By Jeancelyn Almonte ‘24
Sitting at the long judges’ table in the darkness, looking up to the bright lit stage as adolescent girls strut onto stage, Nicole Ridgway gazes up and back down to her paper taking notes. Finally she is not the one getting critiques, but giving them in hopes of strengthening the next generation of dancers.
Ridgway’s love for dance began in her first dance class at the age of 5. She began dancing at Willow Street Dance Steps, and ever since then she knew that is all she wanted to do.
From that love she decided she should make it a living.
“I knew that I always wanted to make dance my career so I decided that I had three
goals when I graduated college,” Ridgway said. “Well, actually [four] – go to college and get a dance degree, be a judge, own my own studio and company, and teach at the collegiate level.”
After receiving her dance degree, Ridgway taught dance at a few studios and colleges in Pennsylvania. She decided it was about time to hit another goal and become a dance judge.
For Ridgway, judging is a way to get more self-fulfillment, but also just have fun.
“I love giving feedback, and getting to encourage and inspire others,” she said.”My goal is to make money and have fun; it’s really just an enjoyable job.”
After ⅔ goals were completed, she only had one she had not yet reached: opening her own studio. She explained that it is very difficult because you need the drive, which she had, and money, which she didn’t have. That did not stop Ridgway though.
“I had a bunch of opportunities, but I took the opportunity that made most financial sense to me,” explained Ridgway.
She went for the jump, because she had the confidence, support, and motivation.
“Having that financial support was huge, but I kind of just have been known to just do things, which can be really dangerous,” Ridgway said. “I think a lot of people would have a lot more hesitation than what I did. But sometimes you just have to go for it.”
When Ridgway opened her studio, Catalyst Dance Studio, she kept in mind how the dance world treated her when she was young, and hoped it could be a safe place for dancers who weren’t treated fairly as a dancer for things out of their control.
“I try to make sure that my studio isn’t like a trigger for those [eating disorders, mental health issues] issues because if that’s the case, then I’m not doing my job,” explained Ridgway. “Not that I can prevent everything, but it’s definitely a goal to not be the reason why kids get worse and not better.”
Since the studio opening she has already created new goals to keep herself motivated and productive.
“A long-term goal of mine is definitely expansion to have more space,” explained Ridgway.
She has also found that the students are very motivated to learn new choreography, and make their own. She hoped to someday start student-run productions.
As she sits at the table, seeing everyone’s face light up with excitement, and watches the dancers get awards, all Nicole Ridway can think to herself is how lucky she is to get to help more dancers around the country.