The senior dance class of 2026 traveled to New York City from Dec. 26, through Dec. 30, and to Los Angeles and Las Vegas from Jan. 2, through Jan. 9, for a series of professional development experiences. Throughout the trips, students participated in classes across a wide range of styles, connected with leading artists and educators, and took part in private sessions led by Sarah Housepian, Jōvan Dansberry and Azuki Umeda.

“This was an inspiring, enriching and truly rewarding experience for our seniors,” said Auxiliary Adjunct Associate Professor of Dance Tiffanie Carson, M.F.A., who coordinated the trips.

In New York City, students trained with renowned artists including Tamisha A. Guy, recipient of the 2016 Princess Grace Award and the 2022 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Dance, and Norbert de la Cruz III, a recipient of the Princess Grace Foundation–USA Choreography Fellowship. Students also participated in private classes with Sarah Housepian, a New York City-based dancer and educator whose professional career spans contemporary concert dance, commercial work and international performance, and with Jōvan Dansberry, an interdisciplinary artist, choreographer and educator known for his work across contemporary dance, musical theatre and commercial performance. These classes offered students the opportunity to engage with prominent voices in the contemporary dance field.

On the West Coast, students explored the commercial, contemporary and aerial acrobatics dance industries. In Los Angeles, they trained at well-known studios and gained insight into professional dance careers through exposure to a wide range of styles and industry perspectives. A highlight of the Los Angeles visit included a private class with Azuki Umeda, recipient of the 2025 Exemplary Women in LA Dance Award.

The group then traveled to Las Vegas, where they connected with alumna Courtney Friedersdorf ’19 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance), who shared her experiences working professionally as a dancer and aerial performing artist. Students also participated in a private aerial arts class with Johanna Sapakie, exploring techniques in lyra (hoop), silks and pole.

The multi-city experience provided students with advanced training, professional insight and meaningful connections, supporting their transition from conservatory study to professional dance careers.