Scholarship News

Katie Hahka is entering her senior year as a theater student at Idyllwild Arts Academy. She applied for the scholarship because, as she said, “the extra training I would receive would help build my confidence when it comes time to audition for colleges during my senior year.”

“Five years from now I hope to be the first person in my family to graduate from college. I want to be living in New York and auditioning for jobs on and off Broadway. I could also see myself living in Santa Barbara teaching dance to kids while performing in regional theater. I still have time to figure things out, but no matter where I end up, I know I will always be involved in the theater and dance.”

Samantha Rain Rose graduated from UCSB in 2016 with a dual major in Dance and Biochemistry. She applied for a scholarship because, in her words, “I want to learn as much as I can from Susan Alexander. What interests me most about Alexander is her experience at the Merce Cunningham Dance Studio in New York. I have only read about Cunningham in books during my time at UCSB; it would be an absolute wonder to understand his technique from someone who practices it.”

She writes, “Five years from now, I see myself training with a dance company in LA. I would like to see myself completing or having completed an MFA in Dance within the next five years as well.”

Colin Sneddon is entering his sophomore year at UCSB. Before college, he performed with his high school dance team in Glendale as well as other local dance groups. He applied for a scholarship, because, in his words: I want to have the opportunity to train with renowned teachers like Susan Alexander that can provide me not only with great technical training; but also the experience to observe the pedagogical tools that I will one day need to teach younger artists.”

He writes, “In five years, I see myself as having graduated from UCSB with a B.F.A. in dance and pursuing a career in modern dance with a company outside of the U.S.”