My Summer Dance Experience
This summer, I studied at an intensive called DCNS (Dance Creating New Stars) directed by Dara Stevens-Meredith and LaCeda Nelson. The goal of DCNS is to train employable dancers by teaching classes that develop dancers’ technique, creativity, confidence, and lifelong passion for dance. Every weekday for three weeks, I trained for eight hours a day in ballet, modern, jazz, composition, repertory, and dance terminology. DCNS was one of the most challenging things I have done in my life. The faculty treat you like a professional, and expect that you act professionally as a result. After long hours of dancing, I would go home to take notes, practice my choreography, and memorize ballet terms so that I could come in the next day ready to take on anything that was thrown at me.
My favorite day of the intensive was when Troy Powell came and taught a master class. I aspire to be like the dancers in Alvin Ailey one day, and I have recently become very interested in Horton technique. Being able to take a class from a former Ailey dancer and now the director of Ailey II was such a privilege. Once piece of advice Mr. Powell gave us before we left is to value your dancing every day, and as a result you will always learn something new about yourself and continually improve.
-Meghan McFerran
3rd Year B.F.A.