What is your long-term professional dream goal? “Long term I see myself working with a big theater corporation like Lincoln Center, administratively. I want to continue working in DEI work to some capacity. And hopefully working in the dance world as a teacher later down the line.” – Gabrielle Langevine, senior dance major and women […]
dance and theatre
Dance & Elementary Education Major Gets Ahead Through Summer Classes
I started my Human Exceptionality (Course: SPED 08130) course a few days after finals ended for the spring 2023 semester, and I have loved every second of taking this course. Human Exceptionality is centered around disability within education, specifically, undoing the concept of ableism inside of the education system. Each reading, lecture video, assignment, & […]
Welcome to Rowan University’s Hoofers Club [VIDEO]
“The Hoofers Club is a tap club we started here on campus,” says junior Dance major Benjamin Helpert. “It’s for anyone who really wants to tap.” Ben adds, “It doesn’t matter your skill level or your previous experience. As long as you want to tap, you’re welcome here.” See the Hoofers Club in action here:
ICYMI: Rowan University Dance Team Ranked Fifth in Nation
This year, the Rowan University Dance Team competed at the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Nationals in Florida, where the team placed fifth in the Open Division Hip Hop category. Here, members of the Dance Team reflect on their time at the competition and talk about their dynamic as a team.
What makes the Rowan Dance team different?
Jordyn Dauter, a first-year Dance & Exercise Science from Quakertown, Pennsylvania says: “Everyone on the team has something unique to offer, whether that is something specifically to dance, or other elements like attitude or leadership skills. We all have something special to offer, which makes our team diverse.”
Teammate Amber Schott, a junior Psychology major from Bayville, NJ (Ocean County), adds, “Definitely the dynamic of the team. I made my best friends here at Rowan through this team and I always feel super supported and encouraged in reaching my dance goals.”
Senior Kaya Snow, a double major in Dance and Theatre Arts with concentrations in Acting and Musical Theatre from Oak Ridge, NJ (Passaic County), says, “We’ve really gone through some huge changes in the last few years and we’ve come out stronger through it all. I’m so glad that we decided to pursue UDA Camp and Nationals my sophomore year because it really has changed the entire dynamic of the team for the better.”
Kristin Mostrangeli, a sophomore Psychology major from Hamilton, NJ, (Mercer County) puts it simply: “Since we get to spend so much time together, we really become so close with each other as a team.”
What is your most memorable memory with the team?
Junior Inclusive Elementary Education Bianca Moffa from Maple Shade, NJ (Burlington County), shares, “Hearing our university get called as a finalist qualifier will definitely be a core memory for sure. I am so proud to be a member of this team and to see all our hard work pay off by becoming 5th in the Nation in Hip Hop.”
Do you have a Rowan University or Dance Team experience you’d like to share?
Nicholette Voci, a junior Law & Justice and Psychology double major from Washington Township, NJ (Gloucester County), says that “being able to dance at football games, volunteer events, and be in Florida with my best friends is the best experience anyone could ever have in college.”
Sophomore Sociology major Taryn Larsen from Toms River, NJ (Ocean County), reflects on her time with the Rowan Dance Team by saying “it is the perfect mix of practice each week, meeting new friends and performing.”
How was your experience at Nationals 2022?
Reflecting on her experience, Mia Tabasco, a first-year Sociology student from Haddon Township, NJ (Camden County), says, “It was so incredible. I’ve been dreaming of going to UDA for the longest time and I’m so proud of our team for making finals. We’re a new team and we made our names known.”
Sophomore Exercise Science major Adrianna Laezza from Monroe Township, NJ (Middlesex County), shares that the journey to the UDA National competition was a big deal to her. “It was the best feeling in the world to perform on stage again. I got to compete at UDA which was a dream I have had since I was 12 years old.”
Valentina Giannattasio, a first-year double major in Dance and Marketing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, says, “It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I still cannot believe we performed there with all those astonishing dancers. I am proud of how far we have gone. Now we are Top 5 in the nation for Hip Hop!”
What is the best part of being a member of Rowan University Dance Team?
Alyssa McAvoy, a sophomore Music Industry Technology and Business major from Shrewsbury, NJ (Monmouth County), says, “I love that I am still able to dance in college and the friends I have made through being on the team!”
Junior Engineering Entrepreneurship major Isabel Rivera from Flemington, NJ (Hunterdon County), puts it simply. She says, “The best part about being a member of the Rowan University Dance Team is “being surrounded by people who will motivate you no matter what.”
