Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige Borowski.
Hi Paige, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am 24 years old, and I am a Los Angeles, California native. Growing up in Los Angeles provided me with numerous opportunities to discover, develop, and execute many different forms of creative outlets. At the age of eight, I enrolled in my first dance class and after only a few years of this recreation, I knew that I had found something that would become an essential and identifying component to my life. I dedicated my days and nights to training during the remainder of my childhood and adolescent years, and as my high school graduation approached, I had my eye and heart set upon one goal; The Juilliard School.
In 2014 I was accepted to Juilliard and began the journey towards my B.F.A, which I graduated with in 2018. The journey that is Juilliard was one that was not just simply challenging but rather altering. My years there unzipped my being and completely rearranged everything that I thought dance, or I, was or could be. They taught me that this art form that we, as a creative family, have dedicated our lives to is one that is more human than even us, at some times, and it is our job to find this artistic soul that lives with in and magnify it for the display and reflection of our audiences. I wholeheartedly believe that it is lessons such as these that have allowed me not only to take the stage but to enter every room with a powerful yet equitable spirit.
Following my graduation from Juilliard, I relocated to Basel, Switzerland, where I began dancing for The Ballett Theater Basel, under the direction of Richard Wherlock. Here is where I received the priceless opportunities of dancing for Alexander Ekman, Johan Inger, Hofesh Shechter, Sharon Eyal, and Bryan Arias (to only name a few). Simultaneously, while dancing and performing for the Theater, I began to develop my career as a dance educator. I began teaching at local arts centers and dance studios around the city until I eventually was offered a position with the prestigious Ballettschule Theater Basel, where I helped to expand and curate the youth modern and ballet programs. It was through this endeavor that my love and passion for passing on the gift of movement and creation to our next generation of dancers really matured.
After departing from the company and Switzerland in the winter of 2020, I made my way back to my hometown of Los Angeles. Now, I have just taken over the direction of the dance program at Chaminade College Preparatory where I organize, oversee, and manage the dance education of the students. It is an honor to take on such a demanding role at my young age, but the lessons I have learned and the relationships I have made with my students are unmatched. The inspiration that I absorb every day from these dancers, whose raw and earthbound passions for dance exude from their every pore, reminds me of why I pursued this path; why I am continuing on this path that undoubtedly is never smooth, painless, or uncomplicated.
Currently, I am also teaching master classes at a variety of dance schools throughout the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. It is an absolute dream to have the chance to connect with this large network of young movers and I am always seeking to expand it.
Finally, like countless dancers in this country and around the world, I wish nothing more than to return to the stage. I have hope that there is light at the end of this tunnel and I will soon have the opportunity to step foot onto stage, where I have always felt most at home. This dream keeps me afloat, inspired, and motivated as we all wait to come back to our homes.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While Juilliard was one of the most treasured and important experiences in my life, it was also one of the most challenging… The rigor and prestigiousness of such a school can strip you of everything that you thought you were. You are forced to face your deepest fears and doubts, trust the transformative process, and lean into the unexpected but beautiful changes that your artistic and personal journeys take.
It most definitely has not been a smooth road, but it is precisely these bumps and obstacles along my journey that have made me the artist and woman that I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a professional ballet and modern dancer. I hope more than anything to have the opportunity to continue to execute this profession of mine in a safe and efficient manner as soon as it is possible. Being on stage is a home for me and being a performer is such an integral part of my identity that I yearn for this moment of return everyday, like so many of my colleagues.
While I navigate this strange hiatus from the stage, I have taken over as the Director of Dance at Chaminade College Preparatory. Here I oversee, manage, and run a dance education and professional development/preparation program.
I would say I am known, mostly, for my work as a professional dancer. I have worked and trained worldwide, having the pleasure of meeting and collaborating with some of the most talented artists in this industry. These humans and the work we have shared together inspire me everyday to strive for the discovery of my most authentic and ignited self. This work ethic to strive for betterment daily is one that I would like to believe I am known for and also one that I am incredibly proud of. The effort of this work is what keeps me going and keeps me stimulated. It is an everyday reminder for me; to just keep doing the work.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that people might not know about me and my work is that in addition to dance, I also have a deep love for the fashion and acting industries. Since my return back to Los Angeles, I have been working privately with many different photographers and casting agents attempting to bridge the gap between these two art forms and my own. I think that there is so much space in art for cross collaboration, and I see many opportunities for dance to appear alongside or even within other lines of work.
I also have a deep desire to start my own dance-centered non-profit organization in the near future, so I am constantly researching and dreaming up ideas for how best to serve our beautiful movement community. I think there are many needs within the dance world and many opportunities for change that I hope to seize for improvement.
For my new career development:
I am pleased to announce that in the fall I will be joining BODYTRAFFIC, a Los Angeles based dance company under the direction of Tina Finkelman Berkett. The company has plans to begin touring around the United States in September with some international touring at the end of the year. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be back on stage, where I have always felt I belonged. It is a gift that I look forward to accepting into my life with endless gratitude and enthusiasm.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.paigeborowski.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigeborowski/
Image Credits:
Single Headshot image shot by Liz Linett. Dancing images shot by Lorrin Brubaker.
