From Student to Artist: My Experience at Movers + Makers

Introduction: Why I Chose Movers + Makers

My name is Ellie Espenshade, and I'm a 20-year-old dancer from Philadelphia, PA. I'm currently pursuing my BFA in Dance at The Ohio State University. As I started thinking about life after graduation, I knew I wanted a summer experience that would push me beyond the structure of school—something immersive, creative, and a bit out of my comfort zone. That's when I found Movers + Makers, a three-day intensive hosted by Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company in Utah. What drew me in was the opportunity to not just dance, but to train and create as if I were already part of a company. I enrolled in the Movers track, eager to experience what it's like to be a collaborative artist in a professional setting.

Day One: Improvisation & Creative Exploration

The first day began with an hour-long improvisational jam led by Artistic Director Jocelyn Smith. It was the perfect way to ease into things—I got to move through the space, shake off any nerves, and begin connecting with the other dancers in the room. Jocelyn's movement prompts helped set the tone for the weekend and encouraged each of us to tap into our personal movement voices.

Jocelyn introduced her vision for the improvisational installation that would be featured in the final show. She described it as "an exploration of the delicate interplay between stillness and motion, illumination and obscurity. Rooted in contemporary dance, the work unfolds in real time, with performers responding instinctively to shifting patterns of light and shadow." She handed out flashlights, turned off the lights, and provided us with creative prompts as we moved across the floor. We were instructed to create shapes, explore the attraction and deflection of light, and move in duets and quartets across the floor. The process felt organic and imaginative, and it was incredible how quickly it came together. Watching her vision evolve in real time was truly inspiring.

Next, I had the chance to take a class from one of the competing Makers, Miché Smith. She explained that her movement vocabulary draws inspiration from both Limón and Varone techniques. We spent time working on grounding and playing with different rhythms as we took a few combos down the floor. This helped me connect more deeply to the floor and the music. Then we learned a contemporary combination—and to my surprise, she used mainstream music. Who says you can't do contemporary to The Spice Girls? The space was alive with energy and support, which made this class the highlight of my day.

Creating Together: “Magnolia in the Mud”

To end the day, I stepped into rehearsal with choreographer and competing Maker Taylor Randolph. She shared the inspiration and story behind her piece Magnolia in the Mud, which the cast and I immediately felt connected to and deeply resonated with. I was intrigued when she mentioned we'd be dancing on chairs—something completely new to me. What I loved most about Taylor's process was how collaborative and thoughtful it was. She started by giving the cast three phrases to work with and asked us to take notes. After showing us her own ideas, she invited us to interpret and expand on them. From there, she began to build the choreography based on what inspired her from our movement. It was empowering to feel like a true contributor to the piece. Her work unearthed "the quiet, inherited weight of womanhood passed from mother to daughter, wrapped in the rituals and rhythms of the American South." Through movement, we explored themes of resilience, tenderness, and legacy—strength not just taught, but felt and lived. Being part of a piece so rooted in meaning was truly inspiring.

Day Two: Repertoire, Partnering, and Expansion

The following day began with a repertoire class from the Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company, taught by Jaclyn Brown and accompanied by a live musician. We learned dynamic phrases from a mix of the company's past and current repertoire—including a phrase from Resilience by Shani Robinson, one of their signature works. Part technique, part play, and all about experiencing the musical, physical, and emotional range of WCDC's choreographic voice, embodying the repertoire was especially inspiring. It offered a deeper understanding of the company's artistic style and energy.

Next, we transitioned into a partnering class led by Constance Anderson. I appreciated her thoughtful and intentional approach. We began with a consent exercise, which emphasized the importance of communication, boundaries, and mutual trust in partnering work. This exercise was not only grounding but also offered valuable insight for my own teaching practice. It reminded me that effective partnering starts with human connection, not just physical mechanics. Throughout the class, we explored weight sharing, balance, and connected movement—learning how to shift through space as one cohesive unit. The class challenged me to stay fully present with my partner, listen through touch, and embrace moments of instability.

Later in the day, I took a class with another competing Maker, Margaux Gex. The class was both physically and mentally challenging in the best way. We began with a dynamic floorwork sequence that challenged my coordination and spatial awareness as we glided, rolled, and transitioned across the floor. As someone who loves floorwork, I felt completely in my element. We finished class with a phrase from her piece, When I Let You In, which offered a glimpse into her choreographic voice and artistic sensibility.

Rehearsal Process: Building Something Meaningful

The rest of the day was dedicated to rehearsals for Magnolia in the Mud. I genuinely enjoyed the process; it felt intimate and not only gave me the chance to connect more closely with the other dancers in the cast but also with the creative process itself. Taylor's use of chairs was particularly compelling to me. Rather than feeling predictable or cliché, the chairs were thoughtfully integrated into the choreography, adding a meaningful layer of depth to the piece. It was a privilege to collaborate with Taylor and witness her vision take shape in real time. Despite working under a tight timeline, the cast came together to create a piece that felt heartfelt and honest—something we were proud to share in the final showcase.

The Showcase: A Celebration of Creativity

The final part of the weekend was the Movers + Makers showcase, held at Orem Library Hall. It was incredibly rewarding and inspiring to watch all five works choreographed and staged by the competing Makers—Margaux Gex, Taylor Randolph, Alexis Diggs, Miché Smith, and Rebecca Aguilar. Each piece offered a distinct voice and perspective, highlighting the immense talent and creativity that filled every corner of the workshop. The showcase concluded with Jocelyn Smith's improv installation, Echoes of Light. It was so exciting to see the work come to life on stage through the interplay of shadows and light. The spontaneity of the piece made it especially captivating.

Afterward, all the dancers ran out on stage to take their bows. Finally, it was time to hear who the winner of the 2025 Movers + Makers Intensive would be. We drumrolled with anticipation until Jocelyn Smith announced Alexis Diggs and her piece, The Perception of Threat, or, The Threat of Perception, as the winner. The announcement was met with cheers and applause, a fitting celebration of all the hard work and artistry that went into the intensive. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend.

Reflection: Why This Experience Matters

Reflecting on the experience as a whole, I can say without hesitation that the Movers + Makers Workshop by Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company is an excellent choice for any aspiring dancer seeking a summer program that offers both performance and choreographic opportunities. Whether your passion lies in creating new work or bringing someone else's vision to life, this intensive offers a supportive environment to experiment, grow, and connect with a community of dedicated artists. Over the course of three days, I felt both challenged and inspired in ways that renewed my excitement for dance. I left feeling energized, fulfilled, and motivated to keep exploring my artistic potential.

About the Author

Ellie Espenshade is a contemporary dancer and choreographer from Malvern, Pennsylvania, currently pursuing a BFA in Dance at The Ohio State University. Ellie’s training spans contemporary, ballet, jazz, and improvisation, and she brings a strong foundation in both performance and creative process. Prior to college, she was a company dancer and later a teacher and assistant at Desiree Catania Dance Center, where she led classes and choreographed for young dancers. Known for her artistry, versatility, and collaborative spirit, Ellie is a dedicated emerging artist committed to growth, exploration, and contributing to innovative dance spaces.