Meet the New Dance Directors

Sloane Adams

The world of movement and artistry in dance is constantly evolving. Over time techniques change and develop encompassing the exploration of dancers of all ages in not only technique and style, but even fashion sense as well. 

This fall semester, we welcome two new School of Dance Conservatory Directors who will take part in the growing culture of OCSA’s dance conservatories and students. Now running CMD is Lauren Lim Jackson (CMD ‘03) and the new head of BCD is Paige Amicon. Both of these authentic movers have an outstanding history of dance experience and are looking forward to further blossoming the depths of dance.

Jackson graduated OCSA in the CMD conservatory in 2003, encountering a true full-circle moment upon her return. Later, she studied at Harvard University where she did not major in dance, but was a part of different student groups involving dance. After receiving her degree, she moved to New York City and proceeded to tour the world with West Side Story. Jackson shared, “It’s such a gift to come back, help shape the next generation, and bring some of that institutional memory of commercial dance, but blend it with the direction it is going now.” Additionally, Jackson wants to concentrate on self care, mentally and physically. She finds that being a dancer is sustainable when you are able to acknowledge your worth is not based around how you perform in classes or on stage. Jackson is extremely centered on getting to know her CMD students and playing a role in their growth.

Amicon, who is now the head of BCD, attended college at North Carolina School of the Arts where she focused on studying contemporary dance. Following graduation, she relocated to Los Angeles where she freelanced for about nine years. One of the most impactful opportunities for her was participating in Ate9 Dance Company led by Danielle Agami. Amicon explained, “It was so rich, full, and busy. I think it mirrors being a director and all the hats you wear administratively with curriculum, curating shows, teaching students and working with the faculty.” She hopes her students continue to stay curious and ask questions. “I am most excited to dream with BCD,” said Amicon, who is interested in how to transfer all the hard work done in class and present it on stage in new ways. 

Enthusiasm is in the air as we celebrate art through these two new directors. Both are eager to support all of their students, whether they plan to dance in their future or not. Jackson and Amicon both believe that dance is not only a form of expression, but it is a way to learn how to be human. The training, discipline, adaptation, and flexibility necessary to dance are skills that can be communicable in life outside of movement. There is so much knowledge to gain and be discovered from these beautiful artists; and the journey has just begun.