Dance Discipline Lead/Professor of Dance 
Collin College 
Plano, Texas  

I spend each day in the studio dancing and working with a diverse population of movers—people who are at the start of their dance journeys moving alongside people who are well into their dance journeys. Our time in the studio is focused on embodiment and physical understanding as a companion to the knowledge developed through course readings and video viewings. Beyond teaching people how to dance, the work that I do with students is about understanding their bodies and being comfortable with being seen—being comfortable with expression. My experience at Austin College was the catalyst for growth, exploration, and taking a leap. The people that I encountered at AC (in particular Professors Durland, Gray, Platizky, and Stewart) helped me see and understand possibility. I began college as a business major before deciding to double major in English and philosophy. By the end of my senior year, I was set to attend Texas Woman’s University and pursue an M.F.A. in dance. I cannot imagine where I would have landed if I did not attend Austin College, though I’m fairly confident that I would not be living this life in dance. Photo by Nick Young.