Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzie MacKenzie.
Lizzie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
As a teenager, my love of dance led me to Interlochen Arts Academy for high school, which then led me to Giordano Dance Chicago where I became a full-time company member by age 21. My experience with Giordano was followed by 6 years dancing and touring with River North Dance Company both based here in Chicago. During my time with both companies, I continued to develop my love of teaching locally in Chicago and also with travels around the country to teach at various studios and festivals. With the help of 4 very loyal students in Chicago, Extensions Dance Company was born in 2005, as a necessity to give serious young dancers a place to train and grow. While continuing to dance and tour with River North Dance Company, I would train, coach and choreograph for my students at extensions while I was home, renting studio space around the city and in the suburbs. During this time and to this day, my partner and Co-Founder Lauren Brown provided great support for all things administrative with extensions.
In 2005, which was year number one for extensions, we began with just 5 dancers, followed by year two which brought us to 7 dancers, year three to 9, then, 13 in the 2008-09 season and this year, our 13th year, we housed 42 company members divided into 5 different companies ranging in age from 6-18. In 2012 we opened our studio space at 3933 N. Elston, which is a 5,000 square foot, bright and inviting space where we continue to train, mentor and challenge our company members and countless recreational students as well to find their creative voice and be the best they can be in and outside of the studio space. The studio was born out of necessity as our company continued to organically grow and since I had retired from full time dancing and touring in 2011, it left me with time and a desire to take the company to new heights. We have been in our space on Elston for 6 years and we are going strong… so strong in fact, we have been searching for more space to expand our organization further.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been very organic in terms of growth which has allowed us to manage our growth with thought and also adaptation as times and numbers change, but there are always hurdles. From the signing of the lease on the space we are currently in (3933 N. Elston), and losing the lease (temporarily), for reasons beyond my control, to internal struggles with growing pains in partnerships, faculty relationships, program outlines, tuition, and schedule. Each struggle has led us to a more refined and effective way to run our business and also a great appreciation for the times when things are running smoothly and without challenges. I am truly grateful for all of it.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Extensions Dance Company – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Extensions Dance Company is a true pre-professional training program where young dancers train intensely in every aspect of their art, and eventually, they emerge as artists. We offer 5 levels of performance companies for serious dancers ranging in age from 6-18 as well as recreational and beginning classes for dancers beginning as young as age 3. Our dancers learn about the art form of dance with a focus on concert dance as a base, to learn about proper technique, interpretation, an individual voice and also to embrace and love themselves for the unique individuals they are. We offer a well-rounded program with Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Contemporary and supporting techniques such as Gaga, Progressive Ballet Technique, Pilates, Yoga and even nutrition and maintenance. Our alumni have gone to the top collegiate dance programs in the country including Juilliard, USC Glorya Kaufman school of dance, Boston Conservatory, Point Park University, Ailey/Fordham, CalArts, NYU, University of Arizona, Chapman, Marymount Manhattan and many others.
We encourage our students to follow their hearts and pursue whatever they desire as they embark on their chapters after high school (and therefore, their chapters after extensions), but we ensure that, should they wish to embark on a career in dance, we will provide them with the foundation they need in order to do so. We pride ourselves on a supportive and all-inclusive community at Extensions where leadership is a focus and kindness is a necessity so that every student can grow freely without fear of being mocked or judged. We empower every child to reach their potential and we support them along the way. We have been blessed to attract wonderful families who dive in to help cultivate an even stronger community aspect at Extensions where each and every one of us truly does “Celebrate Uniqueness Every Day.”
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love everything about Chicago. I love the rich and vibrant art scene, I love the street art and how it evolves, shifts and changes depending on what neighborhood you are in. I love the ever-changing and fulfilling restaurant scene as well as the multitude of theaters and endless possibilities for a theater experience of any sort on any given day. I love the boutiques and small businesses that are at every turn. I love the warmth of the people and I even love that the seasons change… I look at winter as a rebirth of sorts and I do believe with a great coat and warm boots, if you take a second and choose it, you can even enjoy our cold and snowy months in Chicago. With that said… NOTHING compares to a summer in Chicago. The absolute best.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3933 N. Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60618 - Website: http://www.extensionsdance.com
- Phone: 773-299-9202
- Email: lizzie@extensionsdance.com
- Instagram: extensionsdance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/extensionsdancecompanychicago
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/extensions-dance-company-chicago?osq=extensions+dance+company
Image Credit:
Cheryl Mann, Ben Wardell
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
