The School for Classical & Contemporary Dance (SCCDance) will celebrate its 75th anniversary this November, showcasing the program’s distinguished history, bright future and its role in cultivating artists and leaders in dance and beyond.
With an alumni network dating back to the 1950s, SCCDance graduates from each decade have contributed to diverse endeavors within and beyond the field of dance. We spoke with SCCDance alumna Jessica Blonde ’02 about how her experiences at TCU have shaped her career.
Career in Dance and Education
After graduating from SCCDance, Blonde embarked on a successful career as a freelance dancer in New York City, spanning over a decade. She performed as a soloist in contemporary and classical roles with Eglevsky Ballet and toured statewide with tompricedance. Blonde also collaborated with the contemporary ballet company Lydia Johnson Dance, where she not only originated numerous major roles but also took on key leadership positions, serving as rehearsal director and costume designer.
Today, Blonde serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Performing Arts Department at Glendale Community College and a Ballet Instructor at Ballet Etudes.
“My experience as a dancer at TCU was truly holistic,” shared Blonde. “It gave me the strength and versatility to enjoy a diverse range of performing opportunities in New York City, as well as the strong academic foundation to pursue my master’s degree and a career in dance education. I absolutely would not be who or where I am today without the experiences I had at TCU.”
The Impact of Mentorship
Blonde came to TCU with a love for ballet but initially enrolled a double major in ballet and biology, intending to pursue a career in physical therapy. However, her first year at SCCDance expanded her understanding of the dynamic world of dance, reigniting her desire to discover her unique place within it.
Blonde immersed herself in daily technique classes and performance opportunities, which introduced her to new movement styles while refining her existing skills. Dance theory courses challenged her understanding and sparked a greater curiosity to explore the art form. Throughout her journey, professors became invaluable mentors, offering generous guidance and support.
In her senior year, Blonde focused her honors project on mentorship in dance, culminating in a performance of solos she learned from various influential women. She is especially grateful to her advisors for this project, Elizabeth Gillaspy and Susan Douglas Roberts, for their invaluable support and guidance.
“They were incredibly generous in sharing their time and expertise in meetings and rehearsals; Elizabeth even choreographed an original solo that felt deeply personal for me and made me feel so seen,” said Blonde. “The time I spent with each of them in the studio, working one-on-one to rehearse a range of styles, was both challenging and enlightening, and it absolutely informed the way I work as a performer and how I approach teaching today.”