In our first event in this series, Sarah Hixon, of Hixon Dance came to offer her experience and knowledge of life in the performing arts to our students. Sarah Hixon is a choreographer, dance educator, and collaborator. She is the founder and artistic director of Hixon Dance, a professional performing company established in 2007. The company is known for its collaborations with other artists, especially musicians, and for presenting impactful and accessible performances. Ms. Hixon studied choreography with Doug Varone, Bebe Miller, David Parsons, Susan Rethorst, Vera Blaine, Susan Shields, and others. She trained at The Washington Ballet, American Repertory Theatre, and The Milwaukee Ballet, among others. She holds a BFA in Dance from George Mason University and an MFA in Choreography from The Ohio State University.
Ms. Hixon began her presentation by laying out the ideological impetus for starting a career in Columbus, and discussing what she loves about working here. Then, she advised her listeners on the resources to support a career in dance like hers, including spaces, licenses, collaborators, and exploring opportunities for professional development. She also spoke in great detail about the monetary side of a life in the arts, informing the audience about how contracts and tax documents are used for unsalaried employees, how to effectively balance a budget, and what kinds of organizational models are effective in our city. Much of her experience as an arts entrepreneur in Columbus has been through the lens of dance, and founding her own performance company; however, Ms. Hixon's words and experience were valuable to all in attendance, and applicable to young performing artists everywhere. We were overjoyed to have her at the Barnett Center to speak to our students, and offer her expertise!