Balancing Act: Motherhood and the Performing Arts

Navigating the demands of work and family can be a delicate balancing act, but for those in the performing arts, it becomes an even more intricate dance. A group of established dancers and choreographers, who have become mothers in recent years, share their personal journeys of creating art while caring for young children and the profound shifts in their sense of self that come with parenthood.

Revealing the Untold Stories of Artist-Mothers

Embracing the Challenges of Early Parenthood

The transition to parenthood can be a profound and all-encompassing experience, especially for those in the performing arts. Megan Davis Bushway, Kelly Hurlburt, Chloe Napoletano, Sarah Ramey, and Rowan Salem, all established dancers and choreographers, have faced the unique challenges of navigating their artistic careers while caring for young children. In the early newborn days, the demands of caring for a baby can be all-consuming, leaving little time and energy for creative pursuits. "Your body is recovering from one of the most intense experiences you can have in your life," explains Ramey, the mother of a 5-year-old and a toddler. "Every aspect of my dance life was changed. Also, how I felt about my body, how I viewed my body changed."The shifting sense of self that comes with parenthood can also be a significant hurdle for artist-mothers. Ramey, who has not performed in five or six years, reflects on the profound impact of this transition, noting the profound changes in her relationship with her own body and her artistic identity.

Juggling Schedules and Coordinating Rehearsals

Coordinating rehearsals and finding time to create art amid the demands of parenthood is a constant challenge for this group of artist-mothers. Hurlburt, who is a mother to a 1-year-old daughter, describes the unusual process of bringing their collaborative project, "Inside Voices," to life."We've sort of had to create and work around the scheduling component, navigating five people's schedules, let alone five mothers. A lot of our rehearsals have been solo, then we check in with each other," she explains. "Ideas and concepts have been percolating for a long time. We've all been working on these a little bit and now we're sort of bringing it all together in an intense sort of way. It's five different stories that we're weaving together."The intricate coordination required to balance their artistic pursuits and family responsibilities is a testament to the resilience and dedication of these artist-mothers. Their collaborative project, "Inside Voices," offers a unique glimpse into the personal experiences and creative journeys of this remarkable group.

Reclaiming the Stage and Redefining Artistic Identities

For these artist-mothers, the return to the stage after a hiatus can be a profound and transformative experience. Ramey, who has not performed in several years, will be joining her colleagues in the "Inside Voices" project, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey.The project serves as a platform for these women to share their stories, explore the intersections of their identities as artists and mothers, and redefine their artistic expressions. By weaving together their individual narratives, they create a tapestry that celebrates the resilience, creativity, and the unique challenges faced by artist-mothers.Through "Inside Voices," these women are not only reclaiming their artistic voices but also shedding light on the often-overlooked experiences of those who strive to balance the demands of parenthood and the performing arts. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and the unwavering determination to pursue one's creative passions, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.