Ballet Alumnus Colin Jacob Hired as a Company Dancer with Richmond Ballet Alumni Profile
Meet Colin Jacob '15
- Job Title & Employer
- Company Dancer, Richmond Ballet
- Major/Program
- Dance (ballet)
- College Activities
- Dance Club
- Hometown
- Macon, Ga.
- High School
- Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School
- Now Living In
- Richmond, Va.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Spending time with my cats and husband, teaching dance, traveling
"Point Park provided the space for me to grow on a technical level, and I also honed my artistic expression in dance. I came out of the program with an understanding of different styles of movement and the way to put MYSELF into them. The time I spent in those studios became the stepping stones into my career."
Highlight your career path since graduating from Point Park University.
Since graduating from Point Park's B.F.A. in dance (ballet) program, I've worked as a:
- Trainee with Ballet West
- Demi-soloist with Columbia City Ballet
- Featured company dancer with Ballet Virginia
- Guest dancer with Richmond Ballet
Also, during the off-contract season, I was a guest artist who has traveled the country performing varied contemporary and classical roles. My next adventure begins as a company dancer with Richmond Ballet!
What are you looking forward to most as a company dancer with Richmond Ballet?
We were given a sneak peak at the season for next year, and I was overwhelmed with excitement to work with such reputable names in the community. The company is so well-rounded with their representation of different choreographic voices.
Additionally, the time I spent with Richmond Ballet gave me insight into what a supportive company I will be surrounded by as an artist. Dancers who love the art and respect one another, what else could I ask for?
In what ways has Point Park put you on the path to reaching your career goals?
Point Park provided the space for me to grow on a technical level, and I also honed my artistic expression in dance. I came out of the program with an understanding of different styles of movement and the way to put MYSELF into them. The time I spent in those studios became the stepping stones into my career.
Tell us more about Point Park's faculty and dance facilities.
With my time at Point Park, I utilized the melting pot environment of instruction. The professors had insight into not only the technical aspects of dance, but invaluable advice about the community we would be joining after graduation. Though I specifically studied ballet, the classes I took outside of my concentration were equally important to shaping my individuality as dancer. I have a great respect for those I studied under, and pushed me to where I am now. Before choosing Point Park, I auditioned for many schools and not all of them felt as alive. The studios were beyond spacious and had a unique energy to them.
What advice do you have for prospective dance students at Point Park?
You must be accountable for yourself and push yourself. This is ultimately your career and no one else’s. This program is going to push you like you have never been pushed, but if you would like to be provided with the tools for success, this is your first step in the door!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I can say, it has come full circle now with having some of my own students become students at Point Park now, too!