As Assistant to the Chair of Dance, Kate Vandivier '09 Serves as the Hub of Information for Students, Faculty and Staff

Meet Kate Vandivier '09

Job Title & Employer: Assistant to the Chair, Department of Dance, Point Park University
Major/Program: Dance (jazz)
Hometown: Denver, Colo.
High School: Littleton High School
Now Living In: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies & Interests: Graphic design, interior design, writing, painting and spending time with my husband and two young children.

"I have many fond memories as a student. It was the first time in my training that I was surrounded by so many talented people all pursuing the same goal, that I found a sense of community and belonging as a budding artist."

Kate Vandivier '09

Highlight your career path since graduating from Point Park University’s dance program.

After college, I moved to Chicago and was a Giordano II with Giordano Dance Chicago, and danced with Chicago Repertory Ballet and Dance in the Parks. I also taught dance at North Shore School of Dance and Joffrey Academy's ISDI and DanceLab programs.

In 2017, I moved to London where I worked for the British Ballet Organization (BBOdance) and Monarch Studios. While in London, I earned a Level 5 Diploma in Dance Teaching with BBOdance.

I returned to Pittsburgh and began working at Point Park's Department of Dance as assistant to the chair in 2022. This year, I also started teaching Movement for Actors.

What does it mean to you as an alumna to work at your alma mater?

I loved being a student in the Conservatory of Performing Arts. I understand the hard work that goes into managing the intense schedule of classes, auditions, rehearsals and performances, and my experience as a student informs how I approach my current role.

As a professional dancer, I felt a sense of community upon entering the industry and felt prepared to begin my career. I enjoy assisting the next generation in achieving their dreams.

In what ways do you support current dance students?

I am the hub of information within the Department of Dance. I generally have the answers to your questions, but if I don’t, I usually know who does.

I coordinate guest artists' classes, workshops and seminars, as well as coordinate with industry professionals to provide closed auditions for Point Park seniors.

Last year, we hosted auditions for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line. We also hosted classes exclusively for Point Park dancers with artists from Alvin Ailey, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Syncopated Ladies.

What do you enjoy most about working with our dance faculty?

I enjoy their passion and enthusiasm for the dance program and the students.

When did it all come together during your college career that you made the right decision to major in dance at Point Park?

I have many fond memories as a student in the Conservatory. It was the first time in my training that I was surrounded daily by so many extraordinarily talented people all pursuing the same goal, that I found a sense of community and belonging as a budding artist. I also met my husband during my time as a student and had the opportunity to dance with him both in the Conservatory and as professionals.

What advice do you have for students considering a degree in dance?

Follow your heart and have the courage to pursue your art. For those who want to also continue their academic careers, Point Park offers dance students the ability to pursue multiple degrees alongside the B.F.A. in Dance, including the dual B.F.A./M.Ed. degree and countless double majors and minors. You won’t ever regret following your dreams, but you might regret not taking the chance when you were young.