“Studying abroad in college has always been something I have wanted to do, and Dance Denmark provided the unique opportunity to experience dance in a global context. As someone who wants to create and perform on the international stage, this program was not only a steppingstone in that direction, but it opened my eyes to how dance can be used as a powerful tool to transcend borders,” reflected Masha Moiseytseva, a dance major who participated in the Dance Denmark program.
This three-week program offered by the Department of Dance allows students to journey across Denmark and Germany to take dance classes at international schools, perform for new audiences and explore the history and sites of major cities.
“Going into this program, I was nervous that I was not going to be able to adapt as quickly as I needed to. Although dance is a universal art form, we were dancing with people who came from different cultural backgrounds, so they approached movement and theory differently. While it was challenging, I left feeling proud that I was able to learn to see dance through a new lens, and I am confident that I can adjust to many different audiences now,” said Moiseytseva.
The group spent time at Gerlev Sports College in Slagelse, Denmark before heading to Berlin, Germany to go sightseeing and take classes and perform at Flying Steps Academy, the Berlin Dance Institute and more. The group returned Denmark to visit the cities of Odense and Copenhagen, where they danced with Copenhagen Contemporary School and the Danish Dance Theatre.
“As a dancer, I learned new techniques and styles of movement that I had never previously been exposed to. As a choreographer, I found new creative compositional techniques that I am eager to incorporate into my own work. As a person, I discovered firsthand just how powerful art and movement is internationally, and why I must strive to share and preserve what I know with those around me,” Moiseytseva shared.
Moiseytseva wants to pursue a career in commercial dance after graduation, and the Dance Denmark program gave her an in-depth look at what a career in international dance could look like, and the many styles dance can take.
“My favorite part of the trip was being able to take such a large variety of classes in different styles. These dance classes helped me feel at home in a place so far from home, and I am so grateful I was able to experience them! Additionally, I was really inspired by how openly dance is received in Denmark and Europe in general. The art form is very much respected and cherished which was wonderful to see as a dancer.”