Grants, Grants, and More Grants (Why Get an MFA Part 1)

Why get an MFA and what practical use does it have in advancing my career? After completing my first year of graduate school at University of Michigan, here are the benefits I’ve experience so far:

1.    Resources for training and research

2.    Networking with industry and academic professionals

3.    Pedagogy and curriculum development

4.    Greater appreciation for theory, especially concepts regarding PERFORMANCE, PRACTICE, and PLACE

MFA Cohort: Mario, Jen, Me, Alexandria

1.    Resources for Training and Research

The top two benefits of attending the University of Michigan are its ample resources and extensive network. There’s a reason why it’s ranked “No. 2 Public University” and “Top 30 National Universities” in the U.S. (www.usnews.com). Big bank draws big talent and top industry leaders in all fields including business, medicine, culture, literature, and the arts. In the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD), we have alumni who are Grammy award, Tony award, and Oscar award winners. Within our dance department, we have faculty members who have danced with Martha Graham, Paul Taylor, Jawole Willa Jo Zollar’s Urban Bush Women, and Joffrey Ballet. If some of these names don’t sound familiar, don’t worry! I honestly didn’t know most of these ballet and modern dance pioneers prior to applying for this program as well.

Thankfully, the faculty wasn’t looking for someone to know everything about modern dance history. In fact, they have made noticeable efforts to push for “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) in the department. Perhaps this is also why our cohort could be the cover of photo of the United Nations Coalition. Truth be told, I do believe our cohort’s diverse backgrounds expands the academic reach into non-traditional fields of study. Mario is studying the migration patterns of refugees in Central American and the Middle East. Jen is researching the impact of architecture and space on the creative process of dancers. Alexandria is examining the impact of generational trauma on Black communities. Lastly, my research focuses on community activism through hip hop and street dance culture. The University wouldn’t have access to these communities/spaces without our distinct life experiences and skill sets. Therefore, we contribute to the pool of resources available to other students at the University. 

Teaching class during Grad Takeover Week 2018

Despite our varying interests, we have received overwhelming support from the dance department and across the University. Each of us applied for grants and received support for our summer research funding. I applied for thousands of dollars worth of grants for my research in Los Angeles and Taiwan this summer, and I got everything I needed! Special thanks to the Department of Dance, Center for World Performance Studies, Center for Chinese Studies, and Rackham Graduate School. 

Aside from grants, another significant resource I gained through the University of Michigan is an expanded network. Within my first year, I have traveled domestically to train and network at various events including The Hip Hop Dance Conservative in New York City, Ladies of Hip Hop Festival in Los Angeles, and EXPLODE Queer Dance Festival in Riverside, California. I have also traveled to teach and perform internationally in Johannesburg, South Africa, San Jose, Costa Rica, and Taiwan. I’ve met scholars and performers from all walks of life including those from indigenous, LatinX, LGBTQ, and non-gender conforming communities. Taking this academic journey has offered me countless of opportunities to encounter people and cultures I never would have otherwise.

Workshop with students at the Sibikwa Arts Centre near Johannesburg, South Africa

Even as I enter my second and final year of graduate school, I look forward to gaining even more experiences to refine my research topic. I have to synthesize everything I learned into a thesis performance in April and a paper due June 2020. To be honest, I’m more scared than excited. It’s overwhelming to think about putting together a master’s thesis proposal and graduation. However, I’m grateful to have a supportive cohort and faculty to learn from and grow with. Until then, I hope to share my processes and thoughts around Performance, Practice, and Place here on this blog. Feel free to check in once in a while to see what else is happening!

As always, feedback and comments are welcomed! Enjoy and thanks for following my journey!