out your whole life, but something has to click inside of you first before you can truly grasp what it means & feels like- & I really think a lot of that comes with time & age. For essential skills, I’d say above all else that discipline comes first, but ultimately, you really need a lot of patience & understanding. With & of yourself, your body, your environment, & so much more. Embracing humility & staying humble keeps the work honest, & makes the process that much more authentic & impactful. Without diving too deep, I’d say external obstacles that stood in the way of learning & opportunity lie in judgement & politics- being in a very particular, relatively tight-knit & visual field, adversity isn’t obscelete. Internally however, we’re always our own worst critic, & sometimes we stand in our own way.

Krista, 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?

I’m a freelance dance artist, performing, teaching, choreographing & more around the DFW metroplex. I perform annually with a couple of local concert-style dance companies, work throughout the year teaching at studios or giving private lessons/training, choreographing for schools, weddings, etc., as well as commercial gigging with entertainment groups.

My life motto is: “Do it with passion, or not at all,” & I stand by it in everything I do. I love what I do because I have the opportunity to meet & work with/for so many types of people, & help break the mystery of dance & indulging the curiosity to those outside of the dance world & making it feel accessible. Whether people have danced before, or never a day in their life, any age, any background; I truly believe dance is for everyone, & feeds the mind, body & soul. I’ve spent many years training & learning in so many different areas of dance, & pride myself on my versatility. I love making memories for others, & instilling joy through dance.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is touching others. Whether that’s helping someone reach a personal milestone, or letting art make its impact & moving someone that is witness to joy or tears- there’s so many ways dance heals & influences. Sometimes it looks like an expression of appreciation for the performance, & sometimes it looks like gratitude from someone that can touch their toes for the first time. Helping others feel comfortable, confident, & accomplished brings me unfathomable joy. I live for those “light-bulb” moments (as I call them) & I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the process. I love bringing more appreciation to the arts, & how it can bring us together, regardless of background or experience.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Ultimately, to keep seeking joy. Inspiring it in myself, & others. Art has a way of reminding you what life is all about. It creates community, expresses what words can’t, & heals in so many ways. I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I’d love to some day make it my full-time career, whilst maintaining the versatility, that is. But making a positive impact doing & sharing what you love is an unmatched fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kncdnc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kncdnc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KNCDNC/

Image Credits

Lynn Lane Photography
Shea Kendall Photography
Steve Hwang