Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianne Hakanson.
Hi Marianne, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My passion for arts, dance and performing started at a young age of 3 in upstate New York. Studying in all genres of dance. Particularly in modern and contemporary dance. I moved to Austin in 1998 to explore the city and its offerings in dance and continued to teach dance education at a studio for many years. In 2004- I opened our brick and mortar- M.A. Dance Project and also started our dance company; Impact Dance Company- at The Railyard and we are in our 22nd season!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Although having a small business does come with many challenges, it continues to be a joyful experience. Teaching art and dance is very fulfilling!
I would say the challenge/struggle is reinventing your space and ideas. Being around for 22 seasons- you can sometimes get lost in the shuffle of all the things.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have been cultivating dance, confidence and community for over 20 years. Our dance studio and company is a fertile ground for creating, inspiring and exploring the art of contemporary dance. Our dance studio and company focuses on training, performing and building a repertoire of distinctive, purposeful work and a source of inspiration for our dancers and community. Although we do compete from time to time; that is not our ultimate objective. Our main intention is to grow as artists with a secure amount of technical foundation, explore all genres and to excel beyond the studio.
We are an intentional space with an approach that fosters confidence and resilience.
I am most proud of the meaningful, everlasting relationships and seeing the growth in each dancer! Small and big daily accomplishments.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I loved choreographing in my small bedroom in upstate New York! My daughter does the same thing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madanceproject.com
- Instagram: @m.a.danceproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/madanceproject/
