“The Academy is not just a school. If you walk into the academy at 5:50 p.m., you will see about half of the school getting ready to get on the late bus or catch a ride with a friend or family member because they don’t want to leave at 4:30. It’s a home for everyone there and for everyone who has graduated. Yes, we have rules, but we are highly trusted. And yes, we still have academics like every other school. But no, we are not like every other school. We’re artists and none of us aspire to be “normal”. The Academy is a space where it’s ok to be weird and different. That’s what makes us artists, and great ones at that.”
Jaylin Denwood will graduate from the Dance Department next week and is heading to SUNY Purchase to continue her dance education in the fall! She reflected on the transition to The Academy curriculum and community, and what incoming and prospective students might expect.
“I came to The Academy not really knowing what to expect. I knew it would be different than any other school. It was quite a shift, but in the best ways possible. Depending on the student, it can be difficult to adjust to the change, but I quickly realized that the students here are all there for you. Before you even know anyone’s name, they are already your family. Everyone wants to see you succeed, including alumni. I came here holding myself to unimaginable expectations thinking I had to be perfect, but nobody expects you to be perfect, at any point throughout your experience here. I want prospective students to remember the things I have always had to remind myself of. First, normality is boring. You are special — acknowledge it. Second, perfection is overrated. Let yourself make your own impact in your way and not in the way others pressure you to. Finally, allow room for yourself to grow. Do not pressure yourself to be the best right away. Be the best version of yourself and the beauty in art lays within you that way. Do not force the process, ride with it.”
Finally, Jaylin offered one thing she could change about her Academy experience.
“The fact that it’s over. It went by so fast and I am going to miss it so much.”
Congratulations Jaylin!