B.F.A. Dance Program and Training Prepares Alumna for Roles with Professional Ballet Companies

Mallory Marinack '12 — 3 images

Pictured is Mallory Marinack. Submitted photo.

Meet Mallory Marinack '12

Job Title & Employer: Ballet Instructor, Seneca Valley School District
Job Title & Employer: Ballet Instructor, Wexford Dance Academy
Major/Program: Dance (ballet)
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa.
High School: Pittsburgh CAPA
Hobbies & Interests: Teaching dance, traveling, spending time with family, baking

"If you’re one of the lucky dancers accepted to Point Park University, don’t squander your time. 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."

Mallory Marinack '12

What factors led you to pursue a degree in dance with a concentration in ballet at Point Park University?

After attending summer intensives at Point Park and getting to meet many of the faculty, I knew it was the place for me. The faculty were world-renowned dancers and choreographers. I was excited to soak up as much of their knowledge as they were to pass it on to future professionals. It's also very exciting to return to Point Park as a tap and ballet instructor for the International Summer Dance program.

How did your college experience and training prepare you for your career as a professional dancer?

Even though I was a ballet concentration, Point Park provided me with the opportunity to continue my education and training in all styles of dance and become the most well-rounded dancer that I could be. Most professional ballet companies have a lot of contemporary repertoire and Point Park prepared me for any role that I would need to take on.

Briefly highlight your career path since graduating.

Since graduating from Point Park’s B.F.A. program, I have worked as:

An apprentice with Texas Ballet Theater
A company dancer with Dayton Ballet
A guest artist with Ambridge Area High School's dance program
A guest artist with Johnstown Ballet

What advice do you have for a student auditioning for Point Park's dance program?

I would advise students to be prepared to give your education everything that you have. This time is your chance to hone your skills and find what is going to set you apart from everyone else. This program will become your family. It will provide you with everything you’ll need to succeed once you’re ready to leave the Point Park nest and join the professional dance world.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you’re one of the lucky dancers accepted to this program, don’t squander your time. 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.

B.F.A. Dance Program and Training Prepares Alumna for Roles with Professional Ballet Companies Alumni Profile