Robert Dekkers
Artistic Director
Post:ballet
Berkeley, CA USA
“Those moments of obstacle are the moments that define us and what it is that we really want for our lives.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationRobert Dekkers
Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia.
I’ve been passionate about dancing ever since I began taking structured ballet classes at five years old.
After high school, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to dance with Ballet Arizona.
While dancing, I also honed my skills as a choreographer, first by choreographing pieces for schools and then eventually growing to commission pieces for other companies.
I knew I wanted to eventually run my own dance company, so I decided it would be a good idea to pursue an education in business while I continued to work as a dancer.
I chose to attend Rio Salado College for my associate degree because it allowed me the flexibility to study at my own pace and plan around my performance schedule.
After earning my associate degree in business, I moved from Arizona to San Francisco, California, where I started dancing with a modern company.
A year or two later I started my dance company, Post:ballet, which integrates modern aesthetics with classically based dance—we’re in our 13th season now!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Associate's Degree
Business/Commerce
Rio Salado College
Business/Commerce
Rio Salado College
Career
Artistic Director
I lead the creative direction for a dance company.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Art
Music
Being Creative
Day to Day
Monday through Wednesday, I teach open classes. I teach at a company in the city on Thursday. I take a class myself on Friday. On Saturday I teach the studio company—the top level of our school. Rehearsal is in the afternoon. Then I meet with staff, board members, or collaborators. I teach again in the evening. After class, I respond to emails and do admin work. I spend my nights on creative thinking—listening to music for a work I'm choreographing or watching a movie that connects with my work.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Family:
"You should take the safe route, go to college, and get a good stable job instead of risking life as an artist."
Challenges I Overcame
Job Loss
Physical Issues
Interviewed By
Rio Salado College Roadtrip
Rio Salado College students and alumni
