O’Fallon Native Carrie Kesler Participates in Doris Humphrey Intensive
Department of Theatre and Dance
Southeast Missouri State University dance student Carrie Kesler of O’Fallon, Mo., recently returned from A Doris Humphrey Summer Intensive, which focuses on the particular style of Doris Humphrey. There, Kesler learned historic dances, including "Christmas Oratorio" and "Variations," and was taught by the masters of Humphrey technique, Gail Corbin and Deborah Carr.
“The Doris Humphrey intensive was a great experience. I met a lot of new friends who inspired me and taught me great things,” she says.
Kesler previously worked with Atrek Dance Collective, where she focused on ballet and modern dance, and did intensives throughout high school with Steppin’ UP Dance Production.
“You learn so much from these intensives, because different teachers have different ways of teaching. Also, the people you meet can teach you new things,” she says. “It is a great experience to be with new teachers and new people every once in a while. There is always so much to learn. This helps me be a well-rounded dancer and keep gaining experience.”
At Southeast, Kesler has taught in the Southeast Theatre and Dance Academy, an intensive theatre and dance educational experience for students in kindergarten through high school, every year since it began.
“It is a great experience. I get to work with the dance professors and teach kids how to dance and also spur their interest,” she says.
Also on campus, Kelser is involved with the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, which allows students in the Department of Theatre and Dance and anyone else who is interested in dance to be a part of the organization and graduate with honors.
“Dancing means everything to me, and to be pursuing a major and a career in this field motivates me every day. You can always learn something new and meet some of the coolest people,” she says.
Kesler says her favorite moments at Southeast have been at her dance concerts.
“It's so cool to see all the hard work and show it to an audience. They are a great way to end the semester,” she says.
Kesler credits her time at Southeast with contributing to her success.