McCanzey “Mac” Koffa believes strongly in the connection between the arts and health and wellness.
“I hope to help people think about dance with a different mindset. Everyone likes to dance when they listen to music or go to concerts. So, it’s just a matter of educating people about how moving your body can boost your mood and have long-term physical benefits.
“So many of our students at UNCG are artistically driven, but not everyone has the opportunity or support to major in an arts discipline. I’d like to see the school offer workshops that tie arts and wellness together for our entire student body. “
When Koffa learned that being on the UNCG Homecoming Royal Court could possibly provide funding for a service project, she was all in.
“I’d like to build a series of workshops highlighting the connection between wellness and our CVPA Schools of Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre. These would be education-based and interdisciplinary, like follow-along drawing classes or simple movement classes.”
Koffa applied for and was selected to be one of eight students representing the University on the Homecoming Royal Court, after a round of interviews about her involvement on campus and her proposed service project. On Homecoming, October 18th, two UNCG Royalty winners will be announced during Spartan Street Fest. Those winners, in addition to the title and honor, will receive other rewards and responsibilities including professional headshot, financial support for required community service project, 15 community service hours, requests to emcee various campus events, and UNCG sponsored professional development/leadership trainings.
A senior majoring in Dance with a concentration in Performance and Choreography, Koffa learned of UNCG from her teachers at Enloe High School, an arts magnet school in Raleigh. It has turned out to be a great choice for Koffa, who has immersed herself in much of what the university has to offer, and has given back by serving in a number of leadership roles.
“I’ve been a SOAR (Student Orientation Advising and Registration) leader and I’m the social media director for my sorority Chi Omega. I’ve served as a CVPA Student Ambassador, giving tours to prospective students, I’ve been very involved in High School Dance Day, and I’m currently serving as President of the School of Dance student group Prime Movers.”
After graduation in May 2026, Koffa plans a move to Atlanta, Georgia.
“I have a passion for performing. Atlanta is a great hub for commercial dance work—music videos, background dance roles for movies and television. I also love arts administration. I’m taking a class, Career Strategies for Artists, and it’s been helpful in building that skill set as well as in mapping out a path and making connections in the industry.”
Koffa says she feels prepared for what she feels will be the future of Dance, as an art form.
“This is such a diverse campus, and the School of Dance reflects that with a diverse curriculum. A lot of schools I looked at were of the conservatory model or just focused on Ballet and Modern. Studying here has helped me stay versatile, which is important because Dance is evolving and there’s going to be a time when Ballet and Modern won’t be the only foundational points.
“UNCG is also just the right size. I never felt it was difficult to get involved and make an impact. We’re just at that sweet spot in terms of size, and people here are willing to help you discover how you can be a part of campus life in a meaningful way.
Story by Terri W Relos
Photos provided by McCanzey Koffa
