What drew you to dance in the first place? And what excites you most about dance now?
I have been studying dance for a long time, so it has always been one of the ways that I express myself and nurture my physical body. I love the creative and imaginative elements that are embedded in the choreographic process. I also love the rigorous physical practice of technique class. To dance is to be deeply connected to the mind and body through movement, breath, and an internal rhythm.
What prompted you to pursue an MFA in Dance?
I was looking for a full-time MFA in Dance that was close to New York City so that I could be connected to the artistic community in New York and have opportunities to perform and see shows.
What made you choose to pursue your MFA at Sarah Lawrence?
I ultimately chose to attend SLC because the curriculum was unlike any other program. The focus on choreography, artistry, and performance was unique in that there was a blending of history, theory, and practice.
Who influenced you most during your time in the program? Did you have a favorite mentor, professor, or class?
I was influenced by so many of my teachers. To name a few ... John Jasperse—program director. I learned how to rethink the choreographic process and performance/performativity in his Graduate Seminar. Sara Rudner—“Graduate Seminar on Composition, Rhythm, and Postmodern Movement.” Kyle Bukhari—“Dance History” and “Contemporary Dance Theory.” Beth Gill—“Dance Making” and “Dance Composition.” Jennifer Nugent—“Contemporary 3” and “Advanced Improvisation.” Charmaine Wells—“History of African Diasporic Dance.” Eleanor Hullihan—“Conditioning.” Mina Nishimura and Kota Yamazaki—“Butoh.” It was so unique to be exposed to so many brilliant scholars, dancers, choreographers, theorists, etc., in the field. Thank you!
What's your favorite aspect of the Sarah Lawrence MFA in Dance program?
My favorite part about the program is that it provides a contemporary perspective on dance making and choreography. The program was designed to make me rethink my artistic values and choices in a way that challenged my understanding of dance. Although I struggled at times, I felt like I was becoming an artist. I was clearly being asked to define myself as a choreographer, thinker, doer, maker, and not just a dancer. The program brings in so many wonderful (and very relevant) artists from the dance community in New York, which helps to develop each student’s dance network.
What was the topic of your written thesis research? Was this related to your creative research and, if so, how?
My title was "Re-Imagining Plural Identities—Cultural Code-Switching and the Dancing Body." This was directly linked to my creative research in the dance studio because I used a practice-as-research method. I set up choreographic laboratory experiments in my rehearsal and used the physical knowledge generated in those rehearsals as evidence for my written thesis. I studied cultural anthropologists and dance researchers in order to define my own understanding of dance as a way to engage with culture, identity, and ultimately the self. My process and/or findings were expressed through music, movement, text, props, and acting (dance-theatre) in my final thesis.
Describe your career path and what you are doing now.
I am currently in my second year as a full-time teacher in a dance program at an independent high school called Culver Academies. I teach dance classes ranging from beginning to advanced throughout the academic day. I also teach a somatics class for student-athletes and dance history for our Honors in Dance candidates. After school I codirect a dance company called Dancevision that meets five times a week.
How did your Sarah Lawrence degree prepare you for what you are doing today?
Sarah Lawrence really helped me think about dance composition, dance making (lighting, costuming, choreography), and dance history/theory in a new way. SLC prepared me to engage in these processes as a student and also as a teacher. Pursuing my MFA in Dance at SLC was the best decision I made as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
As of right now I would say that my greatest professional accomplishment is completing my MFA in Dance at Sarah Lawrence and finding a full-time job in my discipline (dance)/area of expertise.
Do you have any advice for current or prospective students?
Be prepared to both lose and find your artistic self within your two years at SLC. Give in to the process and let yourself relish in the new discoveries and ideas that are possible when pursuing your MFA in Dance at SLC.
What are you working on now?
I just finished up with my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate Program. I am hoping to pursue my certification in Pilates so that I can continue to work on injury prevention and conditioning with my students (dancers, sports athletes).
