Name: Rosy Mack

Where I live: Scottsdale, AZ

What I create: Dance performance

What inspired me to become an artist: I was a shy kid and dance helped me find my power and a sense of community. I love the freedom that comes with being an artist, but I also love the discipline. It takes a lot of discipline to work on a craft that is impossible to perfect. As a dancer and choreographer, I can always be better. There is no limit. I also love that as dancers, we often perform together. We are a family. I am passionate about creating a strong community through movement, not just for dancers, but also for other creators and our audience. I believe that art can pull us closer and inspire us all to be the greatest versions of ourselves, so when I am creating, I am always asking myself “How will this influence my community?” I’m inspired by the power that art can have on our community.

My involvement in this year’s Canal Convergence: My company of seven dancers, Ignite Collaborative, will be performing on opening night, November 8th, a piece titled “A Drop in the Ocean.” The piece explores the idea that a single drop of water may seem insignificant, but the ocean cannot exist without it. Every person on this planet has a gift that sets them apart from others. Like drops of water, when these talents are combined, they create an ocean of community that is powerful enough to carry us all through life. Our performance will incorporate glowing orbs, representing each person’s “water drop” and the audience will follow us through the festival as we interact with different light sculptures, showing the power of collaborative talents in our community of artists.

What I’m most looking forward to regarding this year’s event: This is my first year performing at Canal Convergence and I am mostly looking forward to the burst of inspiration that always comes to me after being around other artists.

Challenges of living/creating your art: The hardest part about being an artist is believing in your ideas. I am someone who is quick to adapt to others and it is easy for me to lose sight of my own artistic vision. It is always a challenge for me to find the balance between my own artistic vision and making sure my art connects with people, too.

Other activities I enjoy: When I’m not dancing, I love to read, practice yoga, and binge watch early 2000’s TV shows. I have a pet turtle named Mongo. I believe in astrology. I also love to go treasure hunting at thrift stores and plan my next big travel adventures.

If I had four hours with absolutely nothing to do on a Saturday, here’s how I would spend it: I’d start my Saturday with a massage. Then, I’d grab coffee and lunch at a cafe with a relaxing patio and I’d stay extra long with my journal or a good book, then I’d hit some thrift stores, stop for ice cream, and end the day with a fancy dinner with my husband.

My No. 1 suggestion to new artists: Give credit where credit is due. Don’t be stingy with expressions of gratitude. Recognize the people who have helped you grow as an artist. If you want support, you have to give it. Go to other people’s art shows, buy local art, hire local entertainers, believe in yourself enough to let go of the competitive attitude and instead be a support beam for the arts community. We can all coexist. The more art, the better.