5 Questions for Camryn Eaglin, Life as a Modern Dancer Intern

Camryn Eaglin. Photo by Scott Lipiec.

 

Please welcome our first intern, Camryn Eaglin! Camryn is a senior in the dance program at Wayne State University.

 

Hometown: Farmington Hills, Michigan

Major/minor: Dance major with a minor in Broadcast Journalism

 

What courses are you taking during your senior year (dance and other subjects)?

For the fall semester, I took ballet technique in the comfort of my basement, broadcast news writing, history of journalism, and chemistry with a lab. As a senior I am able to focus more exclusively on my major and minor since I have my gen ed credits out of the way. This semester I am taking a course on dance in community and completing my capstone internship with Life as a Modern Dancer. 

Overall, most of my courses have been virtual with the exception of my broadcast news writing class which had socially distanced edit labs and a chemistry lab that was hybrid, meeting once every two weeks. However, these classes became completely virtual when Michigan’s governor halted all in-person learning in mid November. My ballet course last semester, and dance in community course this semester, have set virtual meeting times twice a week . Other virtual courses I had were done independently and completed when I had time. My senior year looks much different than I imagined but I have learned a great deal about independence, time management and self accountability. 

Which choreographers and companies would you list as your main inspirations these days?

I love the authenticity and honesty of Jennifer Harge’s work, along with her story as a performer and choreographer. I have been able to witness her work from an audience perspective. There is no avoidance of social commentary and activism. I love art that challenges me, and her work does just that. She was a guest speaker at Wayne State Dance Department’s Friday Symposium last semester and she shared her artistic experience during college and post-college, her career path, and  choreographic process. Her story gave me a sense of confidence and desire to fully embrace my journey as an artist.

Another inspiration is Della Hamby, whom I have been able to work with closely. I look up to her  longevity in the industry, versatility, and wealth of knowledge from experience. She is also a Wayne State Alumni who was in the very position I am in now. She has dropped gems that have helped me develop as a dancer over the past two years.

Company wise, Complexions Contemporary Ballet has remained an  inspiration. I became immersed into their work and technique when I did their Detroit Intensive in 2016 and 2019. I love their contemporary ballet base but also how  they’re  experimental from piece to piece. There is an authenticity and commitment to their signature style while simultaneously merging different musical inspirations, dance styles, and concepts to different pieces.  Their seamless movement quality and execution is something I aspire to.

A show that still lingers with you: 

The very first professional company show I saw back in 2012 was Dance Theatre of Harlem at the Detroit Opera House. I was 12 at the time and remember being in awe. This is when I believe my attitude towards dance shifted into something more serious. They performed a jazz influenced ballet and did a move where they moonwalked en pointe. At the time this felt revolutionary. I had never seen ballet like that nor so many dancers who looked like me. This show stays with me despite not remembering every detail but the impact it had on the trajectory of my future dance career is notable.

Current career aspirations:

I aspire to professionally dance, write for dance publications as a dance journalist, and in the far future be a news anchor. I am currently leaning toward the commercial realm of professional dancing. I would  love to tour with a company or an artist and see the world simultaneously. I have had experience training in both concert and commercial environments so I’m open to where dance may take me, or potentially do both.

How have you managed over the past year as a dancer navigating the pandemic?

Overall, it has been a struggle. The hardest part was consistently taking Zoom ballet in my basement. From managing a small space, dancing on carpet everyday, no peer interaction, and using a chair as a ballet barre - it was a challenge. It is all about self-discipline and motivation to work without everyone watching. Even though my basement was only two flights of stairs away, some days were difficult to show up. On the other hand,  I have re-fallen in love with dance again for leisure. The pandemic shut down in-person classes, and that in-person community was no longer available. I began consistent improv sessions in my basement and working out. Creatively, I was also able to come up with some of the best ideas I have ever had, right from my home. As artists we learn to adapt and translate certain circumstances into our work. I have also learned to use social media as a main tool for sharing my work and staying connected with the dance community. There are some days when you wonder why. Will dance ever go back to how it was? However, this has all helped me keep perspective during these unprecedented times. It is such a weird time for all of us, and I think we can all find comfort in openness and honesty.

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Comments

[Dawn E]

I really enjoyed this article. Great insight!