The Last Bow: A Dancer's Journey Beyond High School
As I took my final bow in high school, performing in Don Quixote, I couldn't help but feel a sense of finality. Little did I know then that my dance journey was far from over, and that Notre Dame would become a new chapter, offering me a world of opportunities.
Arriving at Notre Dame, I stumbled upon the Ballet Club and the Notre Dame Dance Company, and my passion for dance was reignited. Ballet Club became my haven, allowing me to teach and learn twice a week. But it was Dance Co. that truly challenged me. With a focus on contemporary and lyrical styles, it pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I had to audition, a nerve-wracking experience for someone with a ballet background.
But here's where it gets controversial... Making it into Dance Co. was a triumph, and I embraced the chance to explore new dance forms. From musical theater to jazz-pointe fusions, I dived into a world of diverse styles. And the best part? I even got to choreograph my own pieces, including a recreation of the iconic Giselle's Pas de Willis. It was a creative outlet I never imagined I'd have.
Dance Co. introduced me to an incredible community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and majors. I learned that trying something new can be uncomfortable, especially when you're used to a specific style. But pushing through that discomfort led me to discover a new-found comfort in dancing beyond ballet.
The Well-Oiled Machine vs. The Free-Spirited Collective
Dance Co. operated like a finely tuned machine, with its competitive audition process and cuts. Seeking a more relaxed environment, I discovered Transpose Dance Collective, a place where dancers of all levels were welcome, and cuts were non-existent. Here, I finally mastered lyrical and contemporary dances, styles I had previously been cut from in Dance Co.
Transpose's lighthearted and giggly rehearsals were a breath of fresh air. I even ran for office and became the creative director! It was an opportunity to shape the showcase theme, "Dancing Through Decades," a journey through dance history. I designed merch, posters, and graphics, and being part of the officer team has been an incredible experience.
And this is the part most people miss... Transpose not only offered a fun and relaxed environment but also a chance to improve my skills. After a year of contemporary dance in Transpose, I was able to make the cut for my first contemporary dance in Dance Co.! I even gained enough lyrical dance experience to choreograph my own piece for this year's Transpose show, set to Jeff Buckley's "Lover, You Should've Come Over."
Both organizations, in their unique ways, challenged me as a learner, choreographer, and teacher. Ballet Club, my safe haven for ballet classes, evolved into something more. After being elected co-President, my friend Dora and I decided to put on our own showcase, independent of any other dance group. It was a challenging but rewarding experience, and we managed to secure a slot in Washington Hall for our "Fairy Garden" themed showcase, featuring pieces from ballets like Sleeping Beauty and Les Sylphides.
A Dancer's Evolution at Notre Dame
As a Recruitment and Visitation Intern with ND Admissions, I now have the chance to share my story with prospective students. I emphasize that Notre Dame is a place where passions from high school can continue to thrive. By taking initiative and stepping out of my comfort zone, I've evolved as a dancer, proving that leaving your comfort zone can lead to incredible growth.
Ballet will always hold a special place in my heart, but Notre Dame has allowed me to explore and embrace other dance styles, and I've had a blast doing so. While dance may not be my major or career path, it's an integral part of who I am, and I'm grateful for the opportunities to foster all aspects of my identity at Notre Dame.
So, to all the dancers out there, remember: your dance journey doesn't have to end with high school. Notre Dame is a place where your passion can flourish and evolve in ways you never imagined.
