Be Present

“Your time as a professional ballerina can be so fleeting. I want to give all of my focus and energy to this moment.”

When asked what other important figures helped her in her career, Thursby says there have been many mentors who have helped her along the way. One in particular truly stands out to her: Violette Verdy. Thursby met Verdy while training at the Kansas City Ballet. She describes the acclaimed ballerina-turned-teacher as having a thick French accent and an air of confidence that commanded the utmost respect from all who were in her presence. Verdy is also the reason Thursby pursued dance in college.

It was Verdy’s joyous and generous spirit, however, that Thursby remembers most. “Her generosity is something that I definitely tap into now being a teacher myself,” she says.

“The arts require you to use your imagination – to be curious, to explore, to question. Art gives a platform to find what you are seeking and to share that with others. I believe that having access to art allows each of us to become better communicators with ourselves and with our communities.”