My Dance History
I began my dance training at Gotta Dance! Studio in Oneida, Tennessee, where I trained for 15 years. The studio provided a balanced program of both recreational and competitive dance, allowing me to develop strong technical skills while performing in a supportive and disciplined environment. As a member of the competitive team, I trained in multiple styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater, hip-hop, lyrical, and contemporary, and attended regional and national competitions as well as conventions each season.
In addition to performance training, I participated in community outreach events, including performances at local schools, festivals, and service-based recitals supporting charitable organizations. My experience also included annual Christmas and spring recitals, which emphasized professionalism, stage presence, and performance quality.
Beginning at the age of two and a half, my time at Gotta Dance! Studio provided a strong technical foundation and fostered my long-term commitment to dance.
Dance Captain
At my home studio, I served as Dance Captain for the competitive team, where I took on a leadership role in supporting both dancers and instructors. I assisted with rehearsals, helped maintain strong work ethic and accountability within the team, and served as a point of communication between dancers and staff. This experience strengthened my leadership skills, reinforced my commitment to teamwork, and deepened my ability to motivate and guide others in a positive and focused environment.
Joffrey Summer intensive.
I had the opportunity to attend the Joffrey Ballet School Musical Theater Summer Intensive, where I trained in a fast-paced, professional environment focused on performance, technique, and artistry. This experience allowed me to refine my skills in dance and musical theater while working with industry professionals. The program challenged me to grow as a versatile performer and strengthened my confidence, discipline, and passion for the performing arts.
American Musical and Dramatic Academy
I attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy Summer Intensive, where I trained in a rigorous and professional environment focused on musical theater performance. During the program, I was selected to perform my solo in front of the entire intensive, an opportunity that allowed me to showcase my artistry and stage presence. This experience strengthened my confidence as a performer and further developed my ability to connect with an audience in a high-level performance setting.
My Time at Oklahoma City University
During my sophomore spring at Oklahoma City University, I officially declared my major in Dance Management. This decision reflects my passion for both performance and the organizational, behind-the-scenes aspects of the arts. Through this program, I am developing skills in leadership, marketing, production, and nonprofit management, allowing me to pursue a well-rounded career in the dance industry.
Freshman FallSophomore SpringStars Week at OCU
During my time at Oklahoma City University, I had the opportunity to be a performer for the Christmas and Spring shows. During my time, I had the opportunity to be a line captain for the artistic director’s ballet dance, Tiffany van der Merwe, for “The Christmas Spectacular” in 2026.
I had the opportunity to serve on a student panel for prospective students at Oklahoma City University, where I spoke to incoming auditionees about my experience. I shared why I chose to attend OCU, what I value most about the program, and why I pursued a major in Dance Management. This experience allowed me to represent the university while connecting with future students and offering insight into both the academic and artistic opportunities within the program.
Junior SpringI had the opportunity to serve as a sound technician for the “Move!” production, where I operated sound playback and executed cues in coordination with the stage manager. This experience allowed me to work in a live performance setting, develop strong attention to detail, and gain a deeper understanding of the technical elements that support a successful production.
Gracie Strunk Junior Fall
I served as Line Captain for a student-choreographed piece in a student-driven production under the direction of Shadoe Brandt and Alana Martin. In this role, I helped maintain consistency in choreography, spacing, and performance quality, while supporting communication between the choreographer and dancers. This experience strengthened my leadership skills and reinforced my ability to contribute to a collaborative, artist-driven process.
Junior Spring
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