Atlanta Ballet Goes Back to School
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Last spring, Atlanta Ballet partnered with Kennesaw State University to help its dancers work towards a BA in dance and give KSU students a chance to perform with the company. Atlanta Ballet dancer John Welker just embarked on his second year as a KSU dance major.
How is this partnership helpful?
I can test out of all the dance technique classes, which covers a year’s worth of credits. And KSU lets us do most of the general ed courses online, which is great when the company’s in the theater.
Why major in dance?
I can choreograph on KSU dancers, and step away from Atlanta Ballet to find my own movement style and what I have to say choreographically.
How should dancers approach college?
Don’t do too much at once! And keep an open mind, especially when it’s something you wouldn’t do on your own, like taking a political science course. It’s a whole new way of thinking.
Originally published in Pointe Magazine, August 2010
