Square Roots and Square Dancing: Incorporating Dance into a STEM School

When I was applying for Gatton, I heard a lot of questions about leaving sports behind; what I didn’t hear a lot about was leaving behind an Arts education. I started dancing when I was 3, and the arts have played an integral role in my life ever since. I was dancing 14 hours a week, choreographing musicals, and participating in the musical theater departments at my school and in my community. Due to all of my involvement in dance and musical theater, I was apprehensive, at first, to join a STEM program for fear that the arts would be left behind. However, it soon became apparent that my fear was all for naught! 

First and foremost, WKU’s Department of Theater and Dance has allowed me to stay connected to my arts education. Certain dance classes are open to all students, but in my case, I auditioned to enroll in the level best suited to me. I had enough room in my schedule to take Tap III in my first semester of senior year and Tap IV the following semester. In these classes, most students are majoring or minoring in dance, and the passion and happiness of people who are doing what they love is inspiring. Enrollment in these classes also opened opportunities to attend productions of the WKU Dance Company and participate in the Dance Showcase where all dance classes for the semester perform. The professors in the Theater and Dance Department at WKU are so welcoming and made the process of joining their community of artists incredibly easy. 

Additionally, a few of my friends formed the Gatton Dance Club during my senior year. Meeting once a week, my peers and I learned different dance styles, such as ballet or jazz, played Just Dance, or practiced student-choreographed dances to perform at showcases and talent shows. Our first Showcase was held on Halloween for Gatton students to watch and enjoy. This has been a great way to connect with my peers who are also passionate about the arts while living at a STEM school. 

Maybe not as notable, but a just as fun way to stay connected to the arts, are the groupX classes offered at the Preston Center, WKU’s on-campus gym. Some classes offered that I participate in are Dance Fitness and Pilates. Preston Memberships are provided to all Gatton students, which includes free access to the gym and the classes they offer! It’s a great way to connect with WKU students and get involved in WKU activities without joining a club or sport.  

All that being said, coming to Gatton was a scary transition because I was worried I wouldn’t be able to pursue my other interests when I got accepted. However, through many different opportunities that arose, I was able to continue to grow in my love for dance while still learning and growing at WKU and the Gatton Academy. 

Gatton Academy, Kentucky, STEM, Student Life, WKU