Darin is a 5th-year student and currently holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Master of Education in Counseling.
How did you become interested in dance?
I have a very non-traditional entrance into dance. In high school, I was in the color guard, which started my love and interest in movement. I have toured the United States as a member of the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps as a member of the color guard for two years. I was asked to come back and join the professional instructional staff and toured for an additional two years. I have also taught an Independent World Class Winter Guard for four years call Paradigm from Lake City, Florida. I have taught color guard and dance at high schools in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, and North Carolina for the past 30 years.
Through my career in color guard, I have worked in the school setting in many different capacities and love to inspire, educate, and love to see students create art through movement. I have chosen to come back to school and pursue a degree in Dance Education to help further my craft and knowledge in the field of movement.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
My career goal is to teach dance in the Middle School setting and use my platform to let students find joy in dance and help them to become worldly citizens. I hope my gender, as a male dancer, will also inspire young men to pursue dance and find the same fulfillment and gratification I experience through movement.
What is your favorite thing about the Department of Dance?
I appreciate how the faculty accepts me as a person and engages me in mentorship and personal guidance through my education journey. The faculty accepts me for what I bring into the studio and understands that all students might not all experience the same outcome. They provide open dialog into the classroom and encourage everyone to share, express their views, and talk about our journey.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I am a member of the North Carolina Dance Education Organization (NCDEO) and the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO.) I will be teaching color guard at Newton-Conover High School in the fall of 2020.
When you are not in class, studying, working, or rehearsing, what do you like to do for fun?
I own a production company that provides sound and lighting for small venues and performance events. I love music and seeing live performances.