We’re looking forward to introducing you to Deanna Stanton. Check out our conversation below.
Deanna, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My sweet 4 year old daughter named Layla. She is such a beautiful soul & it’s such a joy to be her mama. She has even fallen in love with dance as well which has been so fun getting to share that part of my life with her now too.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, My name is Deanna Stanton. I’m currently in my 13th season as a Company Artist with Ballet Arkansas as well as a freelance contemporary ballet choreographer. The works. that I choreograph are always heavily influenced by the dancers that I work with, the way they move, and their strengths and weakness. My creations are also driven by the music. I want my movement to enhance the music as well as potentially expose new textures of it. I always aim to create and maintain a positive environment throughout the entire process of creating any work. While I’m specific and direct about what I’m wanting movement wise, I’m always open to finding ways to make it more tailored to that specific dancer. Through my choreography, I like to tell stories or evoke some type of emotion from an audience member. Sometimes the themes are very clear and present & other times, they are simply where I find my inspiration for the movement.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, especially in the dance world, I faced a lot of rejection and heard the word no quite frequently. No, you’re not good enough for this program, no, you’re too tall to be in the front of this dance, no you’ll probably never make it as a professional dancer. However, as I’ve gone through life, I’ve learned that a lot of the dance world is subjective and that while you may not be right for someone or some company, there are plenty of opportunities out there and you just to find the right people that believe in you to help you find your way. No doesn’t have to be the final answer. I’ve been so fortunate to encounter several teachers and mentors that really saw me for who I was, the potential I had, and helped guide me to a career in ballet. Without them, I would not be the dancer I am today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
How strong and resilient I am. No matter how tough the situation is, I’m going to make it through and will probably learn something valuable and grow in the process. I may have to take a few steps back or even pause and sit in the disappoint for a moment but I won’t live there.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I would hope they would say my relationship with Jesus. He shapes all that I am and all that I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I truly believe so. I’m incredibly grateful to be a professional ballet dancer and a choreographer. It’s something I dreamed of since I was a kid & it’s so difficult to put into words how thankful I am that this is my reality. I’ve met and worked with so many wonderful people because of this art form. Getting to be able to choreograph while still being a professional dancer isn’t something I take for granted. Performing onstage brings so much joy to my heart and I love being able to share that with an audience. Choreographing works that not only cause the audience to feel something but the creation process with the dancers in the studio is just as important and valuable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deannastanton.com
- Instagram: @deannastantonchoreography
Image Credits
3 images with just me or me and my daughter are @RachelNevilleStudios
photo of two dancers onstage with her leg out to the right & the girl doing the jump in the red unitardt: photo by jaqi Medlock, courtesy of Young Choregraphers Festival
4 dancers onstage; @sorcha
2 dancers onstage, once arched back: @cvmeron_perry
Dancers; Deanna Stanton, Brittany Dowdy & Lauren Yordanich : courtesy of Ballet Arkansas
Harry Warshaw: courtesy of Ballet Memphis
Aiden Moss, Aidan Carrasquel & Brenna Mulligan: courtesy of Ballet San Antonio
Laura Gruener – Freelance Dancer
Derek Brockington: courtesy of Dance Theatre of Harlem
