Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1510185
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023 | maconmagazine.com 45 Lowden added, "And how exciting it is to learn something new from a fellow artist?! It is pure joy," when explaining Hayiya's long list of collaborations with institutions inside and outside the dance world, from working with Macon Pops and Mercer Theatre to offering free services like tutoring and S.T.E.A.M Fridays. All teachers emphasized community service, with a stunning breadth of activities from working with Bibb County School students, to free dance days, to museums, to funding childhood cancer research, to dancing at senior centers and for nursing home residents. Kendrick explains, "We take dance to people. Not everyone is going to come into the studio to dance. It's not all financial – it's perception." This relates back to inclusion as a core principle, according to Kendrick. "If you see dance as one thing, and it's not somewhere you believe you belong, you won't go in. If I can share with you, where you are, what I think dance is and what it means, you might be open to it." Overall, the "better together" motto seems to work for dancers and teachers in the region, who all spoke highly of one another, their students, and other cultural institutions. It's an exciting time to be a dancer in Central Georgia, with more to grow. Holton should know, as someone who has been involved in the local dance scene since she was a child. She sums up the sense of strong community: "The arts are about holding up a mirror for ourselves, the audiences, and the world, and I so appreciate my fellow teacher friends that are willing to share real experiences and cultivate love for this art form. The same goes for my students!" Principal dancers from The Madison Studio. Photo by Caitlin Adele Photography. Gendi ventur? Labo. Alicitius, volor sus res molor au Hispanic Heritage Night performance by Veterans Elementary School students. Hayiya Dance Theatre students in class.