Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Jones Medford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and mother. I am from Asheville, NC and graduated from UNCC with a degree in Dance Education. I performed and taught in NYC for six years before returning back to WNC. I currently dance with Stewart/Owen Dance and The Asheville Ballet. I teach throughout the city with Asheville Dance Theater, WNC Dance Academy, and The Ballet Conservatory of Asheville. My husband and I have a 7 year old who is full of life with the most generous heart. Hurricane Helene hit our community really hard. We lost a lot but what I was reminded of was that dance for me will always be there. It will pull me out of any struggle. Even if moving through it is painful, in the end it is what I need and nothing will keep me from that. When it hit I was contracted to perform with Stewart/Owen Dance for a Fall residency. Unfortunately that had to be canceled plus it was the start of Nutcracker season. We had just had auditions for The Asheville Ballet’s Nutcracker. The studio was flooded and unable to be used. WNC Dance Academy opened their doors to us to have rehearsals in. Dance keeps us moving, it gives us hope, life, energy. And I am grateful for what I do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a professional dancer and teacher has not been smooth but I wouldn’t change my path. Injuries happen, covid, natural disasters, choosing to be a mother and still work, maintaining stamina, these are all examples of the daily, weekly, yearly mountains I get to climb.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wanted my two loves in life to be able to happen at the same time. My family and dance. Choosing to move back to Asheville to be closer to my family and to start a family of my own, I had to create the artistic identity here as well. I’m known for being all around town in the dance sense. I have a love for both contemporary and ballet so I’m fortunate to be able to participate in two different companies that allows me to do both. I love sharing my passion for dance as well. So I get to teach wonderful people from the ages of 2.5 to adult!
How do you think about happiness?
My family, we support each other and that’s something that keeps our relationship healthy and growing.
Dancing and seeing dancers thrive, so much can be said without words and when you can feel or see the joy in someones movements it truly fills my soul.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jonesymeg
