Introducing: Keartine!

It has been just over a year since I started actively pursuing a new degree.

I am learning to balance heavy course loads, often with two or more part time jobs at a time. My first degree was a BA in Dance Education, and I still work in the field. From August through May, I teach ballet and tap to children at a relatively young but successful dance studio. (I have also taught two years of dance in a High School program for gifted art students, and one semester of ballet at a University.) I also work as a teachers aide in a preschool/ daycare program. The kids in my room range from two to four years old. During the summer I am a studio assistant for an artist who creates beautiful leather masks by hand. Late August through October, I spend my weekends managing several sales locations for his products and managing several carnival style games at a Renaissance Festival.

I have wanted to return to school for a long time. My original idea was to work for a while, save up some money, and possibly audition for a Masters program in Dance Composition or Dance Technology. However, after a few years of working, it became decidedly apparent that I either had to work so much that I did not have the time or energy to attend dance classes, or I could not afford classes. I was not ready to give up my dreams of acquiring my Masters degree, so I have adapted my plans.

I am now on the way to an academic program in physical therapy. My end goal is to practice Dance Medicine: I want to help injured dancers recover and continue their dancing career. So far I have been attending the local community college and completing coursework in chemistry, biology, and anatomy with some math, health and psychology classes sprinkled in. I do not know which Masters program I am going to choose to apply to, so right now my future is open to a certain extent. I know that whatever program I choose, I will have a lot more work ahead of me!