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Why I Wake up Every Day

The first time I stepped foot in a dance class at age 12, I knew it was my calling and I knew it was what would occupy my time, my life and my heart forever. However, there was no way I could even have imagined the many paths I would find myself walking down, in the next 26 years, as a result of this “calling”. As a wise person once told me “We don’t choose dance, it chooses us”, and so, it has driven me between multiple dance studios from Toronto, to Chicago to Interlochen, to New York, to LA, Montreal, Tel Aviv and back to Chicago again, on a quest to refine my “craft”.

At one point in my early twenties someone told me that he believes that dance is the most selfish of all the art forms; this statement rocked my world for a short time as I considered whether or not I believed it to be true. I considered long hours spent in classes and rehearsals, referencing the mirror to assess myself, how I looked, how my body looked, how my quality of movement was coming along, how my lines looked etc. etc. etc…. and worried that this person was right. The question then became “why”.

What is my “why”??

The answer is not as straight forward as one might think, but I can say with certainty, it has never been about me. One of my favorite quotes by Nobel Prize winner, T.S Eliot:

“It is obvious that we can no more explain passion to someone who has never experienced it, than we can explain light to the blind.”

From my time dancing with Giordano Dance Chicago to my time dancing with River North Dance Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and multiple pick up dance companies, to 20 years of independent teaching, coaching and choreographing, to co-founding Extensions Dance Company and Extensions Dance Center and then co-founding Zilliewear Dance Wear, my “why” has evolved with each new chapter of my career. Despite the evolution of my why, it always comes back to the need to fulfill my passion in myself in an effort to inspire, spark and awaken passions, thoughts and positive perspective in everyone I come in to contact with. Dance in all of its facets has helped and continues to guide me in the process of self evolution, and it is through dance that I am able to see the world differently, in a way that, despite trying times, keeps a fire burning inside of me and a light in my eyes. This is my contribution to society, to the world and this is why I get up every day.

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Oh, how we will miss this long legged beast when s Oh, how we will miss this long legged beast when she is gone.  This feature is about Fiona Webb, who has been with Extensions for 5 years and will be graduating in the spring of 2021.  We love, admire and respect you, Fiona.  The work ethic and drive of a demon, but the heart of an angel.  A tremendous and special young artist this one is.... 
**Featured dancer @fionawebb13 ... see the article at extensionsdance.com or swipe ⬅️
Welcome back, dancers! We are thrilled to begin t Welcome back, dancers!  We are thrilled to begin the 2020-21 season with you, back on the marley! 📸 @cherylmannphoto
Registration for fall classes will open this Satur Registration for fall classes will open this Saturday, August 1.  Class sizes will remain very limited through our fall session, with all of the current sanitary and social distancing protocol in place.  This faculty and class line up is our best yet... we can’t wait to see you on the marley!  #chicagodancers #chicagodance #balletdancer #dancersofinstagram. @henrywstegemann @__kendallscott
Classes start tomorrow at Extensions Dance Center! Classes start tomorrow at Extensions Dance Center!  Many of our classes are waitlisted due to low capacity, but we still have space in some too.  Join us for 4 weeks of socially distanced, in studio, good vibes only, super groovy...dancing.  We will see you on the marley!!! #chicagodancers #chicagodance #summerdance #onthemarley
Come take class with us on Zoom and support our fa Come take class with us on Zoom and support our faculty!  This 2 week donation based class series will directly support our faculty and help them during trying financial times.... $10 suggested donation/class, and ALL are welcome.  Share with friends and family who dance far and wide!  Hugs to all, and we can’t wait to get back in the studio in July! 🙏🏻🙏🏻. DM for links if you want to join us.  See you next week in class!!!!
#chicagodance #chicagodancers #youngdancers #youngdancerstalent #dancelifestyle #dancelove
The first ever ENGAGE WORKSHOP SERIES with Lizzie The first ever ENGAGE WORKSHOP SERIES with Lizzie MacKenzie, Jackie Nowicki & Hanna Brictson will be held at Extensions Dance Center beginning July 6th!! 🌟🌟Registration link for all Junior & Pre-Professional ENGAGE workshop series opens tomorrow morning at 10am... Pre-Professional sessions are 9AM-2PM & 10AM-3PM, Junior sessions are 3PM-7PM & 3:30PM-7:30PM. 
Registration opens 10AM tomorrow: Link in bio 🔼
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Workshops are limited to 9 dancers each... don’t miss it!  Register at 10:00 AM on Friday June 12th!! All workshops will be held at Extensions Dance Center 3933 N. Elston Avenue in Chicago.  Series begins Monday July 6. ⭐️⭐️All CDC guidelines for social distancing and sanitary measures will be followed.  We take the health and safety of our dancers and their families very seriously.

#chicagodance #chicagoart #chicago #summerworkshop #danceworkshop #dancersofinstagram #instadance #dance #dancer #artists #prepro #dancerlife #create #mentor #teachersofinstagram #worldwidedance #contemporarydance #girlboss #mindfulness #improvisation #movement #connect #communicate #inspire #engage #engagechicago #dancersofig #thepowerofthree #strongwomen
Instagram post 17941341622364053 Instagram post 17941341622364053
There is nothing we love more than when our young There is nothing we love more than when our young artists put their creativity and unique perspective out there for the world to see.  Because she was “bored” at home in her house, longtime Extensionite @nicole_noe05 put this little vid together and we can’t stop watching it!!!! You’ve got some skills, girlfriend!!! 💜💜.
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Extensions Dance Center
Lizzie@extensionsdance.com
3933 N. Elston Avenue
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