How did you become interested in dance?
I started out as a soccer player and after a year of my parents watching me pick up dandelions during a game and kicking the ball into the opposing team’s goal, they knew it was time to try out a new sport. After soccer, I started to become fascinated by ballerinas dancing on their tiptoes while wearing beautiful pink tutus with shiny tiaras. At five years old, I was enrolled at a ballet studio in Kannapolis and thirteen years later, I am still pursuing dance. I was heavily trained in classical ballet and pointe with other concentrations in jazz and contemporary/modern techniques. Dance has become part of who I am and what drives me to go beyond life’s boundaries.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
After my undergraduate and graduate years, I would love to become a clinical child psychologist with implementations of dance movement therapy. My passion is to provide therapeutic support for children through dance. Personally, dance has been my sanctuary and a safe space to allow myself to be who I am. With this concept, I would love to bring it forward to kids who are in need of support for their well-being by providing a therapeutic approach that is freeing and creative.
What is your favorite thing about the Department of Dance?
I absolutely adore the endless opportunities the department shares with its students, such as open company auditions, dance positions at local studios, and certification programs. Additionally, the community here at UNC Charlotte’s dance department is filled with endless love and support. Students and faculty provide a space for everyone to be a part of whether people are experienced with dance, new to the sport, or even non-dance majors wanting to partake in dance courses.
When you are not in class, studying, working, or rehearsing, what do you like to do for fun?
Outside of my studies, I enjoy playing volleyball, reading, creative writing, and doing artwork!