An interview with Mindy Meyers,
Founding Company Membera nd lead role as Mudwoman in 'DE-evolution of Mudwoman'.

Where did you grow up? What kind of kid were you? How did you begin as a dancer?
Madison, WI is my hometown; but at age 7, I was uprooted with lots of back and forth trips and grew up mostly in Battle Creek, MI where my neighborhood street was actually called Tony Tiger Trail -ugh! I was a good kid - good grades - lots of extra curricular activities - varied circles of friends - the peace keeper - seemingly outgoing but actually extremely shy, unsure, and insecure. Luckily my Mom put me in dance classes at local studios (jazz,tap,ballet,acro,Hawaiian...) which led to teaching as a teenager and then to Western Michigan University Department of Dance so that I could "open my own studio". I quickly abandoned "that" when I discovered Modern dance. On to summer stock and dinner theater tours and Yeah! Chicago!

When was your first dance experience?
My first dance experience was at age 6 at the Mall wearing a "shower curtain" like costume and dancing to "The Waltz of the Flowers". I saw my family and friends in the audience and immediately shouted at them and promptly let go of my partner's hands to wave!

What did you like most about dance?
What I like most about dancing is the freedom that occurs during true focus- I actually care about this 100%. No distractions. I also love the musicality of moving.

How hard is it to be a dancer in Chicago? Have you ever thought about going someplace else?
Of course it's hard to be a dancer - anywhere! Chicago offers a wide variety of diverse companies and opportunities to engage in numerous independent endeavors - space for many niches. I thought about going elsewhere (especially in winter) so as to not become "safe" but I just love Chicago -so why leave!

Why dance - why the arts - why not the Peace Corps?
Dance/Arts... this is where I find meaning in life. I understand and feel connected to myself and other humans - with everything else there's always a piece missing. I always ask "why" to everything else.

You perform with a company called Breakbone DanceCo. - what's up with that?
Ahh, Breakbone! What a strong and concise name...very representative of the work. I love how Atalee leads this company with thoughtful and calculated missions -without unnecessary extras - no frills - focused and encompassing -to the artistic point!

So what's the catch - do you have to break a bone or something to get in? Do you have any injuries or broken bones form Breakbone yet?
No bone breaking required...just strong and resilient ones. I do at this moment have an annoying and inhibiting jammed big toe...it's rare to be pain free as a dancer. Such awareness is both a blessing and a curse!

What does being part of Breakbone mean to you right now?
Being part of Breakbone is an honor and I am very proud to be a member of such a unique, fierce, and intense company with a clear vision and edge.

It's pretty aggressive and emotional movement - what's that like?
Atalee has pushed by buttons and limits further than I ever thought possible. This is both scarily demanding and exhilarating all at once! My dear college friend and now fellow Breakboner, LeAnne Vancil-Hines, didn't even recognize me during "Deadtech" because of such transformation. I truly feel stronger and more confident and willing to try anything as a direct result of Breakbone.

What do you do personally to train for the required physicality of the movement?
Personally, Yoga keeps me together: a balance of strength, flexibility, and a quieter mind. I also need Breakbone's codified conditioning class to keep up with proper landing skills, ass-kicking push-ups, and fearless encouragement!

Why Breakbone - why not another dance company?
I remember my first encounter with Breakbone while still dancing for the Chicago Moving Company. I thought I would never be able to do such movement - thanks for believing in me Atlaee! Now it's rather an addiction: gotta fly and get that aggression out! I have danced or still dance for other companies such as Cindy Brandle Dance Company, the Chicago Moving Company, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, Anatomical Theatre, and many independent artists.