October 13, 2023
19
Local News for a Global Village | www.VoiceSB.com
A Tribute to Susan Alexander-A fundraiser for The Dance Hub
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By Olivia Marceda / VOICE
HEN YOU DANCE AND TRAIN WITH OTHER PEOPLE, a bond is formed, offering the chance to get to know them on a deeper level. For Susan Alexander, a UCSB graduate and renowned contemporary dance instructor, this familiar experience. She will be honored as the Dance Hub’s outstanding modern dance teacher during their annual benefit event on Saturday, October 21st. “I am so lucky because I love what I’m doing for work, and I work doing what I love,” said Alexander. “I have been very fortunate in my life.”
the Paris Opera Ballet Company, and for 18 years at the Paris Conservatory of Music and Dance, before ultimately deciding to come back to Santa Barbara. “We had about an 80 percent success rate with many of my past students in becoming professional dancers in France. Now when I go back I get to see many of my former students. Reconnecting with them has been really gratifying. I feel very lucky to be able to see the evolution of dancing.”
Alexander has been dancing her entire life. As an undergraduate she went to UCSB earning a B.A. Since 2008, Alexander Susan Alexander in Dance and English and then on to Mills College has been living and with an M.A. in Dance. She has been teaching ever since, teaching in Santa Barbara. She shared that while living in eventually teaching in New York and then France with Paris she always said that if she was ever to come back to America she would live in Santa Barbara. She helped start the Dance Hub and has taught at Westmont College for NEWLY LISTED nine years. 101 Via Tusa / $3,794,500
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“I am really glad to be back in Santa Barbara and be part of the dance community here,” said Alexander, “It’s very close knit and very supportive. People are really welcoming, kind, and generous.”
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What Alexander loves most about dancing is that it is good for the body and the mind. Each person in a class has to master and memorize rhythmic structures, counting the music, and work on making it their own. She loves sharing with the people she teaches and hopes everyone enjoys the joy of movement.
“It’s about adapting to every situation and appreciating what it has to offer. I am passionate about dancing and sharing it with people,” she added.
Alexander really admires Carrie Diamond for opening her own studio, AD&M’s Dance Hub in 2009, sharing that it’s a beautiful place and has been a pleasant space to work in over her years there. On the evening of the 21st, a delicious dinner prepared by Chef Michael Wood will be served at the fundraiser, along with a dance performance by choreographer Melissa Fenley and a number of inspiring speeches honoring Alexander. The Dance Hub will also welcome Suzi Winson, the newest employee of The Dance Hub. She is currently a jazz and ballet dance instructor and will share her thoughts on being a part of the Dance Hub community. The Tribute To Susan Alexander will take Saturday, October 21, 5 to 8pm at The Dance Hub, located at 22 E. Victoria Street. For tickets ($150) visit www.dancehubsb.org
Modern dance with Susan for The Dance Hub’s Adult Ballet Intensive