Professional alums Garth Johnson and Preston Miller are finishing up instruction with Academy dancers. We’re so fortunate to have alumni as guest teachers here at The Academy. It’s invaluable to hear about the careers of these former students and the perspective they offer to current students in similar positions. This year, the Spring Dance Concert will feature the works of Garth, Preston, and Jonathan Alsberry (previously featured).

Garth’s story is a great example of the dedication we see every day here. He traveled two hours by train to get to The Academy, finding time to sleep and do homework during the commute. For him, it was all worth it. “I had a great time here. I feel like it really shaped me in a beautiful way because it gave me the freedom to express myself coming from such a small town. I don’t think I would have been the same person, and The Academy really gave me license to explore who I wanted to be.”

He looks forward to current Academy students finding that spirit of exploration. “Build your own path but also be very self aware; know what you’re interested in and don’t be afraid to ask questions, and always be on that grind to dig deeper into something.”

Their work will be on display at the 2016 Spring Dance Concert.