Podcast Episodes

Episode 113: Karen Sudds & Ainsley Sudds [Global Impact – Part Three]

August 22, 2023September 25, 2023 by Rachel Caldwell

What is the impact of the arts around the world? During this mini-series, we are diving into conversations focused on the global impact of the arts. Mother-daughter duo Karen Sudds and Ainsley Sudds join me from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for part three of this series!

I loved getting to know both Karen and Ainsley and hearing their heart for community and mentorship in the dance studio setting. Karen has over 30 years of experience in both the pedagogical and artistic performance aspects of dance. She is recognized as an accomplished dance educator, founder, and director of Crossings Dance School, Director Emeritus of Corps Bara Dance Theatre, and advocate for the integration of dance science research and practice in the dance studio.

Ainsley is both the Studio Director and a Dance Instructor at Crossings Dance, is on Faculty at the Alberta Ballet School, and guest teaches throughout the Calgary dance community. She is also the Event Producer for Project Dance Calgary and on staff with Project Dance NYC. Karen and Ainsley share about their journeys with dance and the development and growth of Crossings Dance.

We chat about finding the balance of business and ministry with a faith-based dance studio, and the succession process as Karen and Ainsley are currently in a season of shifting leadership at Crossings Dance. Their values-driven approach is truly an inspiration, and I am so encouraged by their genuine love for their community!

You can listen to the show HERE, and you can be sure not to miss a Creative Impact conversation by subscribing through your favorite podcast app (ie. Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher). We are so grateful to have you as a part of the Creative Impact community and would love it if you would share the show with your friends!

About Karen:

With over 30 years of experience in both the pedagogical and artistic performance aspects of dance, Karen is recognized as an accomplished dance educator, founder, and director of Crossings Dance School, Director Emeritus of Corps Bara Dance Theatre, and advocate for the integration of dance science research and practice in the dance studio. Karen holds an MSc in Dance Science from the University of Wolverhampton, her Level 1 C-I Training Certification, Pilates Core Integration Mat Certification, Pilates Method Alliance Certification for Programming Pilates for Youth, and Level 1 Dance Teacher and Practitioner Training with Perfect Form Physiotherapy. Karen has been a presenter at the Performing Arts and Medicine Association (2017), International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (2018, 2019, 2020iconference), and Healthy Dancer Canada (2018). In addition to pursuing a passion for continual learning, Karen has been a guest lecturer at the University of Calgary (Dance Pedagogy and Dance Science) along with presenting her research as part of the Faculty of Kinesiology ‘Research Rounds’. Karen is a member of the board for Healthy Dancer Canada and continues developing key partnerships with practitioners, researchers, and dance educators to create awareness and foster the growth of healthy dance practice within the local dance studio.

About Ainsley:

From Calgary, Canada, Ainsley holds an Masters of Dance Technique Pedagogy from Middlesex University, London England – in which her research focused on Ballet & Modern Dance Training for Adolescent Dancers. As well, Ainsley holds a BA in Contemporary Dance from the University of Calgary. Ainsley danced professionally with Corps Bara Dance Theatre for ten years and held the position of Artistic Director for Corps Bara Dance Theatre’s Youth Company from 2008 – 2014. She is now on the Board of Directors for Corps Bara. Ainsley is both the Studio Director and a Dance Instructor at Crossings Dance, is on Faculty at the Alberta Ballet School, and guest teaches throughout the Calgary dance community. She is also the Event Producer for Project Dance Calgary and on staff with Project Dance NYC. Having studied the classic modern dance technique, Limón, extensively through completing the Limon Institute of New York Professional Studies Program and both Level One and Advanced Level of the Limon Workshop for Teachers, Ainsley’s teaching is greatly influenced by the principles and philosophies of this technique. Ainsley is passionate about mentorship and as a strong believer of the potential of the human body as an instrument to express and communicate through movement, Ainsley approaches dance holistically, believing that all aspects of dance training and performance are interwoven physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual experiences.