How did you first get interested in dance?
I first became inspired to become an educator by my middle school dance teacher at Moore Square Middle School, Nicole Duncan. She was a UNC Charlotte alumni also from Raleigh.
What kind of career do you hope to have?
I hope to teach in schools to help bring joy to people’s daily lives with dance. I want to encourage people to use dance to support and express themselves. Over the summers, I hope to continue to work with American Dance Training Camp to work with and inspire dancers across the US. Later in my career, I aspire to work with a youth program of a dance company.
What is your favorite thing about UNC Charlotte?
My favorite thing about UNC Charlotte and CoA+A is all the opportunities that have been provided for me by the dance department. Opportunities such as attending the National Dance Education Conference, working with the Aldersgate residency through my dance in the community course, or performing/attending the American College Dance Association Conference.
Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
Last semester, I went back to Moore Square Middle School to choreograph a piece for their dance ensemble for their 10 year legacy concert. This concert was to honor the Moore Square dance program which had grown immensely over the past 10 years thanks to Nicole Duncan. Duncan welcomed me back to choreograph as I am a Moore Square Dance Ensemble Alumni and current dance education student.
Over the past 3 years I have worked and continue to work at Piedmont School of Music & Dance to teach ballet and tap class to ages 3-8. This has helped me to apply what I am learning as a dance educator daily. Over the past 3 summers, I have worked and continue to work at the American Dance Training Camp. This camp has given me the opportunity to work in the NC mountains, IL, WI, MD, & CA. At camp, I work as a dance instructor and counselor to teach, inspire, and encourage young dancers. This includes the task of typically choreographing 2-4 dances a week in a variety of styles. This past summer I had the opportunity to be the Assistant Program Director at the NC and MD locations helping to run camp at just 20 years old.
When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
I love going to concerts. I typically go to about four a semester. My favorite thing to do is seeing artists before they get big at The Underground. I have attended J Cole’s Dreamville Festival every year and continue to do so.