Pursuing a Career in Dance
Senior Jamie Delaphena loves dance, but wants to pursue new challenges in college.
Dance majors at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts (FSSA) all face the same question after graduation: Will they pursue a career in dance or will some new passion drive their career choices? Spending all of their high school years centered around dance, some students find that they need a new outlet, while others choose to have dance continue to be the root of their future options.
Two seniors at FSSA, Jamie Delapenha and Yani Barrow, are among the dance majors graduating this year. Jamie feels that her time spent dancing has enriched her life, but she is excited to explore new possibilities after leaving FSSA.
“I want to become an entrepreneur,” says Jamie. “I haven’t lost my passion for dance, I just want to try something new. There’s a lot more to explore in the world. Dance has shaped my journey thus far, but I know there are new challenges out there for me to overcome.”
The first thing Jamie says she is going to do when she stops dancing is focus on a new major. Dancing has taught Jamie to face her fears. She never says, “I can’t” and has a deep conviction that she will be successful beyond dance.
“I will always be a dancer. Dance is in my blood. But I think it’s time for me to consider new options,” she adds.
Yani Barrow, another senior dancer, is committed to continue dancing when she goes to college next year. She plans to major in dance because dance culture inspires her.
“New challenges await me next year, but I know that dance will continue to play a vital role in my life. I feel most alive when I’m dancing, so I cannot imagine my life without the beautiful gift of movement,” said the excited senior.
Next fall, Yani will be attending a dance conservatory school where she will take technique classes as well as learn more about dance history. Upon graduation from college, she plans on auditioning for prestigious dance companies such as Alvin Ailey and Paul Taylor.
“I was born to perform and dance. I hope my love for dance continues to blossom and my future in dance is as bright as the sun.”
– by Taylor Chinnery ’18