First-year Spanish Education major Lily Cummings from Pittsgrove, NJ (Salem County), reflects on her first year on the Rowan Dance Team by saying, “It allows me to grow in my ability as a dancer and dance throughout college without it having to take up my whole life. It also provides so many exciting and memorable experiences along with amazing new friendships.”
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, senior public relations and advertising major
Photos by:
Valentina Giannattasio, first year dance and marketing double major
Header photo courtesy of:
Rowan University Dance Team ProfLink
#PROFspective: Kaya Snow, Combining Passion with Academics
Senior Kaya Snow, a Dance and Theatre Arts major from Morris County with a concentration in Acting and Musical Theatre, shares her #PROFspective as a Rowan student.
What inspired you to choose your major?
I was inspired to choose my major because I did not want to give up the things that I loved. I’ve been singing and dancing my whole life, so pursuing Theatre Arts and Dance have allowed me to continue with my passions.
Tell us something interesting that you’ve learned in a class this semester.
I am currently taking a seminar called “Acting for the Camera” that is really interesting. I have learned so much about what goes into creating anything on film. We have done both acting and filming which helps give a perspective of what the people around us would be doing on set. So far it has been a really worthwhile experience.
Take us through one typical Rowan day for you.
Every day is different for me, but Wednesdays are probably my most exciting day. I wake up and eat breakfast with my roommates and then get ready for my singing lesson. After my singing lesson is over I go back home to eat lunch and watch some Netflix. Then I drive back to campus for Dance Theatre Workshop and Acting II. Both take a lot of creative energy and are very interesting. After that I take a dance class to keep motivated and strengthen my skills. I then go home for dinner with my roommates and do some homework before I go to practice for the Dance Team. When I get home from practice I shower and go to bed so I can be ready for another day!
Tell us about one club, organization or group of friends that make you feel like Rowan is home.
Dance Extensions has really made Rowan feel like home for me. I met so many of my close friends by joining freshman year and now have the honor of being President the last two years. I have been able to watch our club and members grow so much, and it has brought me so much joy.
Could you share any academic clubs, social clubs and/or sports you are involved in?
I am a member and president of Dance Extensions, the Rowan University Dance Team and Campus Players, as well as a member and Social Chair of Alpha Psi Omega.
Could you share any jobs, either on campus or off campus, that you hold?
I am currently doing federal work study with the Theatre department!
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Story by:
Loredonna Fiore, senior public relations and advertising major
Photos by:
Stephanie Batista, junior music industry major
#PROFspective: Theatre and Advertising Major Nick Flagg
Today, we speak to Theatre & Advertising double major Nick Flagg from Williamstown, NJ (Gloucester County). Nick has a concentration in Theatre Ed, Acting/Directing & Musical Theatre, and will graduate next spring. He shares with us why he heavily enjoys studying his majors and the endless opportunities Rowan has offered and equipped him with. Why […]
Meet Rowan #2024: Theatre Major Looks Forward to Acting and Dancing on Campus
Today we feature Shayla Moon, an incoming theatre major with a concentration in acting and a minor in communication studies, from Pennington, NJ (Mercer County).
What is one activity, club, sport or hobby that you did in high school that you’d like to continue with at Rowan?
“I did dance, and I would love to continue that at Rowan. I’m possibly looking into trying out for the dance team and taking dance classes.”
How and why did you choose your major?
“I chose acting because I have always had a passion for theatre, and I know that that is what I want to do with my life, whether it’s teaching, being onstage or being a part of a company.”
What is something you’re looking forward to next year at Rowan?
“I am looking forward to meeting new friends and experiencing college life in general. I also hope to join clubs and possibly rush!”
Why did you choose Rowan?
“I chose Rowan because I loved the theatre program and the school in general. I came for an open house and just fell in love with the vibe at Rowan!”
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First Year Voices: Dance Major Sabrina Vargas
Meet Sabrina Vargas, a freshman dance major from Atlantic County who lives on campus in Evergreen Hall. Sabrina joined Rowan through the Pre-College Institute Program and is involved with many clubs on campus.
Name: Sabrina Vargas
Year: Freshman
Major: Dance
Minor: Sociology
Hometown: Mays Landing, NJ (Atlantic County)
Where do you live? On campus, Evergreen Hall
First-generation college student? Yes
Academic and Social Clubs: I am the Student Government Association representative for the Atomik Legacy Dance Crew, and I am involved with MOCA, which is the Men of Color Alliance.
