In the News: Diverse Dancing

“Just be who you are.” That’s the message arts and letters major Collin Kirdahy shares with people who question his love of ballet and dancing en pointe (on the tips of the toes).

Kirdahy told WBFO-FM 88.7 Focus on Education Reporter Eileen Buckley that Buffalo State is “more accepting and more allowing of differences” than another college he attended.

“One by one,” Buckley wrote, “the entire dance class voiced their acceptance.” Students commented on the welcoming diversity of Buffalo State and of the importance of nonconformity in the world of dance.

Joy Guarino, associate professor of theater, teaches DAN 330: Ballet Technique II, the dance class Kirdahy attends. “What has been so exciting for me about having Collin participate is that in Ballet II, we are stepping outside the traditional classical story book ballets,” Guarino told Buckley. “We are exploring now what contemporary companies are doing…Our urban campus supports the diversity we have here." 

Anthony Chase, assistant dean in the School of Arts and Humanities, said that Buffalo State supports diversity of every kind. “Put yourself in places where you invite more success,” said Chase.

Photo and video: Courtesy of Eileen Buckley, WBFO-FM