As many may agree, beginning college is pretty daunting. Between navigating a new environment with new people, adjusting to new expectations, and discovering who you are independent of all you once knew, there is a lot of change that happens (and continues to happen) as you take the first step into adulthood. However, there was one thing I knew would prove constant as I walked into this new chapter: dance.
Eager to elevate my training to the collegiate level, Shenandoah Conservatory’s dance program proved to be the right choice. As a double major, the department ensures that both my dance and academic requirements are met. The dance division’s tri-focus of ballet, jazz and modern was a personal non-negotiable in my collegiate career and is reflected, even in my first year schedule! Here is a sneak peek into what my life was like as a first-year Shenandoah dancer.
– Kylie Johnson ’26 (B.F.A. in Dance, B.S. in Exercise Science)
8 a.m.
Most days required an early wake-up for the notorious 8 a.m. ballet class, but professor Erica Helm made it more than worth it. Her ballet class provides an anatomical and functional lens of the technique, giving dancers the tools needed to achieve a lifelong career in dance. After ballet, I would usually grab a quick breakfast at Jazzman’s Cafe, which is luckily right next door to the Shingleton dance studios. A bagel and coffee was just enough to fuel me for my next class. Most dancers had an academic class at 10 a.m., whether it be a required ShenEd or a class needed for another major. My 10 o’clock class was related to my other major, exercise science! There was also an opportunity for some dancers to take Conditioning and Wellness with one of the department’s athletic trainers, Jacob Manley.
Tuesdays and Thursdays graciously allowed for a later wake-up time as my school day began at 11 a.m. Prior to class, I would often try to work out either at the Brandt Student Center (BSC) gym or an off-campus gym. These days, my first class would be jazz, which was taught by professors Daniel Padierna and Tiffanie Carson. The fall focused more on theatrical jazz, while the spring semester was geared more towards commercial styles. The early exposure to both facets of jazz was insightful and interesting. My eyes were truly opened to how many careers are out there and the ways in which I am being prepared for any of my choosing. I am grateful to have a space where I can work towards my goals with professors and peers who are there to challenge and support me.
Noon
On the days with 8 a.m. ballet, you can also expect a noon modern class. This year, the first-year cohort was taught by Daniel Padierna, who covered both traditional and contemporary modern concepts within his class. A unique opportunity that arose during our spring semester was the chance to strength train with our athletic trainers. On a rotating schedule, we would take 15 minutes to target all the muscle groups in our body. The trainers had recorded our progress throughout the semester, and it was very rewarding to see the results! This experience highlighted the importance of cross-training for dancers; it being embedded into the dance curriculum was such a valuable aid that I hope returns in the future!
The afternoon was also time for additional dance and academic electives. As first-year students, various seminars were required, all aiming to better acclimate us into college life. ShenCo Skills was a class that focused on building community and collaboration within the conservatory, while First-Year Seminar aimed to connect students across the university.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, most first-year students took contemporary dance electives, which consisted of contact improv in the fall and contemporary partnering in the spring. Both of these courses, taught by professor Maurice Fraga, heavily encouraged exploration of spontaneous, innate movement. We often discussed how our natural habits reveal who we are not only as dancers but people, as well as how improv can inform choreography. It was also in contemporary partnering that we got our first compositional experience as SU students! Another course for first-year dancers was Dance Production, a class that showed us the behind-the-scenes of the dance world. Professor Miriah Borden taught us everything from essential theater vocabulary to how to properly strike a stage. With her, we were prepared to tech the fall concert – a rite of passage for first-year dancers!
Evenings
As a dance major, evenings often equate to rehearsals. Although first-year students aren’t cast in the fall concert, there are still tons of opportunities to perform. This fall semester, I was lucky enough to be cast in an multidisciplinary opera, “Hydrogen Jukebox,” alongside 11 other dancers. Dance Composition rehearsals consistently run throughout the semester. This is a great opportunity to not only dance, but to build relationships in the dance department outside the first-year cohort. Dance Composition rehearsals are held by junior year dancers, so it was exciting to see and be a part of my peers’ creative process; it made me eager to begin mine! By spring semester, first-years were able to be cast in the ensemble concerts, which added more dance into my evening schedule. My evenings ranged from dancing for six hours straight to sometimes having a free night (which I would dedicate to either homework or hanging out with friends.) The flexibility within the dance program is so beneficial and personal to each student here; you can truly design your own schedule to get what you desire out of the program!
Some nights, when my rehearsals allowed, my fellow first-year friends and I would have dinner at the Allen Dining Hall. There were times when the entire cohort would show up for dinner together! On heavier nights of rehearsals, my night would usually end at 10:30 p.m., so I would make my own dinner in my residence hall. Back at the residence hall, I would eat, shower, and unwind – usually with a debrief with my roommate, who I am very grateful for! These reflections about our days and all that happened always gave us motivation and hope for the next.
The days may be long, but the weeks go by fast – the fact that I am no longer a first-year is crazy! Reflecting on my first year at SU, I look back with great appreciation and joy. This first year defied my expectations and I am excited for the years to come!
