From Texas to Tour Jetés By Kaelin Beaty, Contributing Writer
Many Zetas understand the value of a supportive sisterhood when it comes to pursuing your dreams, and that’s exactly what Emma Helsten (Delta Eta Chapter, West Texas A&M University) felt as she applied to and participated in the Broadway Dance Center program in New York City this past summer. Emma’s sisters have always been supportive of her dancing, coming to shows and helping her prepare for auditions. When she told them about applying for the Broadway Dance Center program, they excitedly cheered her on through the daunting application and audition process. After she submitted her application, headshot and dance video reel, her sisters continually checked in with her. When news of Emma’s acceptance finally arrived, her sisters were there to celebrate. Soon, she would be living and dancing in New York City, many miles and states away from her sisters in Texas.
16 · THEMIS · Collegian Profile
about the day-to-day life of a professional dancer as well as how to create a dance resume, take the perfect headshot and present well in face-to-face auditions.
She lived in the Big Apple for eight weeks, training with 35 other dancers. Her typical morning routine included waking up at 6:30 a.m. and walking 15 blocks to the dance studio for either an auditionreadiness class or a mock audition, which entailed practicing and performing in front of real casting agents who provided helpful feedback. In the afternoons, she took multiple master classes with established choreographers before heading home or exploring the city. During the program, she also trained alongside current Broadway performers, and each day she learned something new
Emma says this experience helped her realize the importance of staying connected. Living in one of the biggest cities in the country, she was thankful for a sense of home each time her sisters connected with her. “My sisters were all very supportive while I was away,” she recalled. “We always kept up with each other, and I always had someone to call if I felt lonely.” Her sisters immediately embraced her return at the end of the twomonth program, and Emma shared about the valuable connections she made with teachers, choreographers and the other dancers that she will carry with her for the rest of her career. When reflecting on this experience, Emma said, “My experience in New York was honestly life-changing. I was able to live out my dreams of dancing there, and I can’t wait to go back.”