Molly Lajoie has been Director of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Summer of Dance program for 18 years. (Photo: Billy Hardiman)
Molly Lajoie doesn’t remember a time before dance. She was two-and-a-half when her mother enrolled her in her first ballet and tap class, and she’s been dancing ever since.
Now, Lajoie is one of the valley’s most accomplished choreographers and Director of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Summer of Dance program.
With credits spanning Arizona Opera, the Phoenix Symphony, Childsplay, The Phoenix Theatre Company, and beyond. Lajoie serves on faculty at Arizona State University’s School of Music, Dance and Theatre, where she teaches Broadway Dance and Musical Theatre Technique. Three of her choreographed productions have gone on to national tour.
She has performed roles from Cassie in A Chorus Line to Victoria in Cats and she appeared on The Phoenix Theatre Company’s stage most recently as the Cat in the Hat in Seussical the Musical.
And every summer, she comes back to Summer of Dance. Now in its 18th year, the program is built on a philosophy Lajoie has carried her whole life: that dance should feel like joy, not pressure.
We had a quick chat with her about what that looks like in practice, and what she’d say to anyone who’s been thinking about showing up.
Q: When did you fall in love with dance, and what’s kept you in it?
Lajoie: I am not exactly sure when I fell in love with dance because I don’t remember a time in my life without it. I was 2 ½ when my mom put me into a combo ballet/tap class. I have a vivid memory of stretching to the song “The Sandpaper Ballet” and hearing my teacher give the directions of, “up, bend, stretch, down,” like it was yesterday. I loved moving my body to music. It seemed so natural and fun. I was kept in classes, and it just became a part of my daily life.
I think college is where my love exploded as I explored modern dance and how that felt in my body. My professor, Indi Dieckgrafe, also mentored me as I began to explore choreography more and really developed my skills. I am grateful to all of my teachers, but especially Indi, who believed in me more than I believed in myself. Her classes were inspiring and fun, and I try to bring that to my classes.
I can’t imagine my life without dance. It’s just a part of who I am.
Molly Lajoie spreads joy through dance as Director of The Phoenix Theatre Company’s Summer of Dance program. (Photo: Billy Hardiman)
Q: What do you love most about teaching, not just dancing?
Lajoie: I love seeing the “a-ha” moments when a student finally understands something, or they conquer a step that they thought was impossible to perform. I also really love the way the community supports each other as we perform the combinations in smaller groups! And just overall confidence in a person as they challenge themselves.
Q: What do you hope people feel walking out of your class?
Lajoie: FUN! My main objective for the summer is that people have a good time. I want them to learn new skills and continue to grow, but I also want them to have a good time. Life and times are hard, and if I can create an environment that feels welcoming, safe, and exciting, I have done my job!
Q: If someone’s on the fence about signing up, what would you tell them?
Lajoie: Just give it a try!!! All of the teachers provide levels within their classes, and the community that we have created is so supportive. You just might have a blast!
Q: What’s something that surprises people about your class every time?
Lajoie: I don’t think it is a surprise by year 18, but I would have to say, the new warm-up routine each summer, especially the abs, push-ups, and triceps dips section!
If you’re thinking of trying a class at Summer of Dance or want a refresher on the weekly schedule, click here to visit our website. We hope to see you in class!
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