Meet Brigitte Bartesch, a dance major from Crystal Lake, Illinois. We asked Brigitte a few questions about her NMU experience so far:
Why did you choose the NMU Dance program?
Brigitte: I chose the NMU Dance Program because there is a lot of opportunity to get involved with different events on campus. Jill Grundstrom is also an amazing teacher, so learning from her has been fun and challenging.
What’s an example of a cool, interesting or helpful thing that you have done as a part of your major?
Brigitte: A cool and challenging thing I have done as part of my major has been dancing the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in NMU’s Holiday Cabaret. I had to dance en pointe which was hard at first for me because my training en pointe was very limited and this performance really challenged me as a dancer.
What are you involved with on campus?
Brigitte: Before I became a dance major, I was on NMU’s Dance Team as well as took part in extra performances with some of the other dancers.
What do you love about Dance or the NMU Dance program?
Brigitte: What I love about dance is that it’s challenging in so many ways. It’s artistically, physically, and emotionally very demanding. The dance program at NMU is the perfect mix of all those things. I’ve participated in performances and other projects that I don’t think I would have ever been a part of if I wasn’t studying dance here.
Outside of school, what do you enjoy?
Brigitte: Outside of school I love to spend my time outside by Lake Superior, going on hikes with friends, and wakeboarding!
Of your activities on- or off-campus (residence life, student organizations, internships, etc.), what has been the most rewarding and why?
Brigitte: I just recently started teaching at a local dance school in Marquette called Studio Dance Arts. I’ve always wanted to teach dance to kids so having this opportunity is very exciting for me! I get to share my knowledge of what I’ve learned in dance class throughout the years to younger kids who are just learning to dance, while I am still continuing my dance education.
What does “be Northern” mean to you
Brigitte: Going to school in a beautiful town with such a supportive community is so special. Being close to the lake and to so many hiking trails makes being a student at NMU so much fun because there’s so much to explore that’s what “Being Northern” means to me.
What are your hopes or plans after graduation?
Brigitte: My hopes after graduation would be to have any kind of job relating to dance, I’d love to try something new that I’ve never done before. I can really see myself living anywhere in the world, if I end up staying in Marquette that would be great too!
Further comments on your NMU experience:
Brigitte: Overall, the highlight of my college experience so far has been dancing in the program and being taught by Jill Grundstrom. I have had so many great experiences being a part of the Theatre and Dance department here at NMU. I have not only met great friends through dance at NMU, but I have participated in projects and performances that would’ve never happened if it wasn’t for all the amazing and talented people in this program who have worked so hard to make all of this happen.
Brigitte: I wear a mask to protect others and stop the spread of COVID-19. I look forward to when we can perform on a stage for a live audience again.
How have you been practicing social distancing?
Brigitte: Some ways I have been practicing social distancing are limiting the amount of people I come in contact with and avoiding large groups of people.
How has COVID-19 changed your perspective or your lifestyle?
Brigitte: Like others, COVID-19 changed definitely changed my lifestyle. From dancing almost everyday to not even being able to step foot in a studio for months was really hard. I’m glad to finally be back in the studio, even wearing a mask while dancing. I’m so glad NMU is doing everything they can to keep us on campus.
