Entries tagged with ‘Dance’

Terena Wilkens

“I couldn’t have envisioned a more exciting opportunity: to create a new state-of-the-art theatre from floor to ceiling.” In the decision to build a tech-laden “laboratory” theatre between Anderson Theatre and the Nobel Hall of Science, including supporting spaces for costumes, scene building, and storage, Wilkens found herself at that nexus too. As the Gustavus […]

Aurora Schelmeske ’24

“Theater at Gustavus has been such an invigorating experience for me! Exploring shows under the guidance of these fantastic professors is a joy. I am so grateful every day for the chance to participate in this wonderful community of creatives!”

Ella Schwakopf ’25

“Being a part of the dance program at Gustavus has brought me a sense of joy. Through experiences onstage and in the studio, the department has helped me find and explore my own sense of movement. The faculty truly pushes, supports, and cares about your growth as an individual. Becoming involved in the Theatre & […]

Kelsi Rygg ’25

“Being in the dance program my first year has been an amazing experience. Coming in, I met so many welcoming people and I really found my place here at Gustavus. Gustavus dance has allowed me to grow as a dancer and person, build my confidence, and has given me a place to express myself. I […]

Lillian Kline ’22

“In my first two years at Gustavus I had several tastes of what physical theatre is, and the difference between ensemble based work vs. doing a show with casted roles.  I was part of a student directed physical theatre piece, Tethered, took a performance J-term that paired Suzuki acting technique with Viewpoints, and was part […]

Elisabeth Kray ’23

“Before Gustavus I was not a curious dancer. With what I have learned in the last three years, including the promotion of internal feeling and consciousness, I am now a curious dancer. I am curious about how movement and placement feels in my body. I am curious about how these movements relate back to technique […]

Mary Juelich ’24

“I have learned so much about myself as a dancer and person from my time dancing at Gustavus. The dance department faculty has given me many opportunities to learn, create, and perform. One of the most rewarding experiences was being able to choreograph a solo and present my work at the American College Dance Association […]

Emma Forsyth ’25

“The Gustavus Theatre & Dance Department has provided me an opportunity to continue my dance education as well as given me a community where I feel I truly belong. The faculty within the dance major devote abundant attention to each student to ensure that every dancer knows they are important.”

Elyse Doeden ’23

“The dance program at Gustavus is like my second home. I have loved learning the uniqueness of each professor’s own style from being in classes with them and being casted in their pieces. The dance program is one of my favorite aspects of being at Gustavus!”

Astrid Axtman ’22

“I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to create this piece as it challenged me as a choreographer, leader, and strategizer.” Dance major, Astrid Axtman, describes the experience of creating and performing a dance piece. It felt empowering to be trusted and given full resources to create and produce a feature dance with […]