Bronco Spotlight: Allie Renner
Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance, 2020
Dance Instructor at Gravity Dance Center
I am a dance instructor for ages that range from 5 years old to 18 years old. I teach technique classes in ballet, jazz, modern/improvisation, and pointe.
What is the most rewarding and the most challenging part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the progress that my students make from week to week. At the beginning of the year, I start off by planning basic goals for curriculum for each dance class that I teach, and then adjust them based on the progress the students are making. Being a dance instructor is so humbling because you get to directly share your passion with your students of the next generation. The most challenging part of being a dance instructor is finding ways to cater to each student individually. All students, beginners or advanced, are at different places in their lives and in their artistry. Not only am I an instructor, but I am a huge influence for these students. In dance, we learn obedience, determination, focus, collaboration, thoughtfulness, and many many more. It is difficult to find material to teach that I know will impact each and every student, but it is so rewarding for me to keep learning by teaching wide ranges of ages and abilities.
Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?
I consider myself a very logical person, and my determination above else helped me to excel into the real world. I graduated from WMU during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that affected a lot of my future plans. I did not let all of the closures affect my future success. I was very diligent in researching potential job opportunities in other states around the United States. I am originally from Chicago, and I knew that staying in the Midwest for work was not a possibility. Instead, I researched companies that were open and hiring in the West, and that led me to work in Salt Lake City, Utah. Not only do I instruct dance where I am living, but I am also training with a professional dance company, SALT Contemporary Dance, that I am determined to dance professionally for someday. It is incredibly important to take note of all logistics in your field, and to stay determined if it's something you are truly passionate about.
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
Maintaining relationships with choreographers and professionals that inspire you is incredibly important. You will want to continue talking and reaching out with those you have performed or trained with before, even just to give a quick update to, because you will definitely see them again in the near future. Our performing arts world is small, and you don't want to burn any bridges.