I was initially attracted to the program at Hollins because of its well-rounded curriculum, with a large focus on mentored studio research. I was excited to see the 3 summer program which allows me to continue the work I do in NYC as a teaching artist and as a touring dancer with Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, while still giving the intensive time and focus I seek in an MFA program. The variety and expertise of the faculty also drew my attention, particularly how many professors have practical experience choreographing and dancing tied with research and cultural understanding of dance. Check out the faculty here! It blows me away that I’ll be spending the next three summers with such incredible artists! And I get to head to Germany, where Hollins is partnered with the Forsythe Company!
The Forsythe Company |
So far, I’ve had one day of orientation and met my absolutely incredible and inspirational group of colleagues. There is so much going on in the dance world; the students here come from all over the country (even a few out of the country), and each person is adding to the dance world and to their communities in unique ways. It’s been so exciting to hear each person’s story. My eyes have already been opened up to how much more is in the dance world than I had been exposed to. I’m looking forward to classes officially starting on Monday!
Hollins University Campus |
Also, the campus is stunning–I have never seen so much green in my life before! I loved my undergraduate experience in a big city, but I’m excited to be in this peaceful and a bit sequestered setting to focus entirely on dance. I remember summer dance intensives from my childhood; I was lucky to be at a dance school where some incredible artists would teach in the summers–from Luis Fuentes to Alonzo King, and at Festival Flamenco I got to study with the likes of Andrés Marín, the Campallos, and many others–summer was always when I grew most as a dancer. And I’m excited to back in that sort of environment, and in this case even more focused and profound.
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