Here at Xavier, the sisterhood formed between students lasts a lifetime. This creates a bond between the young women at Xavier and continues well beyond graduation.
Xavier alumnae are all around the world pursuing careers and passions with the skills they learned at Xavier, this includes fine arts.
Mary Anne Herding, dance department chair and teacher at Xavier stated, “It’s so amazing to see how the relationships of Xavier girls last forever.”
Former Xavier dance student Chelsea Cree Groen from the class of 2010 is currently in the dancing department on Broadway. In her most recent show, “Wicked,” she participated in the show as a dancer and had the opportunity to understudy as Glinda.
Herding explained that every semester she receives visits from alumnae and it’s always good to hear from her former dancers. She added that moving into the real world from an early education point, exposure is very important for the students to see what they want to do in the future in order to pursue their dreams.
At an audition from a Broadway musical, “6”, Groen saw Liz Williams, a social choreographer for the show. Both previously attended Xavier and were members of performance dance together.
“Xavier creates a good hub for students to come back to and as our students go out into the world they will always find their Xavier sisters,” Herding stated.
With the Xavier students, Groen talked about her career on Broadway and dance experiences. After she answered a couple of questions the students were taught a featured dance from “Wicked.”
Current dance students expressed their enjoyment in their connections with her. Ahlhya Barrios ‘26 and Brooke Gillespie ‘26 both amplified their admiration for the dance program.
“I’ve been a dancer since freshman year and I love growing in the programs with some of my best friends,” Gillespie said.
Herding puts an emphasis on pushing her students to excel and to pursue their wildest dreams. According to students, whether they are dancers or choreographers, there are always different opportunities to stay in touch with the dance community.
As a former Xavier student, Herding understands the pressure at Xavier implemented by students trying to figure out what they want to do in their future careers. She encourages her students to go out for what they want and reach for the stars to the highest degree.
Last year Broadway dancer Ellis Lineberger came back to talk to dance students about her experiences in the professional dance industry, and she choreographed a dance for them.
Despite what students decide to do after college, Xavier is hopeful that its students will go far and excel wherever they go. They will be under the spotlight.
