TeenLife 2023 Your Future In Arts Guide

STUDENT
TESTIMONIAL:
Skyler Hostetler
SETON HILL UNIVERSITY
Why Did You Choose to Attend Seton Hill University and
Pick This Major?
Growing up, I’ve always told myself that I wanted to be in a
profession that made me genuinely happy. As the years went
by I realized that my one true passion was dance. I ended up
visiting a couple colleges that offered dance as a major, but
none of them felt right for me until I visited Seton Hill.
TaMara Swank and the dance faculty are incredible. They
made me feel at home. The Visual & Performing Arts program
here is unlike any other. Each individual is seen for his/her
strengths and weaknesses and is given a personalized path
which leads to one’s end goals. The facilities at the arts
building are modern and stunning, just being in the building
inspires me. The dance program also offers a wide variety of
faculty, styles, and tracks that allow us to focus on reaching
our fullest potential. I knew Seton Hill was the right choice for
me when I attended the Dancer For A Day event. Everyone
was so genuine and I felt appreciated for my strengths that
will guide me in my future plans as a dancer, teacher, and
choreographer.
What Did You Hope to Get Out of the Program at Seton
Hill University, and Did You Achieve It?
Entering the program, I really wanted to find what path to
take as a dancer. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to perform, teach,
or choreograph. Over the past two years, I have had many
opportunities that have helped to guide me along the way.
I’ve had a lot of performance opportunities both on and off
campus and I started teaching and choreographing for local
studios as well as the Seton Hill University Dance Academy
(SHUDA). I serve as the choreographer for the Seton Hill
University Dance Team and assistant/demonstrator for the
Thrive Dance Convention faculty.
All of these opportunities have helped me realize that I can do
it all. I don’t need to limit myself to one area of dance because
I have a passion for each of these areas. When I graduate, I’m
hoping to audition and perform as well as teach and
choreograph at dance conventions. In the distant future, I
may consider opening a dance complex of my own.
Did You Have to Prepare for This Major In Any Way?
If You Didn’t, Do You Wish You Did?
Being a dance major, I think that all of our training
prior to college helps prepare us for what’s to come. I
needed to mentally prepare myself for this new level of
professionalism. I’ve always been a perfectionist, which
can lead to being very hard on myself. Before my classes
started I really focused on what made me unique. It’s
important to be confident in yourself, especially in
the performing arts. When you find that self love, it’s
easier to take care of yourself and learn from the people
around you without putting yourself down.
What Was a Typical Day Like at Seton Hill
University?
It’s always an early morning as a dance major, but I
don’t mind starting out my day with some early morning
movement. My days are filled with many dance classes
and an occasional class up on the hill. After classes I either
teach or have rehearsal/ practice. In between my classes
and rehearsals, I love to hang out in the Arts Building.
What Advice Do You Have for Teens Looking for the
Right College?
As cheesy as it sounds, you truly will know, deep down
inside, when a college is the right choice for you. Always
look for a college that welcomes you as an individual.
You should find a college that appreciates your unique
qualities and where those around you can help lift you up.
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2023 TeenLife Guide to Your Future In Arts