John Swapshire
John Swapshire Wants to Conquer the Dance World
Dance | Conservatory of Music and Dance
Graduation Year: 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.
