Dot Kelly ’18, ’21 attended Shenandoah University because she was interested in expanding her education in the arts. She was drawn to the smaller class sizes that offered one-on-one training and educational opportunities.
“I got to learn the inner workings of performing arts non-profits and I have developed professional communication skills that have skyrocketed my career in the events industry,” said Kelly.
Kelly is now performing as Maude/Ensemble in the first national Broadway tour of “Funny Girl”, starring breakout star Katerina McCrimmon and GRAMMY award winning Melissa Manchester. She is also an event specialist for ESP Creative and is a featured dancer in the upcoming film, “Your Monster.”
Prior to her role in “Funny Girl”, Kelly performed in the ensemble of Ogunquit Playhouse’s “Singin’ in the Rain” with Broadway’s Max Clayton, Christian Probst, Kate Loprest and Lance Roberts in Ogunquit, Maine.
In 2019 and 2022, Kelly was a Macy’s starlet in the opening of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The 2022 opening of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade was choreographed by Ellenore Scott, Jeffrey Gugliotti and Maria Kent, and Kelly performed alongside Lea Michelle. In 2021, she was the assistant choreographer and an ensemble dancer for “White Christmas” at Renaissance Theatre and was a dancer for the Rand Production of “Christmas in the Air!” at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. Kelly was also Miss Virginia in 2019-20 for the Miss America Organization.
The most rewarding parts of Kelly’s career have come as a result of her resilience and persistence in dance. Kelly’s time as Miss Virginia provided her with the most growth in her personal and professional development so far. It allowed her to be a role model, spokesperson for scholarship and the second Asian American woman to hold the Miss Virginia title. She has been empowered to use her skills to give back to communities, whether it is through performing or creating special moments for families through her event specialist work.
Kelly’s Shenandoah education has helped her succeed by providing her with mentorship and guidance. Kelly has the deepest gratitude towards Associate Dean for Academic Success and Professor of Dance Ting-Yu Chen, Ed.D., and Auxiliary Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dance Tiffanie Carson, M.F.A. Both women were instrumental during her time at Shenandoah and encouraged her to explore and expand her artistry.
“Being a part of Dr. Chen’s composition class was crucial for my development because she created a safe space for me to refine my voice in choreography,” said Kelly. “Professor Tiffanie Carson also took extra time from her busy schedule to help me work on my technique. Both women also showed me there is space for Asian American leaders in the arts, it is because of them that I felt empowered to continue in this field.”
Kelly’s advice to students is: “Treat every experience as a learning opportunity. You will gain more from your experience if you continue to be hungry for knowledge. Use your time wisely, this setting allows for a safe space to expand your artistry before getting thrown into the professional world. Don’t be afraid to try new things!”