We recently had the chance to connect with Sammy McManus & Sarah Sneesby and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Sammy & Sarah, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
SAMMY: I am most proud of building a network of creatives that is collaborative and supportive. I am grateful to be surrounded by artists that believe in my work as a champion for young artists, and reach out to me for help developing those relationships that enable students to take risks in a healthy environment.
SARAH: I am most proud of building a reputation as an artist who cares deeply for the individuals that I work with. When I went to graduate school I spent a lot of time questioning the ethics of praising those who literally give their health and happiness to a production. Since graduating, I have always made an effort to put the individual ahead of the production. I am no longer simply looking at the technique, but rather the individual as a whole. How can I nurture and encourage through the feedback I give? How can I create a safe place to try new things?
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
SAMMY: With over a decade of teaching experience, I bring a dynamic blend of artistry and education to my role as the Co-Director of Education at Creative Space Katy. My background in dance and specialized training in intimacy coordination- with a focus on working with minors- informs my commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for young performers to grow.
SARAH: I am a Director and Choreographer, the founding executive artistic director of Creative Movement Practices, and the owner of Creative Space Katy, a new theatre and dance education company that strives to bring innovative change to the performing arts through education.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
SAMMY: My dad has always been my biggest supporter, encouraging me to challenge myself and find what makes me happy. He has been subtly pushing me for years to start my own studio. I felt overwhelmed by the thought and didn’t think I had the ability to make it happen, but partnering with Sarah gave me what I needed to realize my dad had it right all along!
SARAH: My dance teacher, Ms Anita saw me long before I ever saw myself. As a kid, I would say that she was “just my dance teacher” but looking back, I realize she was SO much more than that. She was the force that brought me past challenging times, she gave me the medium of dance to work-through and express the darkest thoughts and turn them into light and joy. I teach because she was so instrumental in who I am as a human being, and I want to be that light and joy for some young performer who needs it.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
SAMMY: When I started classroom teaching I thought I had found my forever career. As the years went on, I fell deeply in love with education but did not feel like the public school environment allowed me to be the teacher I wanted to be. Leaving the classroom was a big decision but it has opened the doors that enabled me to help build Creative Space Katy.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
SARAH: I am committed to creating art in a healthy and safe manner. While it would be a dream to see Creative Space Katy flourish overnight, I will not allow the vision to change. No studio is perfect- there are gaps in every approach to teaching performing arts- but we will continue to strive towards creating an inclusive, celebratory, innovative studio that focuses on creating safe spaces for healthy, transformative growth.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
SAMMY: I am definitely tap dancing to work! I have not been this excited at any other point in my career. To be part of building something from the ground up that fully represents me as an artist and educator is a blessing.
SARAH: Right now, I am so excited I can hardly contain it. I simultaneously want to shout from the rooftops and pinch my cheeks to make sure it is all real! Walking through the physical studio space and seeing it transform from empty Flex space to a literal dance and theatre studio that is mine is indescribable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://creativespacekaty.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/creativespacekaty
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/creativespacekaty
- Other: TikTok @CreativeSpaceKaty
Image Credits
Photos by Pin Lim, Josafat Jaime, Sarah Sneesby, and Sammy McManus
