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Life and Work with Chelsea Rose Neiss

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Rose Neiss.

Chelsea Rose, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At eight years of age, my mom put me in Tap dance classes to help me break out of my shell and as an outlet to express myself. After a couple of years, I gained interest in more classical styles of dance such as ballet and jazz. I made strong bonds with my teachers who soon became my mentors; their guidance lead me to experiment with other movement styles and to create my own vocabulary.

One of my instructors gave me tickets to see my first professional dance concert, Parsons Dance, it confirmed my passion and interest in the art. The experience sparked a fire and I knew dance was going to be a large part of my life. With the unconditional support of my parents, I took as many opportunities as I could to perform, take class, and assist teaching classes. I was given the opportunity to dance with a local company here in AZ and to teach my own dance classes when I entered my teens, which opened up a brand new door of possibility and skill sets;  an opportunity to share what I find so much joy in with others and this only manifested a deeper love of dance in me. I branched out and exposed myself to many other genres of dance, began studying outside of Arizona, and took in as many professional shows I could. I geeked out on anything and all things dance (still do to this day) and how it connects us to the human experience, interaction, and culture. I furthered my education of dance at Scottsdale Community College and California State University, Fullerton. I was inspired by my professors and their journeys. My professors/mentors provided tips and knowledge that I could not have found anywhere else other than sharing a studio space with them. They gave me the tools to help me pave my path into a professional career.  Over the last few years, I have had the amazing opportunities to dance with Disneyland, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Attack Theatre, and the Atlanta and Pittsburgh Operas. Currently, I perform with several local companies here in Arizona. I, also, am excited that I have had opportunity to teach classes around the valley and am able to share my voice in dance through choreographing my own works on high school students, local theatres, as well as producing individual works that have been showcased at various festivals. The best part, I get to move and dance every day and share the art of dance with people of all ages and walks of life. Dance is my passion and I am grateful for it and the opportunities it has given me.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When chasing goals there will always be challenges along the road, and I have faced a few; physical injuries from minor muscle aches, back pain, sprained ankles, a broken foot requiring surgery and coming back from muscle atrophy by rebuilding strength and muscle mass in that leg.  And then there are the mental obstacles; doubts, feelings of uncertainty if I made the right choice of being a dancer, apologizing for any little mistake, or apologizing sometimes just for being me (a slightly awkward misfit). These insecure feelings bubble up every once in awhile and can be difficult to overcome. I try to find strength in affirmational words and quotes from writers and close friends to help navigate through these obstacles; quotes such as “Do what makes you smile, recharges you, and warms your heart”, “Have the knowledge that you’re amazing!”, “You can do anything you put effort into because life is too short not to do what brings you happiness”, “Be fearless, share your feelings, emotions, and passions with individuals”.  An important question I ask myself every once in a while is: “What brings you joy?”, my answer is always being able to dance and to share dance with others. I find it helps to surround myself with like-minded people, so together as a community we can build support for each other and I know I can always count on family for their support. I learned early on “Always remember there is nothing to prove and everything to share”.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a performer, educator, and choreographer.

I believe what sets me apart as a performer is I am very diverse and have performed from the street to the stage and I bring my passion to all opportunities . I believe performing is sharing a part of you and each moment is special.

As an educator, I teach students of all ages from 2 years to 90 years of age in a variety of dance styles including Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, improvisation, and creative movement. I, also, have had the great pleasure of teaching educational after-school programs and outreach. Any opportunity I have to share knowledge, bring confidence and/or a smile to someone’s face through movement is a gift. I also instruct Barre fitness classes; I am able to get individuals moving and introduce them to a lifestyle that will be beneficial even as they age. I truly believe in the adage “ A body in motion stays in motion.”

Choreography is something I have just started doing professionally and I find it fulfilling. I have had the pleasure of choreographing two musicals for Desert Foothills Theater, Lin Manuel’s “In The Heights”, and recently “Disaster! the Musical.” Choreographing productions of that scale are extremely fun and I enjoy the storytelling element. In addition, I have set choreography on high school students. It is rewarding to see the students shaping and sculpting the choreography and embracing the challenging and different movement vocabulary that is set on them. I am now at a point in my career where I am interested in developing and exploring my own stories and producing my own choreographic works for the professional stage.

Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I have been many individuals that have been influential in my dance journey however there are three that stand out. Kenda Newbury director of AzDance Group gave me my first opportunity to be a part of a professional dance company. The skills and experience of learning what is expected of a professional dancer at AzDance have benefited me throughout my dance career.  Jeffrey Polston, a guest performer with AzDance Group and Complexions inspired my movement. I was mesmerized by his dancing and movement style. Katherine McDonnell introduced me to Jillana summer dance intensive and spent time working with me privately in pointe/ballet.

I believe having the ability to attend summer intensives like Jillana’s and being a member of a professional dance company helped lay the foundation of my success. Summer intensives were where I thrived most and they gave me the confidence and knowledge that I needed as I entered my professional career. The process of auditioning and putting myself out there and exposing myself was a big deal. I learned that there is something to be gained from both success and failure when auditioning; being placed in an environment where you’re in a room with some of the greatest dancers/teachers of all time, surrounded by people who are just as passionate as you and are there for the same purpose is an incredible feeling. I never felt alone or out of place and my only responsibility was to absorb and challenge myself to become better.

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Image Credit:
Ron Brewer

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