That accelerated process also gave students a realistic look at the demands of professional dance.
The days were long and physically and mentally demanding. Students had to adapt quickly, learn choreography, rehearse, perform and continue training, all while ensuring they were taking care of themselves as well. They saw firsthand that a career in dance requires more than technical ability, but also how cross-training, strength training, yoga and Pilates can all become part of the routine of maintaining a dancer’s body.
For some students, the intensity of the experience prompted them to think differently about what a career in dance might look like.
According to Alterio, some students began asking themselves questions about whether the professional dance performance life was right for them, not necessarily as a rejection of their major or their goals, but as a valuable opportunity to consider those questions while still in college.
“That is one of the benefits of experiential learning,” Alterio said. “Students can encounter the realities of a profession while they still have time to reflect, learn and make informed decisions about their futures.”
The experience also allowed students to see the community that exists beyond OHIO’s campus.
“One of my favorite parts about attending this dance workshop was getting to know the staff, and what the culture of dance looks like in Pittsburgh,” Shoemaker said.
The festival allowed students to engage with 24 Pittsburgh-based individuals, artists and companies, including 11 artists who led 20 classes and 14 individual artists and companies whose performances gave students an opportunity to experience the breadth of Pittsburgh’s vibrant dance community.
For students who had never visited Pittsburgh, the trip also provided an opportunity to experience a new city and make connections outside of Athens.
“Pittsburgh Dance Workshop was an amazing opportunity for all dancers to come together and make memories that will last a lifetime,” Francisco said. “Overall, I loved being a part of PDW and I hope I can return next year.”
For Alterio, the goal is to continue finding ways to connect students’ classroom experiences with the professional world. Before taking students to Pittsburgh, he brought School of Dance students to Columbus for the Ohio Dance Festival through the same funding opportunity.
He hopes to continue pursuing funding that will allow OHIO students to travel to other cities, meet working artists, experience different dance communities and ultimately prepare students for the realities of the profession while also giving them room to discover what kind of dancer and artist they want to become.