Störling Dance Theater senior company member Alexandra Wilson (photo by Isaac Alongi)
One standout characteristic of Störling Dance Theater is its familial community and the longevity of its dancers.
In a company founded 30 years ago, multiple members are in the double digits of years danced with Störling. Company members haven’t simply shared the stage. They have lived life’s seasons together: growing, praying, mourning, celebrating as a family.
A longstanding member of this family is senior company member Alexandra Wilson. She recently celebrated her 20th season with Störling and reflected on her dance career thus far.
Wilson first worked with Störling’s artistic director, Mona Störling-Enna, when Störling-Enna taught her ballet class at DanceWorks Conservatory. Wilson went on to earn her BFA in Ballet and Modern from University of Missouri-Kansas City and, upon graduating, auditioned for Störling Dance Theater.
If you’ve seen the company perform in the past 20 years, you’ve seen Wilson’s artistic prowess light up the stage. She gives her heart and soul to every performance, embodying the movement, telling the story, captivating the audience.
“The thrill and joy of performing and telling important stories inspires me to dance,” Wilson said. “The excellence, technique and beauty of dance inspire me. I know God has called me to this profession and still, after 20 years, I feel that same joy and gratitude to be dancing. That inspires me to keep dancing.”
As passionate as she is onstage, she is equally passionate about pouring into the next generation.
Wilson is a wife and mother of three. She teaches at The Culture House Conservatory School of Dance and directs the school’s Youth Dance Ensemble performance group, which includes two of her children.
Her advice to younger dancers is “to work hard, be humble and teachable. Try hard things. Laugh often. Remember to always be gracious to yourself and others. Everyone you meet is still learning and growing, no matter how long they’ve done what they are doing. The wise take every opportunity to learn from more experienced dancers and apply it to their own journey.”
Wilson is one of many who has benefitted from the familial community that founders Jeremiah and Mona Enna intentionally cultivate within Störling Dance Theater and The Culture House. Now, she plays an integral role in upholding that culture.
“Water the grass where your feet are; stay firmly planted and bloom,” Wilson encouraged. “There is a reason you are where you are; maybe it’s to share your story with others.”
–Shannon Renée
