BA Dance '24
 

In September 2021, I started the bachelor’s program at the Palucca University of Dance Dresden. After three years at the Palucca University of Dance Dresden, I graduated in June 2024. Since August 2024 I've been working as an apprentice at the Saarl?ndisches Staatstheater in Germany.

My three years at the Palucca university have given me the strength to stand on my own, to move forward, and to make great strides. Above all, it is a cherished memory that is invaluable to me, giving me the confidence to look back and the strength to move forward.

Before coming to Palucca, I'd only trained in classical ballet, so I really struggled with the new daily modern dance and improvisation classes. However, I was able to channel my frustration at not being able to do it into energy and action, which gave me a lot of confidence to trust myself and keep going. I was also constantly inspired and encouraged by the teachers and classmates around me. I always learned from the teachers' attitude of believing in me, never giving up, and passing on their passion to the students, so I trusted them and was able to keep going throughout my three years at Palucca.

My final year before graduation was a major highlight for me. In this last year, we had the opportunity to do the GAGA project at the Palucca Tanz Studio, and not only did I get the chance to perform GAGA pieces, but in the process of getting there, the possibilities of my movement and the way I confronted my movement every day expanded. We also had the opportunity to participate in the Semperoper Ballet's production of Sleeping Beauty. During this process, I had the opportunity to rehearse and perform with the company and learn a lot from the company's dancers. These processes were also physically very tough, but I also learnt the importance and difficulty of condition management as a dancer by consistently facing my body and condition every day. This experience taught me not only about my skills as a dancer, but also about the importance of managing my overall physical well-being, which is crucial when working as a professional dancer.

For our last soirée, Marcelo Gomes, the artistic director of the Semperoper Ballet, gave me the opportunity to choreograph a pas de deux for my classmate and me. Creating the piece from scratch and growing with it gave me the opportunity to think about what I can offer not only as a dancer but also as an artist. I was advised that, in order to share the story and emotions of the piece with the audience, the first step is for my partner and me to be present in the moment in the piece. By sharing and living the moment with my partner, the emotions and feelings generated were always fresh, and the performance was always a new exploration. Each gesture and movement became something that came naturally from me. That is why I feel like I was able to share the space with those around me.

At Palucca, both students and teachers respected each other’s individuality. They provided guidance that allowed us to expand our abilities while still giving us the freedom to think for ourselves. The school has always been a safe place for me to challenge my boundaries and explore my potential. One particularly memorable moment was during a partnering class as graduation approached. We were blindfolded and engaged in contact improvisation with the entire class. Although we couldn’t see each other, we immediately sensed our classmates through the quality of movement, feeling, and energy. When we finally removed our blindfolds, the warm atmosphere was there - a unique experience that still resonates with me and reminds me of the time we spent together.

I hope that Palucca will continue to be a safe home where we can freely explore and challenge ourselves - a place that upholds mutual respect and encourages growth.

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