Dance student learning all the right steps

The elegant choreography to owning a dance studio involves learning the right steps and how to put them to work. At UGA, students can refine their moves on stage and gain the skills to succeed in business.  

Bethany Barner, a second-year student from Pike County GA, is a Cora Nunnally Miller Scholar in the Fine Arts, majoring in dance in the Franklin College and advertising in Grady College. She chose dance and advertising to equip herself with the skills to achieve her dream of one day running a dance studio. “The dream was always to own my own dance studio. I came into college knowing I wanted a dance degree so that I can be qualified to own a studio one day. But I also need to be able to run my own business and brand myself and be successful,” she said.

Barner has been dancing since she was 4 years old, when her mother enrolled her in dance classes so she could spend more time with friends. While her friends eventually stopped dancing Barner discovered her life’s passion. “I started dance because it was supposed to be a fun thing for me and my friends, but it turned into the thing that I love most,” she said.

“I really want to grow in skills and knowledge about dance itself, and to find my own style. I grew up with a ballet background, so I am slowly learning to gravitate more towards jazz and modern," Barner said. "I just want to find the genre I really love so that when I get out of college, I can pursue that one specialty,”. 

The Dance Department’s wide selection of dance styles has given her a new passion for contemporary and modern styles of dancing. She considers the Dance Department very welcoming to all kinds of people, an important component both of its charm and its strength. “It's honestly really cool to see so many different people from different backgrounds.” 

Initially, Barner planned to attend college out of state, but during her senior year of high school she realized that being close to family was important to her and she’s always been a UGA football fan. She appreciates how the schedule at UGA allows her free time to be with friends. Some of her favorite hangout spots are Taqueria Tsunami, the Café on Lumpkin, and The Local 706. You can also find her studying in the peaceful Founders Memorial Garden. She is also a member of Alpha Chi Omega and a small group leader for Wesley and Freshley at the UGA Wesley Foundation.

Barner is excited to continue learning new styles of dance. After graduation she hopes to join a professional dance company in contemporary or jazz. After professional dance, she looks forward to opening her own dance studio and spread the joys of dancing to others. 

Image: Bethany Barner