Graduation Spotlight: Lindsay Walker, Dance Science
Lindsay Walker started dancing when she was 3 years old, and knew early on dance would be a part of her career path.
The sentiment “Do it with love” fueled the success and dedication of Lindsay Walker’s time in Texas A&M University’s Dance Science program.
“Whether it’s a performance, a presentation or studying for finals, we in the Dance program always say, ‘Do it with love,’” Walker said. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of it all, so it’s important to remind yourself and others around you how incredibly blessed we are to be doing what we love.”
Walker, who was raised in Denton, started dancing when she was 3 years old and knew early on she wanted to pursue dance in college. She is set to graduate Dec. 18 with a Bachelor of Science in Dance Science, and will be honored as a distinguished student in the College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Dec. 17.
“I am incredibly honored to have been selected for this award,” she said. “My professors and friends in the Dance program made the last three and a half years so special, and I hope that I will continue to make them proud.”
One of Walker’s favorite memories in the program was traveling to Washington, D.C., for the American Collegiate Dance Association National College Dance Festival. She performed in the piece “Obstinate,” choreographed by former student Bailey Zettler.
“The entire process of learning the piece, to being selected for nationals was such an emotional experience for all of us,” she said. “I remember we walked off stage feeling so accomplished and proud. Traveling to a new place surrounded by people you love is something I will never take for granted.”
Walker presented dance science research at the 35th annual International Association for Dance Medicine and Science in Las Vegas. She credited Vanessa Reiser, M.S., associate academic undergraduate program director and lecturer, with supporting her throughout the process.
“I was nervous to present in front of a room full of experienced clinicians, educators and students, but Professor Reiser prepared me very well,” Walker said. “As soon as I got up there, it was like I went into performance mode. When it was over, I thought, ‘Well what do I do now?’ Safe to say I am not done with that study just yet.”
Lecturers Jessica Boone, M.F.A., and Abby Williams Chin, M.F.A., encouraged Walker to expand her choreographic styles and celebrated her accomplishments. Alongside Carisa Armstrong, M.F.A., associate professor; and Christine Bergeron, Ph.D., academic undergraduate program director and clinical professor, who were also significant to her time in the program.
“Every one of the professors in the Dance program has impacted me in so many ways,” she said. “I will forever be grateful for the time I spent learning from them.”
After graduation, Walker plans to pursue a Master of Science in Athletic Training and hopes to continue working with dancers in the future.
“I want to immerse myself in as many settings as possible in order to become the most versatile clinician that I can be,” she said.
