We were lucky to catch up with Michaela Konzal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Michaela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

The dance world often perpetuates narrow and exclusionary ideas about the “ideal” dancer’s body. The common perception is of a tall, white, thin ballerina in their 20s. This limited perspective creates significant barriers to entry for many individuals, including adults, beginners, people with disabilities, and those from marginalized communities.

Dance should be accessible to anyone with a body, as it provides a gateway to a profound, unspoken realm that everyone deserves to explore. Diversity is what makes art truly captivating. With this in mind, I created Upward Spiral Dance to break down the barriers that have long existed in the dance world, making it more inclusive and accessible for all.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Michaela Konzal, and I am a passionate dancer, instructor, choreographer, and entrepreneur. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and have been dancing since I was a child. The artistry and physicality of dance have always captivated me, and I fell in love with the art form instantly.

However, my life took an unexpected turn in high school with the tragic loss of my mother. During this difficult time, I unfortunately turned away from dance, missing the opportunity to use it as a means to work through my grief and depression. It wasn’t until several years later, in college, that I rediscovered my love for dance by taking a non-major class at a community college. This decision would go on to change the course of my life, putting me on a path with purpose.

Since then, I have received a BFA in Performing Arts from Arizona State University and have had the privilege of working with nationally recognized dance organizations such as The Yard on Martha’s Vineyard and the American Dance Festival in Durham, North Carolina. Eventually, I found myself back in Phoenix, pleasantly surprised by the abundance of dance instructor positions available. For many years, I taught dance full-time, around 25 classes per week, working with dancers of all ages, from K-12 students in schools and dance studios, to a residency with Creative Aging AZ, and becoming a certified barre instructor.

Throughout this journey, I have always felt a strong calling to be a business owner, and through the experience of working freelance and navigating the complexities of being a working artist, I was able to create Upward Spiral Dance. This business feels like an extension of me and my deep history with dance, allowing me to share my passion and expertise with others.

Upward Spiral Dance is unique in that we welcome all adults to join us in a beginner-friendly and dynamic class where no prior experience is required. Our mission is to create a safe space where self-expression is encouraged and modifications are always offered to make everyone feel comfortable and included. We pride ourselves on curating playlists filled with good music that will keep you energized and inspired throughout the entire class. Our goal is to create an environment where you leave feeling more energized than when you arrived and eager to return for your next class.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Diversity, empathy, and inclusion are the keys to building a thriving creative economy. By embracing people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, society can unlock the full creative potential of artists and creators.

When diverse voices are elevated and celebrated, it fosters an environment of innovation and inspiration. Empathy allows us to understand the unique challenges faced by creators, and tailor support systems to meet their needs. And true inclusion ensures that everyone has equitable access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

By prioritizing these values, we can create a society that uplifts artists and creators of all kinds. This, in turn, will lead to a richer, more vibrant creative landscape that benefits us all. A thriving creative economy is built on a foundation of diversity, empathy, and inclusion.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Honestly, the creative life isn’t always easy. People who aren’t in the arts often don’t understand the realities we face – the unpredictable schedules, lack of benefits, and need to cobble together income from different sources.

It’s true that many creatives go without health insurance or find alternative ways to cover it. I don’t get why healthcare has to be tied to your job – that just doesn’t make sense to me. Every career path has its pros and cons, and for creatives, the freedom and fulfillment of following our passion tends to outweigh the downsides.

At the same time, the nonlinear nature of an artistic career can be really liberating. You can work part-time, perform, teach – all of that is valid and valuable, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional mold. I love having a different schedule every day and being open to new opportunities. The uncertainty can be exciting!

Overall, the creative life requires resilience and bravery. But for those of us who choose this path, the chance to make a positive impact through our art is worth it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.upwardspiraldance.com
• Instagram: https://Upwardspiral.dance
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancensculpt
• Youtube: @UpwardSpiralDance
• Other: TikTok: Upwardspiral.dance

Image Credits

Josh Loeser