History
Five years after living in Steamboat immersing herself, wholeheartedly, into the dance scene in the Valley, Founder and Artistic Director, Meg Southcott knew there was room for more.
Meg created works for Steamboat dance studios, art festivals, and nonprofits that entertained, wowed, excited and pushed boundaries artistically. However, Meg experienced limitations in who, what, and how she could explore artistically. It was time to do things on her own. After some deliberation, some heartfelt conversations with friends and family, and after recruiting willing and supportive friends Forty106 Dance Project was formed in 2018.
Forty106 Dance Project was founded on the principles of dance education, unlimited artistic control of movement and story, and meeting you were you are on your dance journey. With a small group of dancers willing to develop skills, explore movements styles, and collaborate and create, Forty106 Dance Project is Steamboat's first contemporary/modern dance company.
What does Forty106 mean?
Forty106 is another way to say Steamboat. 40˚ N • 106˚ W are the basic coordinates for Steamboat. Helping tie into our slogan - danceHERE - Forty106 points to a place on a map while simulaniously letting you know you are HERE (Honoring, Empowering,Rejuvenating, Exploring), the exact place and the right time for your personal dance journey. You have found a safe place to help you develop your skills, explore your creativity, and discover your unique style. Remember, yesterday has already happened, so let's danceHERE, today.
Mission
Forty106 Dance Project strives to develop dance artisty through dance education, exploration of movement, and performance opportunities.
Vision
Nurturing dancers potential while providing a open, honest, and safe environment for exploration.
Meg Southcott
Founder and Artistic Director of Forty106 Dance Project
Meg Southcott is from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. She is a graduate (’12) of the Meadows School of the Arts and Simmons School of Education at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. earning her BFA degree in Dance Performance and BSc in Applied Physiology & Sport Management, respectively.
While at SMU she studied ballet, Martha Graham Technique, and jazz dance. She choreographed and performed in the Brown Bag Dance Series and Sharp Show Senior Choreography Show. She danced in the Meadow School of the Arts Fall and Spring Dance Concerts performing works by Martha Graham, Danny Buraczeski, Shen Wei, Cheryl Chaddick, Ann Maria Ewert-Pittman, Millicent Johnnie, and Christopher Dolder to name a few.
During high school and college summers, Meg attended Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp in Steamboat Springs, CO. dancing under the direction of Linda Kent. There, she studied ballet with Ernesta Corvino, Rick McCullough, and Steven Pier; modern dance with Linda Kent; tap with Elizabeth Keen; jazz with Nicholas Villeneuve; and repertory from some of the most notable dance companies in the nation. At P-M she performed works by Paul Taylor, Robert Battle, Camille A. Brown, Jessica Lang, and Christopher Storey.
Meg moved to Steamboat Springs in 2013, working as the Community Enrichment Coordinator at Perry-Mansfield. She transitioned from P-M to working for Steamboat Dance Theatre, a 501(c)3, non-profit organization enriching, enhancing, and educating Steamboat Springs and surrounding areas and teaching dance at Elevation Dance Studio. She has choreographed and was the Artistic Director for SDT's 44th and 45th Annual Community Dance Concert.
Meg has represented herself as a professional dancer, performing in community events such as The Super Fun Steamboat Show at The Chief Theater, performed during Steamboat's All Arts Fest and Perry-Mansfield at Strings, and has established consistent adult dance classes at Steamboat Dance + in order to increase the range of trained dancers in the community. Meg has contributed to the community by hosting classes at the Boy&Girls Club of Steamboat, dance classes within the elementary schools, and mentored high school students on their dance endeavors.
Among Meg's many teaching opportunities she is heavily invested as a contract teacher at Elevation Dance Studio. At Elevation she molds, sculpts and instills the passion for dance in dancers as young as 6 years old and as old at 18 years old. Her dancers receive high merits at dance competitions, have been accepted into nationally know dance programs and schools, and continues to push their artistic limits beyond the studio walls.
She is excited to fill the niche of a contemporary/modern dance company to increase Steamboats' artistic merit, foster artistic and personal growth through dance, encourage performing arts advocacy in the community, and continue to work towards establishing Steamboat Springs as an arts destination.
Forty106 Dancers
Dancer involvement with Forty106 Dance Project is project based. If you have any interest in performing with Forty106 please consider joining class on a regular basis.
2022 Project: Steamboat Dance Theatre's Annual Concert, Chasing Light
2021 Project: Colorado Creative Industries Summit, Movement for Hope and Healing
2021 Project: Steamboat Dance Theatre's Annual Concert, Glitter
2020 Project: Steamboat Dance Theatre's Annual Concert, Olivia's Dilemma
2018 Project: Inaugural Performance, Hurry up and Wait
