Impact, Leadership, and Mentorship: Kialond's Summer

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Hi! My name is Kialond Bronson-Smith and I am a third year BFA UTeach Dance Major and Arts Management and Administration minor from Dallas, Texas. This upcoming year, I am serving as a member of the Dance Outreach Team for Dance Action. 

This summer has been a learning experience. I spent the first couple of days at a leadership institute in Houston for a Christian organization, I am also in at UT, called the Impact Movement. During this time, I was surrounded by my close friends and other individuals who share the same faith as me. I was able to dive deeper into my faith, expand my evangelism experience, and learn how to discuss certain religion topics. The leadership team and I, for the Impact Movement, were able to develop our 6 weeks plan for the beginning of the school year. After coming home from Houston, I decided to spend quality time with my family and focus on self-care and self-love before the month of July. 

During the month of July, I was a residential mentor for the American Ballet Theatre Intensive at the University of Texas at Austin. This intensive provided a 24/7 chaperone experience for children 12-18 years of age. The classes offered were technique, pointe, jazz, yoga, modern, character, contemporary, and musical theater. I was able to take classes taught by Elizabeth Ferrell, Molly Roy, Roger VanFleteran, and Jaime Hickey to name a few. While at this intensive, I learned how to mentor young dancers, care for their injuries, be up to date with over 30 student’s medical information, and so much more. I truly enjoyed my time with the kids at this intensive. 

Now that I am back home, in Dallas, Texas. I will spend the rest of my summer working and preparing to move into my new apartment for the school year. I will also use this time to relax with my family and make up for the birthdays I missed while being gone. Can’t wait to see what this school year will entail! 

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