Life & Work with Jodie Randolph of Southeast side

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodie Randolph

Jodie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up dancing for a good part of my childhood and I really loved it. When I graduated high school, though, I didn’t think there was opportunity for me to pursue a career in dance, nor did I really want to. I was asked by a former dance teacher to teach at her school. I hesitated at first, convinced dance was not in my future. But she persisted and I finally gave in. It was one of the best decisions I made. I learned so much from my students about growth and life and movement. I felt called to teach. Later in my story, I started becoming curious about the creative process. I attended undergraduate school to get a degree in dance, though mostly focused on teaching, I really enjoyed my composition classes. Shortly upon graduation, I started a dance company with a few newly graduated students to explore my choreographic voice. I went on to teach and choreograph all over the state as well as nationally and internationally. I presented work at many venues under numerous presenters. It was so much fun! After COVID, though, I re-focused on teaching again. I wasn’t sure what the landscape for performances would be and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue making work at the level that I had been. I’ve been teaching a community class every week for the last three years and it’s been magical. No pressure, no formality, just sweat and community (and some old school jams!). I see myself as a supporter, a space holder, and an advocate. I lead through authenticity by following my intuition, being present, and making space for others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Some of the struggles I encountered in my career have been around funding and general support. People in our neck of the woods don’t always appreciate dance or dance performance. They almost always think you’re working with kids if you say you have a dance company. I did work with kids for many years, but professional dance performance companies are structurally and qualitatively different. People aren’t often exposed to high quality dance performance and therefore don’t see it as a need. They don’t validate it. One of the reasons I decided to stop focusing on making work is because we could never quite get enough funding to support the entirely of the project. I’m now looking for ways that make dance accessible without the constraints of funding. Free spaces, outdoor spaces, informal, site specific, no costumes, improvisation focused, etc.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a space maker in the dance world. I hold space for others to explore their own possibilities through their bodies and through thoughtful analysis. I mostly do this through teaching community classes and life coaching. For a long time I taught at dance schools, universities, conventions, and operated a fully functioning professional dance company. I choreographed, judged, guest taught, you name it. Now, I’m slowing down. Less is more. I want to go deeper with the people that I interact with in my spaces. I am most proud of my ability to be authentic and listen to God’s calling over my life and follow it.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
To be yourself. I have a high value for authenticity, but I haven’t always practiced it. When I was younger, I thought it was about sprinting and doing as much as possible. Now I only say yes to what speaks to me. I value my time over money, which used to be the other way around. That never felt right. When I slow down, I can hear. Listening is my biggest asset.

Pricing:

• Life Coaching session – $100/session
• Community Class – $20/class

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jodierandolphdance.org
• Instagram: jodierandolphdance
• Facebook: jodierandolphdance
• Youtube: jdoierandolphdance