Anne Raspe on Finding Fulfillment Through Dance
credit Grace Glowacki
Sarah Hixon, artistic director of Hixon Dance, sat down with local dancer Anne Raspe to talk about her work with the company and what she finds fulfilling. Raspe performs with Hixon Dance in Peter and the Wolf at the McConnell Arts Center on October 12- 13.
Sarah: What are you looking forward to in your second season with Hixon Dance?
Anne: I am really excited to continue to learn the work for our spring show. Our first act has been full of a lot of collaboration and play, and our second act is a resetting of Hixon Dance repertory from many years ago that is full of partnering. I’ve been enjoying the process for both and am excited to continue to work with everyone to create a great season!
credit Grace Glowacki
Sarah: As an artist, what do you find fulfilling about working with Hixon Dance?
Anne: My body has always just wanted to move. Music comes on and there I am grooving to it. The movement we are given truly speaks to my soul and feels good in my body. I am constantly pushed by my peers as well as by our director [Sarah Hixon] to keep exploring all corners of movement as well as my own artistry within what I’ve been given. It’s special to be able to find individuality within group work while still striving to be cohesive. You can come as you are.
Sarah: The company is preparing to perform Peter and the Wolf in October. What are you most excited about in this production?
Anne: I get to be the Wolf in this production, so I am excited to get the kids’ reactions and interactions when performing. It’s a fun, lighthearted show and I’m looking forward to sharing it with the community.
credit Grace Glowacki
Sarah: What is something you want readers to know about you?
Anne: I am very passionate about advocating for dance, as well as all arts. I believe the arts have a very important role in the development of well-rounded individuals. It’s sad to see the arts be the first thing to go when budget cuts happen. Our world is ruled by the arts, music, movies, entertainment, dance, etc., so it’s about time everyone acknowledged how integral the arts are to a happy life.
Sarah: What’s on your current playlist?
Anne: I have been listening to a lot of Glass Animals, Del Water Gap, and Florence and the Machine lately.
Sarah: What is one of your favorite things about Columbus?
Anne: I love that Columbus loves the arts. It’s a great community for smaller artists to thrive, which you can’t say for other cities across the U.S. It’s a special little pocket of creativity.
See Anne Raspe perform with Hixon Dance and the Worthington Chamber Orchestra in Peter and the Wolf at the McConnell Arts Center on October 12 & 13, 2024. Tickets are on sale now at mcconnellarts.org.
This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.