Robert Dekkers
Post:ballet
Berkeley, CA USA
"Those moments of obstacle are the moments that define us and what it is that we really want for our lives."
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Robert's work combines: Art, Music, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Most of my family did not go to college, so they wanted me to pursue my college education in hopes that I'd have an easier time finding a stable job and living well. It was hard for my grandmother, for example, to hear that I was going to pursue a career as a dancer rather than go to college. She was coming from a good place because she loved me and wanted me to do well, but becoming a dancer was my dream so that's what I did.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Associate's Degree
Business/Commerce
Rio Salado College
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia.
2.
I’ve been passionate about dancing ever since I began taking structured ballet classes at five years old.
3.
After high school, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to dance with Ballet Arizona.
4.
While dancing, I also honed my skills as a choreographer, first by choreographing pieces for schools and then eventually growing to commission pieces for other companies.
5.
I knew I wanted to eventually run my own dance company, so I decided it would be a good idea to pursue an education in business while I continued to work as a dancer.
6.
I chose to attend Rio Salado College for my associate degree because it allowed me the flexibility to study at my own pace and plan around my performance schedule.
7.
After earning my associate degree in business, I moved from Arizona to San Francisco, California, where I started dancing with a modern company.
8.
A year or two later I started my dance company, Post:ballet, which integrates modern aesthetics with classically based dance—we’re in our 13th season now!
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Family:
You should take the safe route, go to college, and get a good stable job instead of risking life as an artist.
How I responded:
Most of my family did not go to college, so they wanted me to pursue my college education in hopes that I'd have an easier time finding a stable job and living well. It was hard for my grandmother, for example, to hear that I was going to pursue a career as a dancer rather than go to college. She was coming from a good place because she loved me and wanted me to do well, but becoming a dancer was my dream so that's what I did.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
Shortly after moving to a new city, I lost my job because of the recession. It was scary but it led to me starting my own dance company—something that I didn't anticipate doing until much later in life!
I had a blood clot that caused caused nerve damage in my spine. I lost mobility in my leg and didn't know if I would ever dance or walk again. I started dancing with a company that worked with disabilities and completely renewed my love for my art.