Phillipa Armes

Minor: English with Writing Emphasis
Hometown: I’m British, half Chinese-half English, born in India, and started dancing in Singapore. I currently live in Raleigh, NC
High School: Leesville Road High School. Dance training at Sylvia McCully School of Dancing, Raleigh School of Ballet, Raleigh Dance Theatre, and I was a Trainee at Carolina Ballet last season

What have you learned about yourself, both as a dancer and as a person, since joining the BFA program?

As a dancer, I’ve learned that there is always so much more to learn, no matter at what point in my career or education I find myself; there are always avenues to take my dancing to new levels, and to find and inspire new meaning. I am learning my areas of strength and weakness, and that in this incredible environment at LINES, I don’t need to feel afraid to take risks and make mistakes when I’m dancing. Out of every mistake, there is beauty and the potential for growth, and an opportunity to learn. I have also discovered the beauty in refining my movement and focusing more on its purity and what it means to me, rather than trying to imitate any style. Being vulnerable and unafraid to find complete abandon in my dancing is another huge lesson I am slowly coming into. As a person, I am realizing my own sense of self, with LINES providing a safe place to harbor my ideas and hone my aspirations. The program is helping me realize my dreams and inspiring me to make it there, without forcing me to fit any mould personally or artistically. Having danced at and fallen in love with LINES before in the Summer Training Program in 2008 and 2009, I couldn’t be happier to finally be here year-round. I feel as though I am now really able to take what I learned then to even greater heights, and to elevate my understanding of myself and my art.

What has surprised you about the BFA program?

The intensity (physical, emotional, mental, and psychological) and diversity of the program has very, very pleasantly surprised me. I expected to be dancing for hours a day, but I never expected for my days to be so packed and still go by so quickly! My time here literally flies – by the end of the week, I can hardly believe that the week even started. We are also exposed to many different styles of dance and dance-related fields in any given week, through choreography and the various classes in Workshop. I am also thrilled to work on the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Expansion Systems twice a week. I love that the program has such a strong base in ballet technique, but also an emphasis on modern training. Having both is key to building versatility and strength – something that is so important today. I have also been surprised and moved by the amount of talent there is here at the program. I am so inspired by all of the other dancers here. It’s wonderful to be in an environment that is so supportive and noncompetitive with truly incredible people, dancers, and artists, all working together, united by a common passion.

What other classes or activities have you enjoyed at Dominican?

I am in the Honors Program at Dominican, and am working towards my minor in Writing, so along with my other classes, and between dancing and rehearsals, I have plenty to do! The Dominican campus is absolutely gorgeous, so I love just finding quiet places to sit and reflect and be surrounded by the beautiful sights and sounds here. I also love going into downtown San Rafael with friends to just wander around or grab something to eat at one of the many fantastic restaurants there. Another wonderful thing about Dominican is its close proximity to the bustling metropolis of San Francisco – I adore spending time in the city on weekends and discovering San Francisco’s lesser-known treasures.

What unique common ground have you discovered that you've shared with your peers in the program?

I have discovered that we all really love what we do. Everyone brings something unique and beautiful to the program, something that truly embodies what it means to be an artist. We all believe in the arts, we all want to get the most out of our time here, and we all want to improve as dancers, artists, and human beings. The LINES/Dominican BFA dancers are like a family! Working with dancers from all the classes in the program is one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences I’ve ever had, and it just goes to show how much we all learn from each other every day here. Even with our commonalities, we all still have firm senses of self and beautiful stories and backgrounds to share. Our diversity and unique traits are what combine to create this melting pot of creative vitality.

Anything else you would like to add?

For me, personally, I can’t imagine being anywhere else but here at this point in my life. LINES Ballet has so much to give, and I couldn’t be more eager to soak it all up and give back. From the beautiful backdrop of Marin County and San Francisco, to the exhilarating excitement of working in the studio, I wake up every morning craving dance. There’s really no place like LINES. Combined with the academics at Dominican, I feel like I am becoming not only a stronger and more confident dancer and artist, but also a more knowledgeable and rounded human being.

Casey Thorne

Minor: Biology
Hometown: Warren, NJ
High School: Watchung Hills Regional High School

What attracted you to the LINES/Dominican BFA in Dance Program?

To be honest, my first attraction to the Alonzo King LINES Ballet/Dominican BFA in Dance Program was that LINES Ballet employs tall dancers. Being 18 years old and 5'9", I thought that being tall would limit my success in the ballet world. Now, after having my paradigm shifted time and time again, I know this was misdirected, but it led me to the LINES Ballet website, where I discovered that Alonzo King was starting a new BFA program. That sparked my interest, so I browsed the website more and came to a quote that Alonzo said, "The purpose of art is higher than art, what we are really interested in are masterpieces of humanity.” In that moment I sensed new possibility in dance; the power of dance to simultaneously celebrate and catalyze the evolution of human consciousness. So amazing! I was sold, and could not be happier with where those words have led me.

What's it like balancing a full academic load with a conservatory-style dance program?

I think that most dancers are inherently driven, highly motivated, and work hard towards achieving their goals. The full academic course load is challenging, but it is also life-giving and inspiring, especially with the interesting classes offered at Dominican University. My academic load is heavier than that of most other students in the BFA program, because I am pursuing a Biology minor, to be completed entirely through Independent Study. It has taken diligence and perseverance, but I've made it possible through time management and organization. I still have a full social life and I have a job two days a week. I think that any incoming dance major is totally capable of having academic success at Dominican.

What has surprised you about the program?

I am surprised at how the program has undyingly encouraged search for self and individuality in expression. Before coming to this program, I never experienced vulnerability in my dancing before. How can I be completely exposed in my movement, love myself for having the courage to share it, and be nonjudgmental of the outcome? I have learned how to find pleasure in the effort of self discovery, instead of holding myself up to an ideal that does not really exist, and feeling bad for not being something. This program nurtures your spirit, allows it to unfold, and strengthens it.

What's your favorite thing to do in San Francisco?

I love hanging out with friends, people watching and adventuring to new locations. Live music and dance performances at venues such as Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and the ODC Theater are great and easily accessible by public transportation. The Museum of Modern Art always has interesting exhibits, and the Conservatory of Flowers is always inspiring. Big festivals such as Gay Pride and Love Fest are eclectic, fun-filled events as well. Mostly I like dancing at the Alonzo King LINES Dance Center!