December Commencement Profiles: Kahlila Brown and Taylor Roberson
Kahlila Brown ’19, BFA Dance Education
Taylor Roberson ’19, BFA Dance Education
Kahlila Brown and Taylor Roberson have similar stories about how each found their way here. Recommendations from high school dance teachers pointed them toward UNC Greensboro’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, and they both felt they were about to embark on a journey at an excellent School of Dance. But neither could have been prepared for how they would feel when they leave campus this month.
Kahlila is from Durham, NC. She says she pursued a degree in Dance Education because she wanted to share her love of dance with others:
“Dance is an art form that has provided me with an alternative way of communicating and has served as an artistic outlet. That is what has fueled my passion in dance education.”
Kahlila says she knew she was in the right place when she came for her tour, and she continued to make UNCG “home” by performing, attending events, and becoming a Spartan Guide:
“I found a community where I would be challenged as a dancer, choreographer, and educator through an experience that would nurture me and expand my knowledge.”
Taylor Roberson is from Pittsboro, NC. She says, like Kahlila, she felt she had found the right place at the College of Visual and Performing Arts:
“There was something about the professors and the atmosphere that made me feel ‘at home’ as if I had always been a part of the school. I have made connections with so many amazingly talented people in my time here — connections for which I am truly grateful. I was so lucky to have the opportunity to work not only with the School of Dance but also students and faculty in UNCG Theatre/Musical Theatre courses and productions. I would not have traded these last few years for the world.”
When they were first year students, Kahlila and Taylor both felt certain they would leave CVPA with a degree in dance, but neither realized until now what else they would take with them — a sense of community and the confidence to go wherever their art takes them.
CVPA Alumni Event Photo Gallery – Fall 2019
The Fall 2019 semester has been full of CVPA alumni sightings: Asheville, Charlotte, Washington, DC, and New York, as our graduates from art, arts administration, dance, music, and theatre have gathered to meet the new dean, reconnect, and network.
Below are some photos from recent events. Scroll through and enjoy (click on photos to enlarge), and stay in touch so we can make sure you’re on our invitation list!
CHARLOTTE, NC September 15, 2019 Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
GREENSBORO, NC September 17, 2019 Well·Spring Vanguard Alumni Reception
ASHEVILLE, NC September 24, 2019 Buxton Hall BBQ
NEW YORK CITY October 25-26, 2019 Various Locations
NEW YORK CITY October 27, 2019 Trattoria Dell Arte
WASHINGTON, DC November 3, 2019 The Churchill Hotel
December Commencement Profile: Nicholas Shoaf
Nicholas Shoaf ’19
BA Arts Administration, BM Music Education
Nicholas Shoaf has always known that music would be a part of his life. UNCG’s College of Visual and Perfoming Arts helped him discover how to combine that love of music with leadership skills to live a life in the arts. Nicholas started singing in elementary school and in church, and he just didn’t stop. By the time he was in high school, he was heavily involved in both the choral and band programs. When he started looking for colleges, he knew he wanted to teach and lead others. At UNCG he has participated in music, opera, and theatre productions, and this month he will receive a BM in Music Education (Choral) and a BA in Arts Administration. Nicholas says he feels the two degrees will serve him well:
“I value all of my stage and performance experience gained while being a part of the CVPA. I added Arts Administration my junior year because I wanted to broaden my knowledge of the arts as a whole. I wanted to know the behind the scenes action it takes to make everything run smoothly. Plus it makes me more marketable in today’s competitive arts world.”
In addition to the hours of classwork and practicums, Nicholas found ways to bolster his administrative resume by working in the College’s front office. He also applied for and became one of CVPA’s first Student Ambassadors, eventually becoming the group’s recruiting manager.
Like many of CVPA’s undergraduate students, Nicholas is from North Carolina. He grew up in Pilot Mountain and says UNCG was the best place for him because of the program and because it’s not far from home:
“My parents supported me by coming to every event and concert they could. I know I would not be where I am today if it was not for their love and support. My experience at UNCG has taught me valuable skills that will shape my future. My time here has taught me how to keep my doors open to all opportunities that might come my way.”
Although he’s not sure what door might open in the near future, Nicholas hopes to one day become a Director of Education for a non-profit arts organization. And after he picks up that diploma on December 13th, he will be one step closer.