We’re looking forward to introducing you to Arye Shannon-Carmichael. Check out our conversation below.
Arye, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Oh, I would most certainly say I’m walking a path. It has never been in my nature to wander in the areas of my career or passions, as my personality lends itself to concrete decision-making and fast-paced execution. I very rarely get stalled by indecision, which helps create a pathway of working towards something with a clear vision and goals. This component of my personality supports my leadership responsibilities in the company.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Arye Shannon-Carmichael, and I’m the founder and Artistic Director of Atelier Dance Company. Atelier Dance Company’s purpose is to create a space for classically trained adult dancers who miss creating and performing with other artists. The space created is for dancers to collaborate, create, and perform thought-provoking and entertaining choreography. Dancers can express their creativity and fill their artistic void with like-minded and passionate dancers who have chosen other career paths, but still wish to keep dance in their lives. We take pride in filling the space that falls between a professional career and an adult dance class. Our mission and the varying levels of opportunity within the company for dancers are what set us apart.
Atelier Dance Company’s origin story is rooted in the simple realization that the creative space I needed as an artist did not exist, so I created it. We launched in 2020, with an entirely virtual season due to the pandemic (which was a wild ride and its own story), and have continued to learn and grow over the years with input from the company and lessons learned along the way. Now, entering our sixth season, I’m beyond proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to the creativity and artistry to come.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve been lucky enough to have many excellent examples of passion, drive, and grit in my life. They range from my parents and grandparents to the coaches and dance teachers in my life. I would be unable to pinpoint just one person of influence, but I can say that, even to this day, I have role models amongst these same people and my peers on how to succeed, and I very much count that as a blessing.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Risk of failure. If anyone is familiar with the StrengthsFinder test, my results truly hit the bullseye. My top three strengths are achiever, discipline, and responsibility, which, to provide a snapshot, means I have a constant need to achieve, my world needs to be predictable, ordered, and planned, and I take psychological ownership of anything I do. So I inherently attribute my achievements to my worth. It feeds into my risk-averse nature to try to mitigate any failure, which can be a constant give and take when navigating a creative space such as dance.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
For Atelier Dance Company, that would be Cydney Sheneman, our Assistant Artistic Director. Cydney serves as the Artistic Director at Zeeland Youth Dance Company and Zeeland Dance Company in addition to lending her talents to Atelier Dance Company. Her resume is impressive, showcasing extensive knowledge in running a company and creating unique works for the stage. Her input to the company is greatly valued.
Cydney fills in the spaces where I lack and brings thoughts, ideas, talent, and perspective that enhance the company. Her consistent and constant presence has been one I have relied on from the very beginning. My advice: find your people in your creative spaces; Cydney is undoubtedly one of mine.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
There is this exhilarating and fulfilling feeling that comes when creating movement with other dancers. Your kinesthetic awareness is heightened as you begin to feel the movement and your fellow dancers’ breath and intention. That moment when a piece has worked through all the steps of the creative process and you’re rehearsing its final form, and you feel when it finally reaches a performance level, that is a peace that only dancers can understand. And it creates a bond in the space amongst each other, which is real and profound. This feeling was something I was chasing when I created Atelier Dance Company and I’m so glad I found it again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atelierdanceco.com
- Instagram: @atelierdanceco
- Facebook: @atelierdanceco
Image Credits
Cydney Sheneman, Dancers of West Michigan
