This article appears for archival purposes. Any events, programs and/or initiatives mentioned may no longer be applicable.
Happy Feet, Happy Life!
By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
The secret to a happy career? Do what makes you happy!
That’s what three Rio Salado College students learned last fall when they set out on a soul-searching road trip.
The trip, a product of the college’s partnership with Roadtrip Nation, sends students on the road to meet and interview successful college alumni and former students, get advice, and learn about different careers and industries.
On a stop in California, the student trio met and interviewed Rio Salado alum Robert Dekkers, the artistic director of Post:ballet in Berkeley.
Dekkers regaled the group with dance moves, demonstrating first-hand his passion and livelihood.
“Ballet is an art form that has so much beauty and so many wonderful elements,” Dekkers said. “I’ve been dancing since I was five and it was always my passion.”
After high school, the Georgia native moved to Arizona to dance with the Phoenix Ballet.
“While dancing, I also honed my skills as a choreographer, first by choreographing pieces for schools and then eventually growing to commission pieces for other companies,” Dekkers said.
Then one day, it all changed.
“Six years ago, I had a blood clot that ended up causing some nerve damage in my spine and I lost mobility in my left leg,” Dekkers said. “Not only didn’t I know if I would ever dance again, I didn’t know if I would ever walk again.”
The life-changing health scare impacted Dekkers in more than one way.
“I was on crutches and lucky enough to get involved with Axis Dance Company,” Dekkers said.
The Oakland-based company works with disabled and non-disabled dancers.
“I started connecting with them and one of the artists they work with asked if she could choreograph a piece with me in it,” Dekkers said.
“And all of a sudden, I could feel my standing leg. I was washed with this physical and emotional experience. It was like falling back in love with dance.”
When it came time to turn his love of dance into a career, Dekkers turned to Rio Salado College.
“I knew I wanted to eventually run my own dance company, so I decided it would be a good idea to pursue an education in business while I continued to work as a dancer,” Dekkers said.
“I chose to attend Rio Salado College for my associate degree because it allowed me the flexibility to study at my own pace and plan around my performance schedule.”
After earning his degree, Dekkers moved from Arizona to California to dance with a modern company, and two years later he formed Post:ballet.
Now in its 13th season, Post:ballet is thriving under Dekkers’ leadership.
“Those moments of obstacle, I think, are the moments that define us, and what it is that we really want for our lives,” Dekkers said. “The moment to take that leap of faith is now, and is every day.”