Elizabeth Henderson
Sophomore
Undecided
What do you want to major in?
I was thinking about dance but decided against that - just too hard of a life to lead. And so now I am just thinking about hotel or restaurant management.
Why not dance?
It is really hard on your body. It is frustrating. You can't get a job. I have had friends who have moved out to New York (and) L.A. They get a job for a couple months, and once that's over, they are out of a job - unemployed. It is just really difficult - financially, physically, everything. I lost the passion for it I guess.
What do you think about UNM's dance program compared to others?
I don't like it, honestly. That is because I am not a modern dancer. Flamenco is really big here, and I know that it is a great program and modern as well, but I am not into that, and they don't have jazz. Well, they have a little bit.
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Why do you like jazz?
I think jazz is really exciting, and it's fun. You can do it to all sorts of music like rock, smooth jazz - anything really. I love how it's more sensual. I feel I am able to express myself better in jazz than anything else.
Have you had any injuries?
I have a back condition. Basically, my spine didn't finish growing, and that's just caused problems. I have had sprains and stuff. I just have to watch out for it.
What would you say to people interested in pursuing dance at UNM?
It depends on what you are interested in. If you like flamenco, this is the best program. I think the modern is pretty good, if you like modern. It is good for ballet, but a lot of dancers pursue very specialized schools for that. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone, personally, because of the jazz aspect. I think jazz is really important. I have gotten a lot of technique from it and have a lot of fun with it, and they don't have that here.
Have you ever taught dance?
I did, and I didn't like it. It just wasn't for me. The kids seemed to like me, but I didn't like them very much.
-Joshua Curtis
