Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Rathbone and Leslie Parrin.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Katrina and Leslie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The concept of Outlet Dance Company began in 2013 as a discussion of “what’s missing” in the suburbs of Chicago. For any dancer over 21, it’s difficult to find dance classes at the correct level or age group without traveling all the way downtown – not to mention performing or choreographing unless you are a teacher at a studio.
We decided to test the waters and see who might be interested in joining a part-time company in the area, for mid-professional level dancers over 21 and were overwhelmed by the responses. We set up a plan for studio rental time to rehearse, found a performance venue… and the company began with 15 members our first year!
Since then, we have doubled in size – and so has our rehearsal space! We currently rehearse out of Elk Grove and perform at Madison Street Theater in Oak Park and hold auditions over the summer.
Has it been a smooth road?
I would say it’s never as smooth as you want, but we were very lucky to have had wonderful members and a strong partnership that has helped to not only keep us going, but keep us growing.
There have been last minute injuries, work conflicts and adding “new members to the family” that have led to dancers leaving mid season, but that is life! All we can do is prepare for these situations as best we can and prepare our understudies to be ready to go in!
Each year there are new lessons to learn and always room for improvement the next time around!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Outlet Dance Company story. Tell us more about the business.
Outlet is a part-time contemporary dance company for dancers over 21 who are looking to grow their portfolio or just have a place to dance! We specialize in modern and jazz dance but incorporate guest artists when we can to add variety. The company only meets 1 day a week for 2 hours, but our members are offered multiple performance opportunities during the season. All of our members are also given the option to choreograph for our end-of season concert, which is not something that most companies or studios offer.
What we are most proud of is that our members are truly able to use the company for the reason it was created: As an artistic outlet. We wanted to create an environment where dancers felt comfortable, no matter their technical level, size, etc. A place where they could come each week, and let loose, get creative, grow friendships, and dance their hearts out – and we really did achieve that.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
The dance industry has definitely grown over the years due to shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With The Stars” and hopefully will continue to grow! Overall, the entertainment industry is one that people will continue to turn to when they need an “escape” from the stress of everyday life.
Contact Info:
- Address: 200 Rev Morrison Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
- Website: www.outletdanceco.com
- Email: outletdanceco@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/outletdanceco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutletDanceCo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/outletdanceco
Image Credit:
Christine Solum, Brandon Escorcia Photography
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