From Boardroom to Barre

Sometimes it's difficult to be in a industry so isolated from from the world. We sit in studios and theaters all day which naturally leads people to make assumptions about what kind of people dancers are. Butler Ballet is quite the breaker of the mold. Not only do most dancers take perquisite academics in various fields of study, but in addition many dance majors have other minors or even double majors. I am a current Junior BFA dance major with a minor in Strategic Communication, this means that on top of "twirling around all day" I'm over in Jordan Hall and the Fairbanks center most likely in full ballet gear with multiple bags by my desk.

With the minor I've taken several courses on Public Relations, Advertising, Marketing, and various writing seminars these not only broaden my academic horizon but have really opened my eyes to all that is considered communications. Although balancing the two can be a bit of a struggle at times, and this summer in particular has been the ultimate balancing act. This summer I was fortunate enough to be offered a paid internship with an Event and Conference Planning Agency based out of Boston. However, as any dancer knows it is extremely important to stay in shape particularly over the summer as many of us are on our way to summer programs or back to school programs. Working with a 40 hour week can be quite difficult when trying to fit in ballet classes and gym workouts. But there is truly nothing better than taking a ballet class after a long stressful day and getting to chance to unwind with a slow tempo plié. So sure enough Jose Mateo Ballet Theater is only one short train stop away from my office and at 5pm each day I transform from the blazer wearing intern to the Trina in birkenstocks and a bun. What most people don't realize is that the industry is changing, dancers are just working on stage or in the studio but they're innovators, making their own businesses or working in out in business related fields. Being able to do both of the things I am most passionate about not only at school but during the summer as well has been a wonderful learning experience.

This post was written by Delaney Waldron, a member of the class of 2016, pictured left.