Angel Mendoza - Dance Studies
Angel is challenged and encouraged to take opportunities with her Dance practice – while finding strong connection with her classmates.
Key facts:
Programme: Bachelor of Dance Studies
High school: Western Springs College, Auckland
“What really solidified my decision to study here was attending the University’s Open Day. We were given a tour of the new studios and a really fun workshop by current Dance students. It made me feel like a student, too, even though I was still deciding at the time.
“Dance Studies blends – and balances – the practical and theoretical elements of the degree well. This strongly appealed to me because I am also interested in delving deeper into topics such as faith, science and history, and how those topics can overlap with dance. The Bachelor of Dance Studies gives space to all these things; it seemed like the degree was meant for me.
“My lecturers are what make me love my subject. They show great compassion for their students and encourage me to look after my wellbeing first, while opening their door to any questions and concerns. But they also challenge me to think critically about dance in my life, the arts and the world.
When I do my work, I tend to see what I can learn from it. I found that remaining open to different ideas in the classroom has helped me gain the most out of each subject and has deepened my relationship with my peers. We have become a tight-knit community that is always there for each other.
“My favourite paper is DAN207: Choreography and Performance. Earlier this year, we went to Singapore to perform and teach as part of this paper. We taught and exchanged knowledge with tertiary, high school and middle school arts students.
“I took the paper as part of Summer School. It was very labour-intensive and focuses on creating a piece of group choreography, maintaining fitness and preparing lesson plans to teach overseas. The memories I made from this experience are priceless. It also gave me the opportunity to learn and make connections with students and teachers overseas.
“In my experience, being a student in Dance Studies means being open to opportunities which challenge your thinking by engaging in discussion and collaboration with your peers. This can be by trying a different creative process in choreography or by educating oneself on a different view and perspective.
“The student lifestyle and clubs at the University of Auckland allow me to continue exploring my passions. I am involved in a Christian club on campus called Studentlife and have been involved in extracurricular activities in the Hip-Hop dance community too, such as battling and learning Popping. I have found friends for life in these clubs, and I will take the learnings from them into my future.
“I believe that creativity is all around us and constantly working in our minds. Creativity is key to the development of society: economically, socially and culturally. Though people may turn to the performance or visual arts as the places where creativity has the greatest impact, many of our ‘everyday’ items wouldn't exist without creativity.
“I haven’t fully decided what I would like to do once I graduate, but I am looking forward to the different opportunities that will come. My dream is to do my Masters and PhD, teach and dance in other countries, and work backstage in lighting or sound. It’s a lot, but the great thing about dance is that there is so much I can do.”