Graduation Spotlight: Abigail Dang, Dance Science
The Dance Science program provided the best of all worlds for Abigail Dang, combining her love of dance with other aspirations. It eventually led to her career path in physical therapy.
“Growing up in College Station, many of my dance teachers studied Dance Science at A&M,” Dang said. “I was intrigued by the knowledge they shared and how they planned to transfer their skills to a wide range of careers, from teachers and studio owners to physical therapists and other health care professionals.”
Dang is set to graduate Friday with a Bachelor of Science degree. Dang will also be honored as a distinguished student in the Texas A&M School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts’ Graduation Recognition Ceremony earlier in the day.
“I am honored to be the recipient of this award and am incredibly grateful for my time in the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts,” she said.
Among Dang’s highlights during her time in the program: traveling to Ireland to attend the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science Conference; performing in multiple faculty and student choreography works; and dancing and presenting research at the regional American College Dance Association in 2022 and 2023.
She recently performed in “Journey to Hope,” choreographed by Carisa Armstrong, program director and associate professor, and Christine Bergeron, associate dean for academic affairs and clinical professor for the program.
“My peers and I got to be a part of the creative process of building ‘Journey to Hope,’” she said. “It is so cool knowing that bits of my choreography will live on after I graduate, and I could not have asked for a better last piece as a performing artist.”
After graduation, Dang will start classes at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. The hands-on experience she gained here will help her future as a health care professional, she said.
“I hope to specialize in neurological rehabilitation, treating patients with Parkinson’s disease, strokes and other movement disorders,” she said.
Dang credits Armstrong and Bergeron as mentors, and said they provided her with opportunities and memorable life lessons.
“I would not be where I am today without them,” she said, “and am forever grateful for their endless guidance, love and support.”
Photo by Karina Ji Photography
