50 Years of Co-op: Itzel Limón

Tell us a bit about yourself, what course did you study in UL, what has your career looked like to date?

I am a contemporary dancer, born and raised in México but currently based in Ireland. I recently graduated from the University of Limerick with a BA in Contemporary Dance in 2024. Now, I am a freelance artist working as a performer with different organisations such as Luail and Laois Dance Platform and collaborating with other artists. I am also creating and developing choreographic ideas of my own, hoping to create a performance soon.

Tell us a bit about your co-op placement, what organisation did you work with and what year it took place?

During my 3rd year of college, I had the opportunity to do a placement for 8 months in Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival from May 2022 to January 2023 in Massachusetts, USA. Jacob’s Pillow is lauded worldwide as a “hub and mecca of dancing” (TIME Magazine), each year they run during the summer a 10-week festival with more than 50 dance companies and 500 free performances, talks, events and training. My placement at Jacob’s Pillow was developed in the education department known as The School at Jacob’s Pillow. The school has been instrumental in shaping the career of dance artists Throughout its 90-year history. The school addresses the most current needs of today’s dancers and connects them to an extensive roost of renowned choreographers, artistic directors, educators, performers, dance leaders and change agents

What impact did your co-op placement have on your future career?

As a dancer, my creative process during my placement was humanely powerful. If I could describe it, would be “a special infinite moment influenced by a wholesome experience.” Every day at the Pillow contributed to my process. All this experience gave me the possibility to look into what my life can be in the future; and how can I combine creativity with the necessary arts administration work while being a professional contemporary dancer. It allowed me to learn by experiencing the complexity of dance administration, the importance of networking, production skills, marketing and more. The time, energy and teamwork are designated to create dance opportunities for different audiences. Dance-wise I already knew becoming a professional dancer would be hard, and that a dancer lifestyle involves an intense physical journey, however, this experience inspired me to pursue even more. To hold on to the beauty of sharing dance, just as the Pillow does on a larger scale. I’ve realized I want to be part of the sharing, by collaborating with more artists, keep learning about the beautiful dance world, about myself and my movement and sharing that with anyone who wants to receive it.

What piece of advice would you give to students going on co-op now?

Based on my experience as an intern at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, working with the school and immersing myself in both dance administration and artistic growth, here’s the advice I’d give to any student: Stay curious and proactive, ask questions and take every opportunity as a learning experience, step out of your comfort zone and you’ll surprise yourself. Don’t be afraid to build relationships, it just takes a moment of connecting with someone however that feels for you. Co-op is not only about skills but collaboration. Keep your doors open, even if a task doesn’t seem directly related to your field, and approach it as a chance to develop transferable skills. Observe and contribute, both will bring you fresh perspectives, don’t hesitate to share your ideas, they are as unique and important, and you’ll learn from them. Lastly, use this time to keep finding yourself, to reflect on what resonates with you in your field. For me, this experience clarified my interest in how dance administration supports artists and audiences alike, deepening my understanding of the dance world beyond the stage.