Meet Isabel Wallace-Green | Dancer, Performer, Arts Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Isabel Wallace-Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Isabel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a professional dancer, I understand that risk taking is an essential and nonnegotiable element for success. Risk exists all around us and is commonplace in our workspaces. Sure, we physically risk to our health and bodies daily through constant, extreme movement that fills our long rehearsal days. After all, our art form requires the strength and stamina of any professional athlete plus immense flexibility. But for me, the bigger risks as a dancer occur beyond the physicality of our bodies. It is a risk to simply show up. To show up means to walk into a studio and openly put forth your best effort in completing whatever task is asked of you—a task that is not simply rooted in physical movement, but which requires pristine musicality, emotional investment, artistic creativity and curiosity, and the willingness to be heavily critiqued. In other words, to show up is incredibly vulnerable. Whether it be showing up to an audition in front of a casting director, showing up to a rehearsal in front of a choreographer, or showing up to a performance in front of an audience, our work as performing artists require that we always unapologetically put our complete and authentic selves (body, mind, and spirit) on the line to be surveilled and analyzed. To do that is a challenge and a risk. Yet, if we didn’t take the risk, if we didn’t show up, we would never achieve or overcome. One of the biggest risks of my young adult life came on national college decision day. I had received a near full-ride to one of the country’s most prestigious institutions but they devastatingly did not have a dance program. I thought about how that opportunity would probably never again come in my life: the chance to call an acclaimed university my alma mater, which could result in a scholarly or medical-based career with a guaranteed higher income. But in a defiant and risky power move, I chose to go elsewhere and get a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Dance (with thousands in student debt I might add). At the time, I had no idea what a career in dance would look like for me, much less if it was even probable: Was I talented enough to land a job? Would a job dancing pay the bills? But fast forward to now. If I had never taken the risk to simply show up and try, I would not have this blossoming artistic career that has already fulfilled some of my wildest dreams.
Lately I’ve repeatedly reminded myself that there was a time when all I desperately wanted was to be exactly where I am now. And I owe living this fulfilling moment to all the risks I’ve taken to be here now.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Dancer, Performer and Arts Educator inspired most by the intersection of art and African American studies. As a mixed-race child of white and black visual artist parents, I grew up in an art-loving home and had the opportunity to live in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for a year as a child. This upbringing certainly influenced my passion for dance and guided me to where I am now. Although there were times when I questioned my ability to make it as a professional dancer (growing up in the strict world of ballet is the greatest gift sometimes mistaken as a curse that incites self-doubt), I nonetheless realized on multiple occasions that I would never be satisfied or fulfilled without dance in my life. One of the first times I came to this realization occurred when I tore my ACL and got reconstructive knee surgery followed by nine months of rehab. During that time, all I desperately wanted was to dance onstage and perform again. Unfortunately the same injury would take me out again three years later (although this time on the other knee). These periods were undoubtedly some of the darkest and most distraught-feeling that I’ve experienced. But in hindsight, the injury ignited more dedication and determination within me to come back and excel on this artistic path. As I continue to set big career aspirations for myself that I fear I may never reach, I am reminded that showing up for myself is the first step I can take to get wherever I want to go. Of course I have to show up to the audition to book the gig. But what about showing up for myself in dance class when I’m simply working on my skills and technique without the nerve-wracking prospect of a job looming through the panel’s blank stares as they analyze my every move in an audition room. What about showing up for myself creatively when I hear music that warms my body into movement and allows my imagination to run wild? What about showing up for myself with treats of fresh air, laughter with friends, or tasty food? I’m a firm believer that in order to be the best dancer I can be, I first have to be the best version of myself that I can be. For that reason, I hope to become known as an artist who shows up both for myself and for those around me. Through commitment, consistency, chance, and a little fun, I know that the sky’s the limit for us all. Let’s soar!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d like to use the excuse that I’m still fairly new to Dallas. But after realizing I’ve been here for over a year now, maybe I just have to own up to the fact that when I’m in season with Dallas Black Dance Theatre (11 months out of the year), I’m very much an exhausted homebody. I love a good time in the sun though. White Rock Lake is my go-to on a beautiful day for a long walk or picnic with friends. As a performing artist, I naturally enjoy seeing whatever dance company or Broadway show is touring to the Dallas Arts District at the time. Especially after struggling through a pandemic that closed theaters down for nearly a year and a half or longer, seeing live art in any form feels like the biggest gift these days. My go-to summer treat is frozen yogurt from Yumilicious in Uptown. Yum!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents who showed me a career in the arts is possible and to every dance teacher I’ve ever had. Without you, I would not be here.

Website: www.isabelwallacegreen.com

Instagram: @izwalgreens

Linkedin: Isabel Wallace-Green

Facebook: Isabel Wallace-Green

Image Credits
1. Jon Björnson 2. Provided by Artist 3. Provided by Artist 4. Sarah Takash 5. Xavier Mack 6. Provided by Artist 7. Provided by Artist 8. Brandon Woolridge