Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (Turn and Face the Strain)

While perusing my daily blog reader I came across a post on 4dancers by Lucy Vurusic-Riner about her transition to a new job after 15 years in the same place.  Wow. I can relate to that.

 

After nine years, Tuesday was my last day at The Menomonee Club for Boys and Girls.  The job as the dance class assistant came out of the blue in 2003 about a month after I graduated from college.  I had never heard of the place, and if you had asked me then if I'd still be here nine years later I'd have called you a liar. My job changed and evolved and devolved over the years.  I went from taking four-year olds to the bathroom 7 hours a week to managing all performing arts programs and a studio theater.

 

Proudest moment: Arts Advocacy Week and our participation in the 2010 Why Dance Matters Campaign.  Here's a nice peak at some of the things we did:

 

 

 

But, as they say, all good things must come to an end.  It's hard to leave something that you know – something that you're good at – and dive into a new job where I once again find myself at the bottom of the totem pole.  But complacency isn't a trait I readily posses.  So I tip my hat to the place where I grew up (professionally speaking) and look ahead to what the next nine years might bring me.

 

Author: Lauren Warnecke

Lauren Warnecke is a reporter for NPR affiliate station WGLT and freelance arts and culture critic, primarily reviewing dance for the Chicago Tribune. Lauren enjoys cooking, cycling and attempting to grow things in her backyard. She lives in central Illinois.