Dance Alumna Caroline Loeser Performs with Lady Gaga's World Tour and at Super Bowl Halftime Show Alumni Profile
Meet Caroline Loeser
- Job Title & Employer
- Backup Dancer, Joanne World Tour, Lady Gaga
- Major/Program
- Dance (jazz)
- Graduation
- May 2015
- Hometown
- Baltimore, Md.
- High School
- John Carroll School
- Now Living In
- Los Angeles, Calif.
- Hobbies & Interests
- Comedy, binge watching every television show on the planet, almond milk chai lattes, laughing at my own jokes, kitten paws
"My experience at Point Park shaped me into not only the dancer I am, but also the person I am ... The Super Bowl Halftime Show and the Joanne World Tour were my first two professional dance jobs, so I had a lot to learn."
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in dance from Point Park University?
With the accelerated dance program, I knew that I would receive a quality dance education in a time frame that would allow me to start my post-grad dance career as soon as possible (pretty much while my limbs are still attached).
How did your college experience help you advance in your career?
(Left) Caroline Loeser on stage with Lady Gaga
My experience at Point Park shaped me into not only the dancer I am, but also the person I am. During the three years that I spent at Point Park, I became more mature and well-rounded.
As a student in the accelerated program, I had a heavy class schedule, so time management was an important skill I was forced to learn in order to succeed. However, it was the first time in my life that I had the chance to take classes that interested me and challenged myself in ways I would have never imagined.
How did you land your role as a backup dancer for Lady Gaga?
Being a dancer for Lady Gaga has always been my dream, ever since I was young. When I moved to Los Angeles, I researched her choreographer and sought out any opportunities I could find to work with him. After participating in several of his workshops, I received an offer to dance in the Pepsi Super Bowl LI Halftime Show and then the Joanne World Tour.
In what ways have you grown as an artist as a result of these experiences?
I have grown in more ways than I can count. The Super Bowl Halftime Show and the Joanne World Tour were my first two professional dance jobs, so I had a lot to learn.
The tour was the most challenging thing I've ever experienced physically, mentally and emotionally. I learned that there are so many people involved with putting on a tour — about 150 people traveled on the road. Everyone was spectacular at their jobs.
What advice do you have for prospective dance students?
Appreciate every experience in college because you will miss it when it is over. Do not skip your dance classes and take advantage of the structured schedule and lifestyle. I understand wanting to sleep through 8 a.m. ballet, but I swear it will make a difference and you will miss it.
Go outside of your comfort zone and take on any opportunity to make yourself a stronger performer and artist — the acting and voice classes really took my education to the next level.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
No one will hand your dreams to you. You have to want it with every fiber of your being. Hard work will never go unnoticed. Your journey might be different or longer than others around you but you have to keep moving forward and things will happen for you.