Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore! is Home to Three Point Park University Alumni
"During my time at Point Park I had the opportunity to work with choreographers from many different backgrounds. The amount of rehearsal and performance experience I acquired in college allowed for a smooth transition into my professional career."
Point Park University alumni Floyd McLean Jr., Terrell Rogers and Bianca Melidor work for Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore! in Texas. In the Q&A below, learn more about how their undergraduate experience prepared a pathway to their careers.
Why did you choose Point Park University’s dance program?
I saw a pamphlet for Point Park University's dance program during my freshman year of high school. I looked Point Park up online and fell in love. I trained diligently because Point Park was one of my top colleges. I was more than excited for the opportunity to receive a variety of training. I was sold as soon as I stepped into the George Rowland White Performance Center for my audition.
How have you grown as an artist since joining Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Encore!?
DBDT: Encore! has shown me that you need to be more than just a great dancer to be a successful and happy artist in the dance world. Pure artistry, consistency, patience and adaptability are also needed. I have grown at my time with DBDT because it has challenged me by pushing me in all of those areas. I learn a little bit more about who I am, what I can and cannot take, and how far my body can go, and I’m grateful for every second of it.
— Floyd McLean Jr. '18, B.F.A. in dance (modern)
In what ways did your college experience prepare you for your career?
During my time at Point Park I had the opportunity to work with choreographers from many different backgrounds. The amount of rehearsal and performance experience I acquired in college allowed for a smooth transition into my professional career. Being able to offer a clean slate for choreographers to build upon while maintaining authenticity in the work is a necessary skill to have in a repertory company. While I’m constantly developing these skills, my time at Point Park gave me a strong foundation to build from after graduation.
What’s it like working with Point Park alumni professionally at DBDT: Encore!?
Working for DBDT: Encore! has been an eye-opening experience. It has taught me a lot about myself as an artist. It has also allowed me the space to put all that I learned during my time at Point Park into practice. Without Point Park I would not have had the range to believe that any of what I'm doing is possible.
— Terrell Rogers '18, B.F.A. in dance (modern)
Why would you recommend Point Park's dance program to prospective students?
I would recommend Point Park's dance program because it not only helped me develop my work ethic and discipline, but the program also helped my artistry grow tremendously. Point Park's dance program allowed me to be confident in what I both excel in and love to do in and outside the studio. The lessons I learned from my professors and peers stuck with me into my adult life. The bonds I developed with professors, dancers and choreographers in my four years are strong and I have the Dance Department to thank for that.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to iterate how important it is for prospective students to understand that the choices they make in dance and in life are all done with intention, even when the intention is not clear at the time. So trust the process, live in the moment and everything will eventually fall into place.
— Bianca Melidor '18, B.F.A. in dance (jazz)
More About: Conservatory of Performing Arts, jazz, Conservatory Alumni, Dance Alumni, alumni, dance, modern, success story