Communications Associate, Kiersten Resch, recently interviewed dancer and Dance Complex work-study Nina Pongratz to learn more about her and her experience at the Dance Complex. Nina, a Boston native, has had experience with David Parsons Dance Company, Muhlenberg College, and The University of Limerick. Nina held a regular Work Study shift for the past six months, and though she has since taken a step back to pursue other opportunities, Nina can be found taking classes at the Dance Complex with other community members.
Q: What is your current occupation?
A: I am currently a self-employed dance artist, educator, choreographer, and dance researcher. I hold many part-time positions from Directing the Dance program at The Middlesex School in Concord, MA, to being a Visiting Artist at Wheaton College, to choreographing musicals at local middle and high schools.
Q: What are your career goals?
A: My goals are to continue working in the realm of dance education, pedagogy, research, and choreography in a full-time capacity. For now, I am interested in secondary education and program development within the Independent School circuit, but may look to move to third level education in the future.
Q: What duties do you perform during your time at The Dance Complex?
A: As a Work-Study my most important responsibility is to be a friendly face and ambassador to those who come into the building. I equip myself with understanding the way the Dance Complex functions, what the day looks like, and familiarize myself with others who work at the DC so that I can best answer questions when people ask. Specific tasks include (but are not limited to) writing daily schedules, managing payments and fees from renters and teachers, setting up the space and maintaining a professional look/atmosphere, and welcoming/signing people into the Dance Complex.
Q: How do you see this work study position as a springboard for your career?
A: Although I grew up in the greater Boston area, I have been living and working professionally in Ireland for the past 6 years. I moved back to Boston in July and immediately came to a class at the Dance Complex. When I witnessed what a hub it was for other professionals, dance makers, and dance lovers, I figured I wanted to be in the space to meet others like me. When I saw that Work-Study was an option, I knew that being in the space would help me connect to the community. I regularly run into people from my past, and have had job opportunities, invites for auditions, etc. from being around the Dance Complex so regularly.
Q: As a Work-Study, what role do you feel you play in our community?
A: One of my chief goals is to ensure that I am making the work of the office staff easier. I aim to answer questions that can easily be answered as not to interrupt the work that is being done by those with more on their plates. By doing this, I feel like I am helping the community to ensure that we are productive and able to do what we can for a community that loves to dance.
