Remember that feeling of a final curtain call? As a high school senior, I thought my last ballet performance, Don Quixote, was the end of my dance journey. Little did I know, the stage was just setting for a whole new act!
Starting college at Notre Dame, I stumbled upon the Ballet Club and the Notre Dame Dance Company. The Ballet Club offered a familiar haven, with twice-weekly ballet classes, both to take and teach. Dance Co., on the other hand, beckoned me back to the stage at Washington Hall, but with a twist. While the Ballet Club welcomed everyone, Dance Co. required auditions.
This was a challenge. My dance background was purely ballet, a style I’d lived and breathed since the age of 5. Dance Co. leaned towards contemporary and lyrical styles, which were new to me. But guess what? I made it in! (Thanks, ballet technique!) This opened up a world of new dance styles. I auditioned for many dances, experienced cuts, and celebrated successes. I performed musical theatre, a jazz-pointe fusion, a disco ballet, and more. I even started choreographing my own dances, starting with Fosse’s Cell Block Tango and currently, a recreation of classical ballet Giselle’s Pas de Willis. I've met incredible people from all different majors and backgrounds.
But here's where it gets controversial... Dance Co. is a well-oiled machine, polished and competitive. I craved a more relaxed environment to explore even more styles. Enter Transpose Dance Collective, which welcomes dancers of all levels without cuts. There, I finally learned lyrical and contemporary dances. I loved the lighthearted rehearsals and decided to run for office – I'm now the creative director! I got to shape our showcase theme, “Dancing Through Decades,” and design merch and graphics.
Transpose also helped me grow. After doing contemporary in Transpose, I made the cut for my first contemporary dance in Dance Co.! I even learned enough lyrical to choreograph my own piece for this year’s Transpose show to Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over.” Both organizations have challenged me as a learner, choreographer, and teacher.
Ballet Club, for years, had been primarily ballet classes. But after being elected co-President, my friend Dora and I decided to put on our own showcase. It wasn’t easy, but we secured a slot in Washington Hall. We created a theme, “The Fairy Garden,” featuring pieces from fairy-centric ballets. It's my first time putting together a show, and it’s the most exciting thing I've ever done.
Now, as a Recruitment and Visitation Intern with ND Admissions, I tell prospective students that if they love an art or sport from high school, there's a place for it at Notre Dame. By stepping outside my comfort zone, I've evolved as a dancer. Ballet is my first love, but I've had so much fun meeting dancers who specialize in other styles and learning from them.
And this is the part most people miss... Ballet isn't my major or career, but it's still a part of me. I'm grateful that Notre Dame has given me the chance to nurture all aspects of my identity. What do you think? How have your passions evolved throughout your life? Share your thoughts in the comments!
