Alumna Jocelyn Hrzic is Director of Dance at Grier School Alumni Profile

What factors led you to pursue a degree in dance at Point Park University?

My introduction to Point Park University is because of Professor Jodi Welch. I grew up in Dance Masters and Jodi was a huge part of that, taking great interest in the dancers involved in that event. She connected me to Point Park and I am eternally grateful to her.

How did your college experience and training prepare you for your career as a dance educator?

Point Park truly changed my life and that’s why I’m one of their biggest advocates.

I was taught technique not just properly, but explained why it was to be a certain way. My professors stressed that if my technique wasn’t properly executed, then that’s why I was having trouble turning, balancing and doing the choreography properly. Without this knowledge, I would not have become a professional dancer.

They also introduced us to guest artists and contacts to have after graduation. I run my entire dance program the same way over 30 years later because of my educational training and experience.

Highlight your professional career.

My professional career started with a phone call in my apartment in Pittsburgh right after graduating, from the last guest artist I had the opportunity to work with. Maxine Sherman called to ask if I would join her company and perform the piece I did at Point Park, Soft Power. 

I also danced for Theatre West Virginia under the direction of alumna Toneta Akers-Toler. She auditioned for Theatre West Virginia only at Point Park (coincidentally, I had her company, West Virginia Dance Company, attend my gala last year). I then danced for Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean for about six years.

What are your key responsibilities as director of dance at Grier School?

My key responsibilities include creating the class schedule every year. I select and work with the guest artists and companies we bring in yearly.

I created the Grier Gala 18 years ago and it has grown into a great event. I’m very proud of it, but it takes time to select companies, contracts, travel, works to be presented, etc.

I have summer festivals come to our campus and universities scouting. I offer this to all seniors, not just Grier students, and set up for all those auditioning from other schools. The schools attending perform in the student showcase that I produce.

Additionally, I direct and choreograph our own performances, I take the company to festivals — including National High School Dance Festival at Point Park — and perform at Peridance Center and Koresh Artist Showcase. 

Lastly, I go out and scout on behalf of the dance department. All of this, plus teaching five days a week, creating my classes weekly, and choreography, keeps me quite busy!

What advice do you have for a student auditioning for Point Park's dance program?

Go in to the audition and really be you. Show them who you are, how you will add to their program in a positive way and have fun! We’ve all been in your shoes and want you to succeed. We understand how we get nervous, but just have faith and trust you will execute all of the corrections your teachers have given.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would recommend Point Park's new B.A. in Dance Education because it’s so important to be educated in dance if you want to teach. You are changing lives and you want to make sure your advice, knowledge, demeanor and quality of teaching are your best. Anyone can teach dance, but to truly inspire and create young artists is a special gift.

More About: B.A. in Dance Education, dance, faculty, Dance Alumni, jazz, ballet, Conservatory of Performing Arts, modern