Time has come for me to say goodbye to the AXIS office.
I have had an insightful and rewarding three months with the Company and I’m sad to be saying farewell (for now!). It has been a real joy to be a part of this passionate and creative team.
If I had to pinpoint a highlight per month they would be:


September- Dance Access Day introducing AXIS to 800 Children and Adults, watching the enjoyment spread through The Malonga Theater.

October- Engaging Community through tabling events at local festivals and fundraisers, calling new and old friends to promote AXIS’ home-season.

November- ‘ODD’, rehearsing and performing with Shinichi, Joan, AXIS and inkBoat at ODC Theater and The Malonga.

December- Christmas Songs being played in the office all day long, making the survey data entry just about bearable.

I now have a month to explore as much of the States as possible. Tomorrow I head south for the winter, visiting a friend in Nashville, TN then on to San Diego and finishing with meting a friend in Las Vegas, a few days of partying and hopefully a trip to the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. I’ll be back in the Bay for Christmas and hope to see LA and Lake Tahoe before heading back across the Pond the first week of January.

I want to take this opportunity to once again say Thank-You to everyone for a wonderful Fall and welcoming me into the AXIS community. I will be sure to take all the skills I have acquired back to the UK and show ‘em how it’s done!

Happy Holidays and wishing you all a great New Year!

Kat

Reflection

With one week left as a part of the dynamic AXIS team it’s time to reflect on all I have learnt and experienced!

One thing is for sure; my passion for dance has been renewed!

The creative versatility of AXIS is inspiring and I admire how much this company strives to strengthen and develop community relationships. It has also been a privilege to discover new dance styles and be a part of the Bay Area dance scene. I enjoyed a trip to the Smuin Holiday Ballet over the Thanksgiving weekend, have been continuing my practice of Indian dance styles, Irish social dancing, modern classes at Shawl Anderson and the occasional class in other world dance styles. I am considering starting my own integrated Dance Company on return to the UK working with a variety of world dance styles. My time at AXIS has given me the confidence and knowledge to make my first steps.

Apart from dance I have discovered an interest in Marketing and PR and I am looking to continue developing these skills in an arts organization, or perhaps in companies geared towards travel or health- two more of my passions!

My time at AXIS is coming to an end however I have another month to explore the US before returning home. I have trips planned to visit friends in Nashville, TN and Las Vegas. I’m hoping to see the Grand Canyon on my travels and also find time to visit Southern Cal, including Hollywood, and maybe Lake Tahoe in the snow! Any hints or tips on what not to miss before I leave- please let me know!

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope all AXIS blog readers did too! I was lucky enough to experience two Thanksgiving dinners with friends and their families. I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have had to live and work in California, making new friends and be a part of a fantastic team. Thank you AXIS staff, dancers, board members and supporters for making me at home and I wish you all HAPPY HOLIDAYS!