Introducing our Dance West Alumni Spotlight: Michael Jurica IV: 1. What year(s) were you a member of Dance West? I was a guest member of dance west for 2011 and a full company member from 2012-2013. 2. What have you been doing since graduating from ACMA last year? Now I attend a University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts to be specific, where I am studying to get my BFA in dance. I have been a part of several productions this year, including my first Nutcracker. 3. How would you describe your first year post ACMA and Dance West? It’s not over yet, but it has been terrific. It is a little different living so far away from home, but I adapted pretty fast. I get to dance everyday, and work with wonderful faculty and students. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of every performance available to me as well, and while all the additional rehearsal hours can be challenging it has been well worth it. 4. What is one of your favorite memories from your time with Dance West? How can I pick one, I choose them all. I made what I believe to be friends for life on that company, and I wouldn’t have the memories, good and not-so-good, any other way. 5. What did you learn from your time with Dance West? Since I still dance, a lot of what I learned is still very applicable to my life now. A few of the things that are most important are preparedness and patience. In dance rehearsal you can spend a lot of time sitting and waiting while the teachers and choreographers work with other dancers. It’s important that all the dancers in the room are quiet and patient with the teachers so that we can get the most out of that time. Additionally, you never know when you may get asked to do a part you aren’t as familiar with, so it’s important you are always ready for anything. Since I have been here there have been several occasions where I was asked to fill in for someone who was absent, even though it wasn’t my part. Thankfully I was ready, thanks to Julane and the Dance West staff. 6. Has your Dance West experience carried over into other areas of your life and if so, how? Those same skills I just talked about can be applied to many things. Additionally Dance West enforced the idea of respect. That is something that people will always appreciate in someone. 7. Have you been involved with Dance West in any way since graduating from ACMA? I don’t get a lot of time off here, but during my winter break I taught a modern class for the members of advanced dance. Well modern and contemporary dance isn’t my focus at this school, what I get taught here is very different then what the students get exposed to. And it is important to have the broadest view of dance possible if it is truly something that you hope to pursue. 8. If there is one bit of wisdom or advice you would pass on to current Dance West members, what would it be? You have to make mistakes for a teacher to notice and make the effort to correct you. So don’t be afraid to try things, and try them often. The worst that can happen is that it will be as bad as you think it will, and then the teacher can help you fix it. Also don’t underestimate the benefits of cross training. 9. Anything else youd like to add? Dance West isn’t forever, so make the best of it the one chance that you are given.
Posted on: Thu, 15 May 2014 16:00:00 +0000
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