Sami Ackard

Moving back to Texas has been a long dream of mine, so when I got accepted into Baylor University's school psychology specialist program in the spring, it was a no- brainer for me. Making such a large move has been quite a challenge, but it has been an amazing experience overall. I have to say that although the heat is sometimes unbearable, having the sun shine everyday is something that I don't ever see myself giving up. As for grad school... all I can say is that I have not flunked out yet! And, I don't plan to. Classes are rough, to say the least, but I am learning so much and it just makes me more excited to start my own career once I graduate. The hardest part is definitely not having my parents, boyfriend and friends near me, but I am a true believe that distance makes the heart grow fonder! And Dance Theatre is no exception to that! I could not be more thankful for the lessons that I have learned being a part of DT, and I hope that I will be able to make a return visit to choreograph sooner rather than later! I am beyond fortunate to have been a part of such a wonderful and talented group. I actually just took a dance class for the first time in months and well... I hated it... because it wasn't Dance Theatre. We jumped and turned, but all in all there was no meaning behind it for me. It was all very surface level dancing, and being a part of DT, I am used to digging deep, into movement, into feeling, and into the story. For me, dance is no longer just about fancy tricks, there is an intricate art form to it. That's something that a lot of people, even some dancers, do not understand. But, Dance Theatre does understand this, and that is why it is so special to me! DT has not only given me a wonderful new family, but it has also shaped how I dance, act and think. This isn't something that only shows up on stage, it has become a part of who I am, and I cannot thank DT or Lana Kay enough for that!