By Danna DeBlasio '08
Rachael Peters: The right dance chemistry
“Being a chemistry major while participating in Union's dance program is not easy, especially when we're rehearsing for a concert. I've learned how to prioritize and use my time in the best way possible,” says Rachael Peters '07.
For Peters, who has been dancing since she was four, balance is the key to managing all aspects of her life. A dance minor, Peters has been taking ballet and jazz, working with Dance Director Miryam Moutillet and Instructor Marcus Rogers.
She has been a leading dancer in many of Union's productions. In last year's Winter Dance Concert, Peters' great form landed her the leading role in “Giselle” and also many other roles in ballets such as “Don Quixote” and “La Bayadere.”
“Union's dance program is more personal and the atmosphere is much more fun than other dance experiences I've had,” Peters says. “Everyone is here to pursue their passion and have a good time.”
Peters, of Clark Summit, Penn., is always looking to broaden her dance involvement. Coming to Union as a first time hip-hop dancer, she was a natural, and she is currently the captain of Union's dance team.
In spring 2006, she received the College's Edward Villella Fellowship for Dance. An acclaimed American male ballet star and former New York City Ballet principal dancer who now heads Miami City Ballet, Villella received an honorary doctorate from Union in 1991. Three years later, the Villella Fellowship was created from the gifts of Charles D. Lothridge '44.
The yearly award is designed to expand a student's study of dance beyond the Union experience.
Receiving the fellowship enabled Peters to travel to Italy with fellow dancer and award winner Sara Weiner '07 to take workshops and see world-class performances.
Peters is often in the spotlight, whether as principal ballerina on stage or in the middle of a field, leading her dance team. When not in the limelight, she keeps busy as president of the Chemistry Club and a member of the Pre-Health Society.
As for future plans, Peters has been accepted into the dental program at the University of Pittsburgh.
“I love dancing, so I definitely plan to continue. For right now, I just want to make sure I enjoy every single dance experience.”
Sara Weiner: A history of dancing
Sara Weiner '07 is dancing her way through college. A history major from Niskayuna, N.Y., who's been studying dance since she was 10, Weiner has immersed herself in all the dance Union has to offer. Although ballet is her biggest passion, she's taken modern and jazz as well as workshops in Japanese dance.
“Union's dance program is much more personal than other dance programs I've been involved with,” Weiner says. “Here, dance is not centered on competition; it is focused on a true love for dance.”
Taking at least three dance classes every term, Weiner has worked closely with Director of the Dance Program Miryam Moutillet and Instructor Marcus Rogers.
“The classes are a mix of levels, so everyone feels comfortable and Miryam makes it a great experience,” Weiner says. “It's a supportive environment that allows dancers to be comfortable regardless of their ability.”
Weiner has performed at Schenectady's Proctors Theater in its holiday production of The Nutcracker. Last spring, she took another big leap when she received the College's Edward Villella Fellowship for Dance.
Weiner and Rachael Peters '07 enjoyed the opportunity to take dance classes in Florence, Italy, and visited La Scala, the world-renowned 18th century opera house and ballet theater in Milan.
Weiner is a senior intern in Admissions, active member of Sigma Delta Tau and co-president of the Panhellenic Council that represents sororities.
“After I graduate, I want to move to New York City and continue classes,” she says. “I love dance, and I always want it to be a part of my life.”