For senior Kathryn Brodie, dance is more than an extracurricular activity. This year, Brodie started an independent study focused on choreography. Brodie’s participation in Shenandoah Ballet and Halestone Dance Studio inspired her to create her own ballet, clogging, and modern dance pieces.

“I enjoyed all the chances I had at my studios to create choreography, and I knew I wanted to have more experience on the subject,” said Brodie. “For a few months before deciding over the summer, whenever I would listen to songs, I would choreograph dances in my head. My independent study has given me a good opportunity to bring my thoughts to life.”  

Brodie’s many choreography practices taught her a lot about filmmaking. By documenting her studies using videos, and learning about choreography through other artists’ tapes, Brodie has improved her filmmaking skills.

“I’ve learned so much about filmmaking, which I had not gotten the chance to do in school. My presentation will be in the form of a short documentary around thirty to forty minutes long,” said Brodie.

As Brodie continues her independent study into second semester, she is excited to learn more about expanding her horizons in choreography and filmmaking.

“I am looking forward to learning new techniques to choreograph and hopefully choreograph on multiple people since I’ve mainly focused on solo performance,” said Brodie. “Also, I’m looking forward to finding new places to film and improve in filmmaking in relation to dance.”