54: Learning, Connecting, Succeeding — Terence Marling

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Terence Marling, Artistic Director at</span> <a href="https://www.commondance.com/"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">COMMON conservatory</span></a><span style= "font-weight: 400;">.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">A Chicago native, Terence trained at the Ruth Page School under the direction of Larry Long. Upon leaving, Marling danced and choreographed at a wide variety of both domestic and international dance companies, including serving as Rehearsal Director at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Director at Hubbard Street 2. In September of this past year, Terence became Founder and Artistic Director of COMMON conservatory, which hopes to serve as a launching pad for the future dancers of tomorrow.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Terence is a seasoned dancer and choreographer, who brings a wise perspective to the dance industry. His goal is to see young dancers succeed professionally in an industry that grows more exclusive by the day, and he has established his conservatory to achieve that end. On the podcast, Terence discusses the origins of his company and why he feels that a conservatory like COMMON is vital in today’s dance landscape. Along the way, he also shares some invaluable wisdom around the importance of networking, having a willingness to learn and evolve, and so much more.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Moving Quotes:</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m 44 years old, and I’m still a student of dance. I’ve been dancing since I was 6, and I’ve been dancing the whole time. And there’s so much to learn."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have to have dancers nowadays who are willing to advocate for themselves — who are willing to build their own networks. And the more people you have reach to, the more opportunities you’re going to have. It’s just that simple."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It’s a difficult thing for some young choreographers to take a