Madam Monday

I reserve Mondays to recognize jet-setting women who are making great strides in their communities.  I call these features "Madam Mondays!" 

This Monday we ask, 

Who is Courtney Robinson?

Courtney Robinson pictured dancing for Philadanco

See more about Philadanco here : http://www.philadanco.org/about/

dance, Dance, and DANCE!!! Those three words emphasize the passion that is more than evident, in the exuberating spirit that is Courtney Robinson.

Ms. Robinson is a dedicated artist who has extensive training and experience in the art of dance.  Her zeal for dance and choreography led her to study in Petersburg, VA at the Appomattox Regional Governors' School for the Arts; in New York City at the State University of New York at Purchase (SUNY Purchase); and in The Netherlands at the Rotterdam Dance Academy in The Netherlands.

Courtney Robinson pictured dancing for Philadanco 

[second to last dancer - orange]

See more about Philadanco here : http://www.philadanco.org/about/

Ms. Robinson was inspired to pursue a career in dance after watching a recording of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's piece called Revelations.  

"This piece fervently explores the places of deepest grief and holiest joy in the soul.  I had been dancing since I was four, but watching this piece ensured me that dance was something I had to do as my profession"

See more about Ms. Robinson here:

http://www.philadanco.org/about/robinson.php

After graduating from SUNY Purchase College, Ms. Robinson auditioned and was invited to work as a dancer for "Philadanco! The Philadelphia Dance Company." Founded in 1970, this company is known around the world for its groundbreaking work and for its commitment to the preservation of predominantly African-American traditions in dance. 

See more about Ms. Robinson here:

http://www.philadanco.org/about/robinson.php

Ms. Robinson finds her personal motivation in two women.  The first, Rosalind Robinson, her mother.  "She is a strong woman who has been a big influence in my life," says Ms. Robinson. "She's always been behind me, pushing me, and letting me know I can do whatever I put my heart and mind to."

The second is Joan Myers Brown, an American dance instructor and founder of Philadanco. "She is one of the African American pioneer women who founded a distinguished modern dance company with deep roots in black communities around the country.  I am also proud to say this living legend is my boss."

Courtney Robinson pictured dancing for Philadanco

See more about Philadanco here: 

http://www.philadanco.org/about/

Her advice for aspiring dancers?

"Make sure that dance is what you really want to do. It takes tough skin and it takes a lot of passion and dedication to dance; whether you dance just as a hobby, or if you want to someday be a professional... Remember that dance in itself is a sport and it takes a lot of endurance to dance every day."  Ms. Robinson encourages future dancers to have determination, tenacity, discipline, confidence, and patience.

We all could learn from Ms. Robinson's resilient take on life.  "Having faith in God keeps me focused.  There is nothing I can't do.  God would not give me anything I can not handle." Whether gracing the stage with her presence, or gracing her friends with a smile, Ms. Robinson is showing the world that she is absolutely unstoppable.