Interview Continued-

Int: How did you decide on the core values of curiosity, creativity, and resilience for Creative Generations? What do these values mean to you personally, and why are they so essential for young dancers?

DS: Recent research into developing a healthy mindset really influenced my thinking here. The concepts of “growth mindset,” championed by Professor Carol Dweck from Stanford University, were particularly influential. Encouraging curiosity and creativity is a powerful way to help young dancers develop a strong sense of self-awareness and feel encouraged in their own journey. Personally, I spent years "deconstructing" the perfectionism mindset in my own dance career by exploring styles that emphasized creativity and exploration within a safe and playful environment. These values are essential because they allow dancers to grow in a way that is not just about mastering technique, but about becoming well-rounded individuals who are confident in their abilities and open to the possibilities around them.

Int: In a world where dance is often seen as a competitive field, what made you focus on building a nurturing and supportive environment through Creative Generations? What do you hope this approach will achieve for the next generation of dancers?

DS: Healthy competition, to me, is when we learn from one another and elevate our skills together. It's about rising to challenges, not by pushing others down, but by collectively pushing our limits. I wanted to create a balance to the typical competitive atmosphere, which often fosters a mindset of being better by lowering others. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, I believe we can raise the level of our art while also promoting a healthier mindset within our community. This approach, I hope, will help the next generation of dancers to not only excel in their craft but to do so in a way that is sustainable and fulfilling.

Int: What challenges did you face when starting Creative Generations, and how did you overcome them? Looking back, what do you see as the most rewarding aspect of creating this program for young dancers?

DS: We’ve faced numerous challenges, especially as we try to integrate the incredible knowledge we’ve gained from newer models of athletic training into a traditional art form like ballet. Dance often has a very binary way of viewing movement—right or wrong—but the truth is, it’s an evolving art. One of the biggest challenges has been honoring the tradition while also promoting a mindset that keeps our dancers healthy and empowered. If I can see even a small shift in that direction, I’ll feel incredibly fulfilled. The most rewarding aspect of creating Creative Generations has been witnessing those moments when a dancer truly understands their own potential and starts to see themselves not just as a performer, but as a creator and leader in their own right.