Posting Date: April 1, 2011
Meet Sarah Lubatkin: Determined to succeed
By Caitlin Amick
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Sarah Lubatkin Photo by Tracie L. Hinnant
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When Sarah Lubatkin was looking at potential universities to attend, a strong dance program was at the top of her must-have list. After talking with friends who attended Kennesaw State University and learning about the newly formed KSU dance major, she knew the university would be a perfect fit for her.
As a freshman, Sarah hasn’t declared a concentration yet, but based on her classically trained past, she is leaning towards ballet. She is also pursuing a double major in business.
Sarah’s favorite experiences at KSU have been with the Dance Company. She worked closely with Assistant Professor Sandra Parks on “Sleepless Nights,” a contemporary piece choreographed by Parks and inspired by the Nanjing Massacre during World War II. The company also presented the piece at the American College Dance Festival in March 2011. Sarah says it was both technically and emotionally challenging, but she was encouraged by Parks throughout the process. “Sandra Parks’ piece was different than anything I’ve ever done before. The movement wasn’t something I was used to, and then you had the added complexity of relating to the story culturally.”
According to Parks, Sarah had a very significant role in “Sleepless Nights.” Parks explains, “She presented the piece beautifully with everything I had imagined. She is a beautiful dancer, a hard working student and an incredibly talented artist.”
Sarah will also be performing in three pieces in the KSU Student Dance Concert on April 22 and 23. The concert will feature pieces choreographed by graduating seniors. Sarah is learning a lot from the rehearsals: “Working on the dances has been a really interesting experience. By watching how the seniors instruct us, I’m seeing how they lead their peers.”
Sarah’s dream is to move to New York City and perform as a Radio City Rockette. She is auditioning with the company this May and will not be discouraged if she doesn’t land the role the first time. “It’s been my dream to perform with the Radio City Rockettes since I was about seven. I know it might take a while, but I’m going to keep auditioning until I get it.”