Kelsey McCausland
KR-McCausland@wiu.edu

Kelsey is a junior at Western Illinois University who has been in University Dance Theatre for two years now. She is a major in Exercise Science and Fitness and a minor in dance. Kelsey is also the secretary of University Dance Theatre and has performed in four shows in the last two years. Originally from a small town called Havana, Kelsey recently moved to Bloomington, Illinois. She would like to become a personal trainer and join a dance company on the side where ever that may be. She will probably move out of Illinois after graduation. University Dance Theatre is a great opportunity to meet a lot of great people and takes a lot of hard work but it definitely pays off.

Questions:

How did you get involved with Dance at Western?
When I first started UDT I was only in one performance, which was perfect because it gave me an opportunity to learn how rehearsals went and what to expect with out getting bombarded with too many rehearsals. Now that I know what to expect I am currently in 6 pieces this semester and I’m choreographing. It takes up a lot of my time and sometimes I can be at rehearsals until 9 or 10 at night. I like keeping busy so this works out for me.
What is it like to live in Macomb?
Since I am from a small town Macomb is not much of a shock. It’s actually an upgrade and I’m used to the small town feeling. Even though I’m used to it doesn’t mean that I like it. It can get boring in Macomb but I have dance to keep my busy so I don’t really need a mall or anything like that.
What is your favorite class?
As a UDT member you are required to take “company class” which is basically technique class. This has helped me in so many ways because before Western I had never taken modern dance, which is primarily what UDT focuses on. I’ve improved just over the last year because of technique class and it’s really helped me choreograph this semester
What are your Dance professors like?
We have three teachers in the dance minor, Candice Winters-March, Heidi Clemmens, and Denise Brakefield. I can honestly say they are the most supportive instructors I have ever had. I’ve had class with each of them and every one of them pushes us to our utmost ability. With every class I’m in—whether it is ballet, modern, or jazz—each one has helped with UDT. Being in UDT has really made me have a close bond with each of them and they are all wonderful people and mentors.