Finding Your Path
This article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of Art with Altitude.
Delaney Parker is one of those people who makes the hearts of Steamboat locals proud. She grew up in Steamboat Springs and through the support of the community and her parents, and a lot of hard work, her career in dance is beginning. She is a trainee with Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland and took time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for AwA.
AwA: What is your first memory of dance? Something you saw, or when you knew you wanted to be a dancer?
DP: One of my earliest and favorite memories is the first time I went to see Vail Dance Fest, I think I was 12. It was the first time I saw professional dancers in person. I already knew I loved ballet but it opened a whole new world to me and that was when I really decided I wanted to pursue this. Some of those dancers are still my biggest role models.
AwA: What was your early training in Steamboat Springs like? Who did you study with?
DP: I actually wanted to do gymnastics, but it was too expensive at the time, so when I was 11 my parents’ compromise was to put me in a beginning ballet class once a week. I fell in love and just wanted more. One of my teachers, Solange Guenier, pulled my mom aside and told her I had potential but I needed to get into more ballet classes. Unfortunately, she left Steamboat shortly after that conversation, and I transitioned to Steamboat Arts Academy for more ballet-focused training.
AwA: Who have been your mentors along the way? What advice did they give?
DP: My biggest mentor has been Caitlin Abraham. Because Steamboat is so small, high level ballet training was hard to come by locally. I started working with Caitlin virtually from NYC in 2018. She has always taught me that even though ballet is my big dream, I should be well-rounded and keep myself open to every opportunity, because you never know what will be thrown at you.
AwA: Where are you currently dancing? What is that like?
DP: I am currently a trainee with Oregon Ballet Theatre in Portland. Most ballet companies have a trainee program or a second company; it’s like the bridge between student and professional.
AwA: What is a typical day like for you when you are training or performing?
DP: The schedule is constantly changing, most weeks I’m at the studio Monday through Friday or Saturday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. A typical day starts with a two-hour technique class, followed by an hour of pointe or partnering class. The rest of the day is usually filled with rehearsals for whatever shows we are working on at the time, or supplemental classes like contemporary and pilates.
AwA: What would you like to see as far as dance in Steamboat Springs in the future?
DP: Steamboat Dance Theatre is an organization that raises money to support young,
local dancers. They have helped make so many
opportunities possible for me over the years and I hope to see them continue to grow.
AwA: What advice would you give to young dancers?
DP: I would remind them that everyone’s path is different, and everyone has their own strengths. Keep your eyes on your own path and try not to compare yourself to your peers.
AwA: What are your goals or dreams when it comes to dancing?
DP: My ultimate goal is to dance professionally in Europe. I’m so interested in the culture and style of ballet over there, and the arts are so much more appreciated. When I’m done dancing I would really like to become a physical therapist. I don’t have time to go to school full time right now, but I’m slowly working towards a degree online.
Elevate the Arts: Make a donation to the Steamboat Dance Theatre Scholarship fund. Follow your passions and don’t ever give up.
