Modern Dance Alumna Kimie Parker '19 is a Company Artist with Sidra Bell Dance New York

Meet Kimie Parker '19

Job Title & Employer: Company Artist, Sidra Bell Dance New York
Major/Program: Dance (modern)
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
High School: San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
Dream Job: Anything that makes me happy creatively and personally

"Point Park University provides an exceptional and rigorous foundation for its graduates. Kimie Parker works with maturity, intention and attention to her craft. She is curious, engaged and a generous young artist. The dance department at Point Park demands excellence, commitment and malleability from its student body. Kimie is an exemplary example of the superior training at Point Park."

Sidra Bell, Artistic Director

"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."

Kimie Parker '19

How have you grown as an artist since joining Sidra Bell Dance New York?

I came into post-graduate life timid and unsure of what to expect like most recent grads. I spent the summer being open and trying to find where I belonged. After merging worlds with Sidra Bell, I found myself in an environment that amplified my individual abilities and perspective. Ever since, I have learned to trust my intuition and lean into what makes me special as a mover and artist.

Why did you choose Point Park University’s dance program?

I attended Point Park’s International Summer Dance before my senior year of high school. It was six weeks of the most challenging and rigorous dance training I had ever received. I grew exponentially as a dancer during that small period of time and knew I had to continue that progress by auditioning for Point Park. I also created great connections with teachers and fellow peers, which made the decision even more effortless.

What are some of your favorite experiences as a Point Park dance major?

Most of my favorite experiences were the times I was able to perform choreography by Jason McDole and Garfield Lemonius. When you get to work with your professors, they know your abilities more than a guest choreographer would. Both Jason and Garfield always highlighted their dancers’ specialties. I was pushed to be the best performer under their wings and had magical moments on stage.

What was it like training in Point Park’s state-of-the-art dance facilities?

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. Space was certainly never an issue and traveling across the floor as much as you could was always expected.

What advice do you have for a student applying and auditioning for Point Park’s dance program?

You are auditioning for an amazing program with inspiring faculty who will push you beyond your wildest expectations. Be open to everything during your audition and allow yourself to show who you are. Most importantly, remember to have fun.

Modern Dance Alumna Kimie Parker '19 is a Company Artist with Sidra Bell Dance New York Alumni Profile