Point Park graduates discuss their career paths, what it was like returning to campus and offer career advice to aspiring dancers.

"Point Park was the perfect place for me to grow as a person and an artist."

"Point Park University has so much to offer. The facilities are amazing and the dance program prepares you for your career."

"Point Park truly changed my life and that’s why I’m one of their biggest advocates. I was taught technique not just properly, but explained why it was to be a certain way. They also introduced us to guest artists and contacts to have after graduation."

"Having a degree in dance from Point Park has helped me earn respect from my colleagues. Graduating from the program says something about the kind of student you are, and the level of excellence you bring."

"I am so lucky to have had the foundation of Point Park's dance training. It has allowed me to thrive in so many areas of the arts industry as a performer from state to screen — and now on the other side of the table."

"Point Park provided the space for me to grow on a technical level, and I also honed my artistic expression in dance. I came out of the program with an understanding of different styles of movement and the way to put myself into them."

"Point Park's dance program set me up for success. I learned how to balance a rigorous schedule, maintain a healthy lifestyle, retain choreography and incorporate my own artistry."

"The faculty prepared us for the professional world through mock auditions, having talk-backs with artists and learning/being evaluated by current choreographers in the industry. I began auditioning in New York my senior year and was so surprised by how prepared I felt in the room."

"The faculty recognized my potential and pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of. I felt nurtured and cared for — both as an artist and a human being."

"Because of my training at Point Park, I was able to watch, learn and perform various styles of dance. The faculty did an amazing job at creating a space for aspiring artists like myself to hone their skills and explore, in depth, what it even means to be an artist."

"Point Park’s dance facilities are an absolute luxury. I don’t think I’ll have many opportunities to be in studios as expansive or advanced as Point Park’s for the rest of my career."

"It is a privilege and pleasure to be surrounded by a talented group of artists and inquisitive young minds who continue to challenge and encourage me to become a better leader, educator and artist every day. I feel very lucky to call this place my artistic home."

"The most important message I would tell my students is to work hard, never give up and believe in yourself. If you can do that, you will be successful."

"My classes are athletic, diverse and designed to make you think quickly on your feet. I love to ignite passion, dig deep and demand performance quality."

"Be persistent and consistent in everything you do. Stay true to who you are and consistently be persistent."

Drawing from years of experience in Los Angeles's entertainment hub, Bautista has worked on projects with Disney, Pepsi, the Billboard Music Awards, Lip Sync Battle, iHeart Radio and Good Morning America, to name a few. She is a proud Monsters Dance alumni.

Born in Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, and raised in Los Angeles, California, Norbert De La Cruz III is a collaborative artist with roots in classical and contemporary dance.

"I value the idea that the key job of teaching is giving students new things to love. I enjoy sharing my passion for the art of dance with the next generation of artists."

"Our dancers learn about how dance reflects culture, and we explore the importance of moving together as a community ... Through this process, we examine how dance helps us understand ourselves and our place in the world."

"Students that take my class should come into the space with an open mind. They should be prepared to explore, move and create. I love moving with the dancers in my class."

"Keep dreaming big and setting new goals for yourself every day. Never doubt yourself or your abilities. Always be present, focused and work hard. Let your passion lead you and guide you."

"I continue to believe that there is nowhere else you can go and see a show like one the dance department offers here. Because of our amazing student body, we are able to deliver professional quality, versatile performances that are truly remarkable."

"Point Park is a singular environment where students are immersed in the best of what our art form has to offer. I love stewarding these dancers as they harness their own agency and become their most empowered selves."

"Point Park University has so much to offer. The facilities are amazing and the dance program prepares you for your career."

"One of the reasons I chose Point Park is because of the George Rowland White Performance Center. It's a dream to train in the beautiful dance studios during my college career."

"The COPA schedule and rigor allowed me to feel prepared to enter the professional field; the versatility and class offerings played a huge part in that. As a student, you are treated and training like a professional dancer."

"Point Park prepared me in the best way possible for company work post-graduation. The training in all styles made the switch between ballet, modern and jazz effortless."

"Point Park University has an amazing dance program. I'm so glad I made the investment to learn and train at one of the top dance programs in the country."

"During my time at Point Park I had the opportunity to work with choreographers from many different backgrounds. The amount of rehearsal and performance experience I acquired in college allowed for a smooth transition into my professional career."

"At the time I was looking at schools, Point Park was one of the few that offered a concentration in jazz, rather than just ballet and modern. That was one of the first things that drew me there, aside from the excellent reputation that both the dance and musical theatre departments had."

"As for the dancers, I am speechless! No one does it like Point Park University. The dance faculty has trained these dance majors to be so marketable in all fields of the industry. I am very impressed EVERY time I come across a Point Park dancer in my everyday business."

"Point Park shaped me into the performer I am today. The school provided me with all the tools I needed to become a professional performer. I am forever grateful for everyone who helped me achieve my dreams."

"Take classes in all styles, not just your concentration, and take a variety of teachers. Every teacher has a different array of knowledge and insight into the dance world that can prove to be invaluable in shaping your future."

"As dancers we need to always strive to be better and to continue training with a keen eye. Dedication and commitment are key as well as letting your passion shine through with confidence."