A Sophomore's Perspective: Life in Butler Ballet

Hello all! My name is Robyn Jutsum. I am a sophomore dance major from Minneapolis, MN as well as the philanthropy chair for Sigma Rho Delta here at Butler. I am on the performance track, working towards my B.F.A.

One aspect of Butler Ballet that I absolutely love is the professional and motivational working atmosphere among the dancers and faculty. The department treats the dancers with expectations that parallel that of a professional company, but we have the opportunity to receive the benefits of a liberal arts education. Not only does this opportunity provide us with a college degree, but I think it also speaks to the intelligence and drive of Butler Ballet. By nature of our profession, dancers are dedicated, highly disciplined individuals, and that comes across in our academic endeavors in addition to our time in the studio. Another part of Butler Ballet is the diversity of training we receive. Our professors all have amazing backgrounds and different approaches to training that help develop versatility, artistry, and strength. Additionally, we have some wonderful resources on campus such as the HRC (health and recreation complex) and performances venues including Clowes Memorial Hall and the Schrott.

I am also in the University Honors Program and a member of Alpha Chi Omega-Alpha Chi chapter. Being a part of the honors program has been great for the resources and small size, discussion-based courses offered.  It also helps advance the registration process. Last semester, I took a course that studied prominent female leads in award-winning films. This semester, I am taking a course all about Tolstoy's Anna Karenina.

Being a part of Greek life on Butler’s campus has been an experience that has been really beneficial to me as well. I never thought being in a sorority would be something I would want or should participate in, given my professional aspirations. However, living in a sorority has offered a support system outside of the dance department. Living far from home, it is nice to have my dancer family and my sorority family as well as a place to look forward to going home to at the end of the day. I have found that it is absolutely possible to balance my academic/rehearsal schedule and focus on dance with the obligations of being in a sorority. I encourage anyone interested in Greek life to give it a try, but of course, it is not for everyone, and I never felt pressure either to join or remain an independent.

To give you an idea of a typical day as a sophomore:

Monday

8am-8:50am Voice

9am-9:50am Global and Historical Studies

10am-10:50am Jazz

11am-11:50am Character or African

12pm-2pm Lunch break/study time

2pm-3:30pm Ballet Technique

3:40pm-4:40pm Pas de Deux

4:45pm-5:30pm Rehearsal

6pm-8:30pm Acting for Dancers

Tuesday

8am-8:50am Music for Dancers

9am-10:30am Modern

11am-12:15pm Electronic journalism

12:15pm-1pm Lunch break

1pm-2:30pm Ballet technique

2:40pm-3:40pm Pointe

3:45pm-6pm Rehearsal

 

If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below, and I will do my best to answer them:)