Alumni Spotlight: Daniel Do
We spoke with Modern Dance Alum, Daniel Do about his experience at the U and life after graduation.
When did you graduate from the U?
Spring of 2017
Which program were you in?
BFA in Modern Dance
What have you done since you graduated?
Right after graduating I moved to Portland, Oregon and danced for two project based companies: Polaris Dance Theatre and Shaun Keylock Company. I presented work at the Groovin' Greenhouse Festival of New Work. I was a guest dancer with Ririe Woodbury Dance Company and the Nikolais/Louis Foundation for their international tour to France.
What are you up to now?
I am currently back in Salt Lake City in my second season with Repertory Dance Theatre. I am also Assistant Director of project based company, Cat + Fish Dances. I am also pursuing choreographic endeavors for various festivals and college residencies.
What are the most valuable lessons you learned from your time in the School of Dance?
- Taking care of mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health
- Do not take on more projects than you can handle, it is ok to say no
- Support your fellow artists and companies in the school and community
What do you wish you had known as a student?
- Take more advantage of the FREE physical therapy
- Take advantage of summer intensive scholarships and study abroad programs that the school offers
- Whatever artistic endeavor you are interested in, keep putting yourself out there (now is the time!). If it's performing, keep auditioning for the shows; if it's choreography, keep creating and submitting your work; if it's teaching, get connected to one of the many studios that Utah has.
- Enjoy every single challenging and fun moment. College flies too quickly.
How did your time at the U support your career?
The tools I learned from being at the U have stayed and helped me be prepared as a versatile artist pursuing a professional career in dance. I was a part of many various rehearsal processes that made me prepared to adapt to any choreographer. I was also a member of Student Concert Committee, which taught me all about how to produce a show from a technical perspective (how to work a lighting board, make and call cues, setting up lights, selecting and curating a well-rounded show, marketing, etc.). I appreciated all the workshop classes and opportunities to create work because that helped me create my own voice as a choreographer. My classmates are now a forever networking connection spread around the world. I know I can always reach out to them if I need some help or have any questions.