Isabelle Stepanski | 2026 Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipient
Back in August, The Sunset Project was honored to announce Isabelle Stepanski of Alpena, Michigan, as one of nine Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant Recipients for 2026!
Isabelle is a dance student at Western Michigan University, pursuing her love for performance, choreography and continued training at a pre-professional level.
We recently sat down with Isabelle to discuss her unique story, why she applied for this year's grant cycle, and what she hopes to use the funding for.
Hey Isabelle, can you quickly introduce yourself to those who may not know you?
My name is Isabelle Stepanski and I am from Alpena, Michigan. My creative pursuit is dance, specifically through performance, choreography, and continued training.
How would you describe your creative interest to someone unfamiliar with it?
I would describe my creative pursuit as a way to share stories, express emotions, and connect with others through movement instead of words. It combines creativity, technique, and performance to create a shared experience for both the dancer and the audience.
What initially inspired your interest in this space?
Many former dancers I grew up watching at my hometown studio inspired me to pursue dance, especially going into college and beyond. Some of my favorite memories were from just sitting and watching the older girls rehearse at the studio, and watching performances backstage in the wings at competitions and recitals. Much of my inspiration also comes from other dancers that I train with - I credit a lot of my growth from the knowledge, experience, and inspiration I take from other dancers I work next to in class and on the stage.
What's one of your most memorable experiences or milestones from your creative journey?
A memorable experience of mine was getting accepted into Western Michigan University’s dance program. I had wanted to be a part of their program for a long time and spent years training and working toward that goal. When I received my acceptance letter, it was extremely rewarding and a very special moment in time.
How have challenges or setbacks helped shape your creative process?
Growing up in a small town with limited access to advanced training has changed the way I approach dance by making me more driven and appreciative of every opportunity I receive. Because I did not always have access to the same resources or experiences as other dancers, I learned to take ownership of my growth by searching for new ways to challenge myself and finding experiences to train outside of my hometown. This setback shifted my mindset to value personal improvement over comparison to others, and gave me a stronger understanding that everyone’s journey is unique. It has also encouraged me to approach every opportunity with gratitude and to step outside of my comfort zone more.
How do you envision your creative interest evolving over the next year?
Over the next year, I see my creative passion evolving as I begin my journey in Western Michigan University's dance program. I am excited to continue training at an advanced pre-professional level and to learn from new instructors and dancers. My goal is to continue growing and expanding my knowledge, and this next chapter will prepare me for future opportunities in the dance world.
How do you plan to utilize your grant funding to further your creative interest, journey, and process?
I plan to use the grant funding to purchase a camera and lens that will help me to start building a dance photography portfolio. As I pursue my Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) at WMU, I am planning to find opportunities to photograph dancers, performances, and rehearsals outside of my dance training. Purchasing this equipment will help me start a portfolio while also getting more involved within the dance program.
Do you have any advice to share with someone looking to pursue their own creative interests?
I would encourage others to love your fate but remember to be where your feet are. It is easy to get lost focusing on what is to come or dwelling on the past, but I think it is important to appreciate where we are right now and to try and be fully present with that. So no matter where you are in your journey or what season of life you are in right now, just embrace it and live through it fully.
Are there any social media profiles, websites, or other resources where our readers can follow your journey and support your work?
My main Instagram profile is @isabellestepanski, and my dance-focused Instagram page is @isabellemovement. I am also currently working on a personal website that will showcase my work, and I plan to launch it within the next year or two.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about The Sunset Project, or your experience in the Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant program thus far?
I am so grateful for this award and support - thank you Sunset Project!
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