What inspired you to choose your major? Senior year of high school I applied to Rowan through the Common App. I had no clue what I wanted to do as a major. I looked through my options and saw that dance was an option for a major. I talked to my dance teacher, and my dance teacher said go for it. You should audition. So I did and I love going to school for what I love.
How does your field impact the world? What impact would you like to have on the world in your field? Not a lot of us dancers can truly express ourselves through words. We express ourselves through our body art. A lot of people can relate to not speaking on certain things. A dancer can give her entire life story through a show. For me, dance is my peace. Everyone in the world should find their peace in some way, and dancers give people the courage to do so. Dance is physically and emotionally draining, and we go for it every day.
What advice would you give your high school self about choosing a college? It’s OK to stay close to home because you make your own life at college. You can make your home wherever you are. I’m 45 minutes away from home and I barely go home because my home is at Rowan.
Tell us about your transition into college and how you pushed through any challenges. I automatically connected to everyone at Pre-College Institute (PCI). I was nervous, but I knew everyone from PCI had my back. I knew I had mentors there and that I could ask for help if I needed it. In the mix of doing the hard academic bootcamp at PCI, you get a family. I live in Evergreen with my PCI family. I walk into the ASCEND office and I feel at home. I can’t imagine my college experience without it. We did a lot of self growth activities and it taught me how to be a good student.
I took an Elements of Dance class with Paule Turner, the theatre and dance department chair, during PCI, which helped me transition into the dance department at Rowan. Paule said that him having me as a student in the summer proved to him and showed him that I deserved to be here as a dance major. I knew the department and Paule so I felt a step ahead from the other freshmen dance majors when college started.
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Story and photography by:
Rachel Rumsby, freshman communication studies and public relations double major
My Favorite Class: Elements of Dance
This story is a part of the “My Favorite Class” series.
Meet Giovanni Rodriguez, an Athletic Training major from Woodbury, NJ (Gloucester County).
Giovanni is seen here in Elements of Dance, one of the courses he’s taking as part of the Pre-College Institute (PCI), a summer orientation program designed to prepare students for their transition to Rowan in the fall.
“[Elements of Dance] is one of my favorite classes that the PCI program offers. I love everything about it, and our professor Paule Turner is very open, kind and patient,” says Giovanni. “I’m happy that I’m living in Mullica Hall and that it’s so close to the dance studio in Memorial Hall.”
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VISIT CAMPUS
First Year Voices: Niambi Fetlow
“I love the Theatre and Dance Department here because everyone makes me feel at home no matter how many times I fall down. I know I have a huge group of people here supporting me and helping me in any way that they can.
The people here are just a reminder of a quote from Maya Angelou that I live by, ‘People will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'”
Niambi (Bambi) Fetlow, theatre major (musical theatre concentration) from Pennsauken, NJ (Camden County) who lives in Rowan Boulevard Apartments.
Like what you see? Come visit us!
Story and photography by: Vanessa Vause, senior public relations and theatre major
Emily’s Home Away From Home: Costume Shop [VIDEO]
Get a glimpse into the home away from home at Rowan University for Emily Stansbury of Marlton, NJ (Burlington County) … the Department of Theatre and Dance Costume Shop! Like what you see, come visit us! VISIT CAMPUS Enter for a chance to win a Rowan t-shirt! Email RowanBlog [at] rowan.edu with the date and time […]
Faculty PROFile: Costume Shop’s Jamie Grace-Duff
Meet Jamie Grace-Duff, costume lecturer and costume shop supervisor within the Department of Theatre and Dance, who earned her MFA in Costume Design/Technology from Temple University in 2012 and a BS in Fashion Design from Drexel University in 2002. What is your area of expertise? My focus is on pattern making, tailoring, and construction of […]
Rowan University Student with Spondylo-Epi-Metaphyseal Dysplasia (SEMD) Shares Her Campus Experience
Two years ago, Rowan University student Mackenzie Trush shared her experience with Spondylo-Epi-Metaphyseal Dysplasia (SEMD), an extremely rare form of dwarfism (less than 100 known cases exist). After the previous article, “Dominating the Stage at 3 ft tall,” Mackenzie received an overwhelming amount of support from readers all over the world. In honor of Dwarfism […]
Seth Jackson: Previous #PROFspective’s Vision Comes to Life
Featured in 2017 on Rowan’s #PROFspective, Seth Jackson, a first generation college student junior from Baltimore, MD, spoke of proposing his original show, The Blurred Perspectives, to Lab Theatre, a student-run organization producing and performing many varieties of art. You can even find a picture of his original script in his #PROFspective! Fast forward to September […]