Alumnus James Gowan and Fellow Alonzo King LINES Ballet Company Members Host Q&A with Students

Meet James Gowan '15

Job Title & Employer

Company Member, Alonzo King LINES Ballet

Major/Program

Dance (jazz)

Hometown

Gilbert, Ariz.

High School

Mesquite High School

Now Living In

San Francisco, Calif.

Dance alumnus James Gowan - a company member with Alonzo King LINES Ballet - returned to campus with his colleagues to host a lecture and Q&A with students Feb. 20 in the George Rowland White Performance Center. 

"This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear from professionals," said Susan Stowe, professor and chair of dance. 

Learn more about Gowan's experiences at Point Park as a student and as a professional dancer in the Q&A below.

How did the B.F.A. in dance program prepare you for your career?

Balancing school work during an intense dance schedule is not for the meek. Point Park's rigorous dance program provides students the ability to grow and have a taste of the real world before they step into it. Additionally, the diverse program allows students to explore all that dance can be. I learned just as much from the students as I did from the teachers. When I look back I see that the possibilities were endless.

Tell us about your current job.

Dancing for Alonzo King LINES Ballet has been the most rewarding experience of my life. The heightened awareness of the mind-body connection in this work is transcendent. My responsibility is to be present in the work everyday, whether it be self-study time on the side while Alonzo is working with others, or on the stages in the various countries we tour. Also, being accountable for what needs to be done, I hold a lot of responsibility for myself in the work. That is one thing I love most about it.

What was your key message for students?

I wanted to instill the ability to share instead of show. This is an invaluable skill in the professional world. Sharing yourself is an act of vulnerability, whereas showing is a selfish act that means you are trying to portray something that you are not; I wish I learned this lesson while I was in school.

What advice do you have for dance majors?

Ask for it. We only get to dance for a short time during our career, so ask questions about everything you can. Ego gets in the way, clouds your mind and prevents you from learning more. We get so stuck in our ways and training that we don't get to see what else is out there.

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