Annika Presley, originally from the Netherlands, has been working for AXIS Dance Company as the Education Director of the Education and Outreach Program Dance Access & Dance Access/KIDS! since 2007. She manages and trains teaching artists; teaches Physically Integrated Creative Dance to grades K-12; provides professional development trainings, and coordinates local and national performances. Additionally, she works as booking coordinator, grant writer, social media specialist, and web/video developer. Her rich professional background also includes research in Dutch Language and Literature, sign languages, and committee/board involvement.

LEADERSHIP LESSONS

Right now I feel stronger and more confident than ever. I bring this unique combination of experiences, skills and personality that makes me who I am. I won’t change for others.

Working on leaving my legacy has let me put systems in place that will guarantee that much of the arts education work (of this dance company) will continue.  I am proud that I was able to secure, for the first time ever, proper planning and R & D time for the dancers to prep for our major education events. We implemented a 2-day education session with the dancers and broadened the definition of education. (When addressing dance and disability, every performance becomes a vehicle for powerful community education–Annika’s work was about seizing that. ) I learned that I want to establish Annika as educator and leader beyond representing a company. “The Leadership cohort has showed me where my strengths are, but also where my passion is. It has helped me articulate what is important to me in a career and how I want to be seen as a leader.”