Meet the Dancers: SenSaSheri Maasera Returns to Her Roots

From Saint Louis Dance Theatre's "Meet the Dancers" series.

SenSaSheri Maasera is back where it all began. Born in St. Louis and trained at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA), she left for the Alonzo King LINES Ballet program in San Francisco and returned home this season as a professional dancer with Saint Louis Dance Theatre. We caught up with SenSaSheri to talk about books, activism and what it means to embody an idea.

SenSaSheri Maasera

What does it mean to be back in St. Louis dancing professionally?

Being able to return and dance with Saint Louis Dance Theatre feels like coming full circle — I get to bring everything I learned back to the community that first gave me dance.

Can you share a little about your background—what first drew you to dance?

My older sister took art classes at COCA when we were growing up. Instead of waiting for her with my family I would sneak off and watch the dancers in the other studios. I would stand in the hallway trying to mimic what they were doing and became obsessed with figuring it out. After that started happening consistently my mom decided to sign me up for classes at COCA. 

Do you have a ritual or mindset before stepping onto the stage?

My ritual before going on stage consists of a deep breathing exercise, prayer, and visualization of what I’m going to do. I start with deep breathing to calm some of the nerves I feel close to the first show, followed by a prayer that brings me a lot of peace. I finish off with going through the choreography I am going to perform in my head and visualizing myself doing them on the stage. 

How does the company challenge or inspire you creatively?

This company invigorates a level of creativity that I have not yet experienced before. Being in a rep company makes you dig deep into many different pockets of sensations, emotions, and experiences. All of these tasks require a level of creativity that is ever changing. Stagnation does not support artistic growth and creativity breathes light into many of my new perspectives. This company gives me the spaces to discover what creativity means to me and practice that in community with my peers.

When learning new choreography, how do you make it your own while staying true to the choreographer’s vision?

One thing that helps me express my individual voice in other’s choreography is integrity. Integrity to stay who I am and use who I am as a medium for different movement languages. I think it is a balancing act of doing what is asked of you by a choreographer but also using choreography to speak in a way that has not been heard before. To move in a way that is indicative to my being. 

What do you hope audiences feel when they watch you perform?

I hope audiences feel whatever is true to them when they watch me perform…I hope to move people in a way that is impactful and important. 

What's your favorite style of dance?

I like modern and contemporary dance because of the creativity and individuality you have to bring to them.

Which work has been most meaningful to you?

A work I performed that was meaningful to me was my senior solo choreographed by Kirven Douthit-Boyd because it encapsulated a lot of what I was experiencing in my senior year and life in general.

What influences you as an artist?

Books influence me a lot as an artist. I have always loved to read and reimagine works that speak to me through movement. Activism has also always influenced me because it is the driving force of change in culture, which is reflected and guided by art.

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was The Alchemist, and it is about adaptability and the beauty of growth and the power of alchemy. 10/10 recommend.

Beyond dance, what's a hidden talent or hobby?

Making playlists is one of my favorite hobbies.

Which do you find more challenging in dance: the mental demands or the physical demands?

I think both are equally demanding. But if I had to choose one I would say mental. It is imperative that you are mentally willing and committed to taking care of yourself. That way all the physical demands can be met when you are mentally focused on your well-being and capability within the craft.

What's the best advice you've received?

A big thing that was talked about in college that stuck with me is when you dance you should become the idea or embody the idea rather than a person that is engaging with an idea. This allows one to let go of ego and surround yourself in sensation and delve into a deeper marriage of artistry and consciousness.

What's your favorite way to recharge in St. Louis?

Forest Park.

What's your go-to meal for energy?

Ethiopian food.

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