From Classroom to Career: An Alumni Story with Erin Grady '21

I was a double major in Dance and Business Management for the three years I spent at Dean. Dance had been such a prominent thing in my life for as long as I could remember and trying to imagine my life without it just seemed surreal. However, I realized that there is a shelf life when it comes to the performing arts, so I wanted to pursue something where I could support myself financially for as long as possible. Dean was one of the few schools where I was able to pursue both Business and Dance and follow both of my interests.

I was also a member of Dean’s Tap Team (Loose Screws) for two years and Dean’s Pom team for three, where I served as Captain my second year and Co-President my final year. I was fortunate enough to participate in numerous shows put on by both faculty and students during my time as well. I got to meet so many new people, found ways I was able to grow individually with leadership, and was able to work on my pom technique. I met some of my best friends through this team and will always be grateful for the experiences and opportunities I got because of it.

My experiences at Dean are what helped me get my current position as an Assistant Director in Training with Diva Dance Competition. As a young dancer, I used to compete at the competition and ran into them again at the internship and career fair that Dean holds every year. As if no time had passed, it was awesome reconnecting with the directors again – which eventually led to being asked if I would be interested in being a full-time Diva! In my role, I help our all-female team prepare and set up all equipment and materials, such as the stage flooring, lighting, backdrops and sound system. Throughout competition weekends, I can be found working merchandise in the lobby, in the front of the auditorium as MC and running music, backstage making sure dancers are ready for their upcoming number, and taking care of catering for our entire staff for the weekend. This position has forced me to become more independent in ways I had never imagined, while giving me the incredible opportunity to travel every weekend and witness some amazing talent.

Erin Grady '21
Dance and Business Management double major