John Swapshire Wants to Conquer the Dance World
At UMKC, the students are our story. Look, listen and learn about us through interviews, photographs and videos of our students. Read the other student stories and go to umkcgoingplaces.tumblr.com and follow.
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.