My wonderful and amazingly talented sister, Michelle Dorrance, has had some very exciting news these past several weeks! It all started with a phone call from my mom who told me that I was the only one in the family who didn't already know that in just a few days she would be announced as a 2015 MacArthur Fellow!
Now to be completely honest, I had never heard of this award, but it is a huge deal! The MacArthur foundation picks between 20 and 25 recipients a year across all fields. The winners don't even know they are nominated ahead of time, but simply receive a call telling them the good news. They receive a no strings attached award of $625,000 spread out over the next five years to use as they want to continue to develop and further their work! How amazing is that? This is going to be such a blessing for my sister who always pays herself last and often the least of all her dancers to ensure that they are receiving what they deserve. And she can finally pay off the loads of debt she has incurred as she has been pursuing her dreams and developing her own dance company.
Here is a link to the MacArthur page with a great video as well.
After the announcement a few weeks ago it was like the flood gates had opened! She was interviewed on NPR's show All Things Considered and then booked to appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert!!!
She was interviewed, taught him a little tap number, and then danced herself. For the full show, which also features Jack Black, click here. She says she was so nervous but I think she did an amazing job! Yay Poopie!
And as if that wasn't enough, this week she also received her second Bessie Award, this one for Outstanding Production for her show with Toshi Reagon The Blues Project. This was totally unexpected and she wasn't even there for the awards show!
We are beyond proud and excited for Michelle. She has been working so hard for so long and I hope the future is a never ending ascension for her career and her art form. We are so happy for her and feel so blessed to witness all her amazing work and contributions to tap dance. Congratulations Michelle! We love you to pieces!
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