T J Medel
Every time I get asked where I went to college I say with immense honor and pride: The University of Arkansas in Little Rock.
Their faces of shock and awe are priceless and I wish you were all around me for it. I take with me our philosophies and work ethic and wear it on my sleeve. I wouldn’t have been awarded all of the accolades and opportunities if it weren’t for all of you.
You guys let me fly while at the same time grounded me with discipline. Each day I get tested on my journey.
There are days that I want to quit. That I want to give up. That I want to pack it all up and go home and just find a 9-5 for stability because eating ramen packets 3-5 times a day is bullsh##. I’ve asked myself if I’m good enough. I’ve done so many shows wondering what the hell am I doing here?!?!
But then I think about the all-nighters in the design lab. Being in tech and going straight into a run because of snow days. Watching injured dancers go to their rehearsals still trying to pick up their choreography. Striking sets and resetting the stages. Having heated debates about artistic choices and seeing what those conversations have done to my relationships. Sleeping in my car knowing that I had an early call time for a rental the next morning. Flooding (that has happened so many times at some of the theaters that i think its a theater ghost haunting me)
You prepared me so well for this part of my life that I don’t even know if Thank You is the right phrase to say to show my gratitude. I work hard to make us proud. I work hard to make sure that the program gets recognized. I work hard so that maybe I can send some students your way.
I tell them about the program, the people, the environment, the experience, the discipline, the freedom….they begin to see it. I love all of you and from the bottom of my heart I thank you for educating me. I am a better man and a stronger artist because of you. Please don’t stop teaching.
Dariane Mull
“I just wanted to say thank yo so much for all being such amazing professors and mentors throughout my time at UA Little Rock. Words cannot express how thankful I am for all the support, skills, and knowledge each of you have given me. Thank you for pushing me and challenging me, for making me cry, smile (or stop smiling), get frustrated and jump for joy. It has all been more than worth it and I have come out stronger, more resilient, and more resourceful than I ever really expected out of myself. Also, thank you for inspiring me through your teaching and your work.”
Heidee Alsdorf
There are simply not enough hours in the day or days in the week to seize every opportunity available! My name is Heidee Alsdorf and I am a proud alum of the Arkansas Arts Academy (2011). Currently, I am majoring in Dance Performance with a minor in Theatre at UA Little Rock. My experiences at the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance have either encouraged or directly facilitated every opportunity I’ve had to travel and perform. In my first two years as a major, I performed for local charity events, danced at historic sites like the Arkansas Dreamland Ballroom, and toured through New York and Baltimore with a group of my peers and one of our inspiring professors, Stephanie Thibeault. Here, I am surrounded by passionate individuals who share my dream and engage with me as we learn about the art and science of dance. Here, our dreams are made tangible!
Gabrielle Confer
Choosing to pursue a degree in Dance Performance at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. The faculty and staff really care about me as an individual. They have opened my mind to the world of theatre arts and dance and I could not be more grateful for the education and opportunities I have received here. I will be confident knowing I have gotten my education here and that they will always be there to help me, even after I have graduated!
Brittany Denman
My experience in the Dance department at UA Little Rock has been an amazing one so far. My favorite part about it besides the fact I get to dance everyday are the professors. I recently had a loved one pass away and they have been so supportive. They are understanding, and I honestly feel very loved by the faculty. I would recommend this program to anyone who has an interest in dance. I feel like I finally fit in with these amazing, goofy people that are beautiful dancers!
Danny Jimenez
I came into this department with little theater work and knowledge, and absolutely no dance training. Over the past 4 years, this department has opened my eyes to the rich culture and depth of theater and dance, as well as the significant impact these arts have played throughout history. The faculty here have all lived through the shoes of the starving artist and truly care about what they’re doing. I am truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to study under such fine instructors; It’s thanks to them that I can see an obtainable future for me in the arts.
Regina Lewis
UA Little Rock has given me the tools to build a foundation, learn creative and productive habits, and supplied a mentoring faculty that prepares me to carry these skills with me in the professional world of dance.
Ashley Mahan
My experience in the UA Little Rock dance department has been incredible. They have provided me with ample opportunities to grow as a dancer and choreographer. My professors are more than just teachers; they are my mentors and my fellow dancers are my family.
Shalondra Martin
Choosing dance as my major at UA Little Rock (University of Arkansas at Little Rock) has been one of the best decisions I have made. The dance professors in the department are very knowledgeable, passionate about the field of dance and dedicated to see me grow as a dancer. In this program I study ballet, modern, jazz, and tap. The department provides and promotes many opportunities to learn and develop in dance; such as making it possible to attend events like ACDA (American College Dance Association). Also the department has brought in amazing guest artists for dance workshops. So far I have attended the African & the Contemporary dance workshop which were so much fun. I am excited about hip-hop choreographer Rennie Harris coming to instruct a workshop and choreograph a dance performance that will be presented in our annual spring concert. This is my second year here and I look forward to performance opportunities and as well as my future choreography opportunities.
Brandy Mimms
As a Dance Major at University of Arkansas at Little Rock so far have been the most challenging and exciting experience. The Dance and Theatre faculties work very hard preparing their students for their future professional careers. Choosing UA Little Rock to pursue my BFA in Dance is the best investment I ever made.
Trent Montgomery
Throughout my semesters as a Dance Performance major, I have had some of the most phenomenal experiences that would not be an option at most universities. For instance, I have made connections with emerging companies and choreographers, refined my technique and artistry by attending classes by the talented faculty, performed in various concerts with various choreographers, performed in New York and Baltimore, attended the Paul Taylor Winter Intensive in New York twice, and best of all, received a scholarship to study dance abroad at the Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy this semester (I am typing this in Italy at this moment). I cannot fully explain how becoming a student of the department has affected me. Everything offered by this program is worth it, and the rewards from attending this department are far greater than anything that anyone can imagine.
Denisse Ollivier
“Coming to UA Little Rock has been one of the most amazing experiences in my life. The department gave me a warm welcome, and every day I feel like I’m part of this family. Everyone is so close to each other, and it feels like a safe zone. I’m constantly learning, and my teachers are very concerned with my personal growth. They push me and encourage me to do my very best. I have come to discover new things about myself, such as what I am capable of, as I interact with the wonderful crew we have here at UA Little Rock.”
Jahna Powell
Always follow your dreams and you will succeed.
John Rolon
My time at UA Little Rock has ben amazing. I feel myself being pushed to be the best I can be by not only the professors, but my fellow peers as well. Plus, with a show ever semester, I have a chance to experience auditions and performances more often. It’s a great program full of awesome people!
Leila Rosenkrans
“Coming to the Dance and Theatre Department at UA Little Rock has been one of the best decisions I have made. Everyone here is like a big family. They know your name and your face, and even more, they care about you and your success. The faculty is both extremely talented and passionate, and it is a wonderful opportunity to be in class with them. If you want to make a career in theatre or dance happen, UA Little Rock is the place to come.”
Priscilla Webb
My experience in the UA Little Rock dance department has been one which only grows with time. There are so many paths to choose from in taking the next step towards your future and I can confidently say I made the right one. The people in this program, both student and faculty are the best you can hope to share you time and effort with. If you have the conviction and are willing to open your horizons there is a rich environment to be delved into. The people you get the opportunity to meet and work with, the experience and enthusiastic attitudes brought to every day’s work by everyone present, and the realization of how much more is there for you to discover are what make this program what it is. It may be small now but the people and works coming out of this program speak volumes about what we’re made of.
Blake Worthey
The program has shown me how powerful art can be. In my time here I’ve gotten to study the dance technique of Martha Graham and its helped me grow into become an thinking artist.
