John Swapshire Wants to Conquer the Dance World

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JOHN SWAPSHIRE

Dance | Conservatory of Music and Dance | 2016

Where is UMKC taking you?

All over the world. A few of the places I’ve danced include China and Washington, D.C.

Why did you choose UMKC?

A friend recommended it. I’m from St. Louis. UMKC provides many opportunities to work with amazing choreography.

What are your lifelong goals?

I plan on conquering the dance world: Broadway, musical theater, concert dance, commercial dance, choreography. In 10 years, I see myself dancing overseas in a world-famous dance company.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a professor?

The best advice I received from a professor is to never let myself be the reason I can’t reach success.

What motto do you live by?

You get in life what you put out.

What excites you?

New challenges. Anything I don’t know, I want to explore and figure it out.

What’s your greatest fear?

The day I am unable to dance.

What got you interested in performance?

I did a solo performance in elementary school of “The Lion King,” specifically “The Circle of Life.” I love the feeling dance gives me. It allows me to escape from the real world and express and inspire.

What do you do to conquer performance anxiety?

I meditate. I listen to favorite songs; they calm me down.

What one word best describes you?

Unique. I believe I am the true definition.