Ryann Young
Words can not express the amazing impact this department has had on ALL areas of my life! The faculty is truly invested in each and every student’s personal, technical, and artistic growth. They will challenge you and support you consistently! I am about to go into my senior year, and I am both so sad to be leaving this environment, yet I also feel so excited and prepared for the next step in my career.
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 wanted to quit. That I wanted to give up. That I want to pack it all up and go home and just find a 9-5 for stability.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.”
John Rolon
My time at UA Little Rock has been 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 every semester, I have a chance to experience auditions and performances more often. It’s a great program full of awesome people!
