Each spring we honor our graduating Seniors at Prairie School of Dance. This blog series highlights what they love about Prairie School of Dance as well as their interests and future plans. This profile features Karolina Stark, a Senior in our Performing Arts Division.
Years at PSOD: 7
Plans for Next Year: Gustavus Adolphus College, Recipient of the prestigious “Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarship”
What is your most memorable dance moment?
One of my most memorable dance moments was dancing at the Sylvan Theatre in Washington DC as a part of Project Dance. It was amazing being on stage and being able to look out at the Washington Monument.
What is your favorite style of dance and why?
“A lot of people insisted on a wall between modern dance and ballet. I’m beginning to think that walls are very unhealthy things.” ~Twyla Tharp
Classic ballet is my favorite style of dance. I love watching the soft tutus and pointe shoes meet the strength and endurance of a classically trained ballerina.
I also love modern dance. It’s organic and allows room for creativity. I’m thankful for the teachers who have shared their passion of modern with me and showed me a new way to move. The James Sewell Ballet inspires me. They’re innovative. The choreography is an amazing fusion of ballet and cultural dance from around the world, acting, psychology, mixed media and humor.
How have you been able to live out your faith?
When I think about people who are living out their faith, my first instinct is to think about pastors, youth directors, missionaries etc. However, living out your faith is discovering who God created you to be. Faith isn’t pretending you’re someone you’re not. It’s going deep, it’s listening, it’s paying attention to the gifts God has given you. Prairie School of Dance has encouraged me to worship and live my life in the way that makes the most sense to me – through movement.
If you could give any advice to a young dancer, what would you tell them?
Dream – Pay attention to what inspires you and makes your heart sing.
Invest – Come to class ready to learn and be committed to the learning process.
Patience – Be ready to discover the unexpected about dance and yourself.
Mentoring – I have loved being an assistant and have learned so much from the “littles”. They make me smile and it’s an honor to watch them unfold as dancers.
Friends – Dance has brought very special people into my life. Thanks, Girls, for amazing memories; working hard and all the laughs! You are a blessing in my life and I love you all!
At PSOD, you’re honored with a senior solo at the Spring Recital. What are you most looking forward to?
Someone once said, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey that’s important”. I’ve been looking forward to this senior solo for years, but like a lot of things, once it’s here you see it differently. No one moment on stage could ever summarize my experiences at Prairie or my love of dance. I’ll spend a lifetime celebrating all I’ve learned.
Thanks PSOD… for everything!
