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Through memory studies, historical research, and ethnography, dance PhD candidate Colleen Hooper reveals how her relationship to Red Hook, Brooklyn--based choreographer Martha Bowers has evolved over the course of 11 years. Hooper describes how Bowers served as an informal mentor when she began teaching dance at a community center in Red Hook's Public School (PS) 15. When Hooper decided to pursue her PhD, she returned to Red Hook and conducted historical research on Bowers's seminal site-specific performance On the Waterfront. In an effort to expand the scope of her archival inquiry, Hooper shares an autoethnographic account of interviewing Bowers and integrating this information into her historical research. Finally, Hooper discusses challenges associated with becoming an academic writer and provides guidance for young writers interested in entering the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]