Dominic’s story:
“Prior to Inlet, I was attending university where I had been playing college soccer and majoring in dance for a few semesters. All my life I had dreamed of playing professional soccer in the Barclay’s English Premier League (more specifically for Chelsea Football Club…GO BLUES!) but I realized inside of my school experience that I no longer wanted to become a professional soccer player. I suddenly knew I wanted to become a professional dancer. After time considering my options, I decided to leave school in the middle of fall semester. I found Inlet by Google searching, “Dance companies in Cleveland”. Inlet Dance Theatre was the first name to pop up! I proceeded to contact the company (I specifically remember it was on a Wednesday, right after ballet class) and I was inside Inlet’s studio by the next Monday! I took class and watched rehearsal for one day and decided this is where I wanted to stay. I wasn’t only intrigued by the work (I had never seen the company prior to this day) but I was more intrigued by the family dynamic I was witnessing in the room.
So I came in for one day and I never left! Frankly, social feedback by those who had grown accustom to watching me on the pitch, told me I was making a terrible decision. I actually lost many friends over following what I knew was truly my passion. I was turning down the chance of making a six-figure paycheck playing a sport that was one the rise in America and is the most popular sport in the world, to dance? I couldn’t be happier about the decision I made that day!
Fast forward seven years. I am one of the senior members of the company and traveling the country performing and teaching. I have the opportunity to share the principles and values (that changed my life) to younger dancers, in hope that it will change their lives as well. I’ve lead residencies for children all over Cleveland, from the Lillian and Betty Ratner School to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland. Making art with the kids, I’m teaching them life skills through an art form I have loved since I was a child. I never imagined I would have the privilege of performing for 4,000 children in a matter of weeks, while on tour as a part of “Among the Darkest Shadows”. Likewise, we performed at JACOB’S PILLOW! I’ve loved being a part of the “rapid growth” generation of the company; it has been exciting, challenging, and rewarding.
I decided to stay and continue to stay because of mentoring that happens in our organization. As one of Bill’s protégé’s, I have even been given the chance to find my own voice as a dance maker. I’ve been encouraged to tell my own stories about life and I’ve had someone who believes in me (even more than I believe in myself most times) to further the company’s philosophy of “using dance to further people”. This is my family; what your see on stage is a result of us caring for one another during the hard times, pushing each other past our comfort zones, and celebrating the community we’ve built as well as the legacy that was left for us to carry on. I am grateful and honored to be a member of Inlet Dance Theatre.”
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