December: A look back at 1st semester: what has changed about you as a person or dancer in your semester of college?
Fresh Start
College is such an interesting place. You get to meet and experience all different types of people. The first week of school is literally the time that you just get out there and network. Interacting with people of other majors especially because, as you get more into the semester and your schedule get crazy, it is truly a pleasure to be able to hang out with people outside of your major. I can honestly say it is an accomplishment to have survived a semester at UNCSA. This school is for sure intense. As a dancer I have definitely seen myself develop technically and artistically. At UNCSA, they literally strip you of everything that you know, and rebuild you up. Then they encourage you to start dancing. A correction that Misha has constantly given us is, “Dance full out and with feelings.” They encourage us to truly perform, and you can do that the moment you step on stage, you have to do it in class. Having moved to into the Opera house now for Nutcracker, it has made a complete difference. Being able to keep up your artistry even when things do not go as planned is a skill that you work to master. You practice that in class, it comes (and looks natural) on stage. I have learned how to learn from other people. Something I have heard in the past is that when someone gets a correction, receive it as if you were the one receiving it. Apply any and all corrections that you hear or receive. It has allowed me to progress at a more rapid rate.
Parents spend so much time training us up and preparing us to become adults, trusting that when we do become adults we will make good decisions and have success in our lives. I feel that I have had a great opportunity to really take what they have taught me and apply that to my life. As annoying as we can find parents sometimes or even not agree with what they say all of the time, they have been there and done that. They know the results of some of our decisions before we even see the consequences. They have been in our shoes and can provide an excellent perspective and even be a great guide in the steps that we take. As a person, I have been able to take what my parents have given me, and set my own standards as to who I am.
**One thing to keep in mind, the dance world is ridiculously small. Everyone knows someone that knows someone that knows you. We had a guest artist for Nutcracker, who was a principal dancer from the Boston Ballet. As I was conversing with her backstage we made a connection. One of the instructors at my dance studio is very good friends with her sister. And then another connection was made just even before I finished this blog entry. The fiancée of the Director of the UNCSA Prep program used to dance with that very same teacher. Let me assure how important networking is, but also to be mindful how you act towards your teachers, directors, fellow dancers, etc. You never know who knows who. And how you were towards that director/choreographer, could be the very reason you gain job opportunities in the future.
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