Theatre and dance major landed a job with Quixotic Fusion before graduation

Senior Jeanine Holtgrave will graduate from Southeast Missouri State University's theatre and dance program in May. Her passion for dancing began at the age of 4 and recently has landed her a job with Quixotic Fusion, a group that combines musical performances with dance, art and aerial stunts. Holtgrave will work with them in two performances during winter break.

Q:Have you been dancing consistently since you were a child?

A: For the most part, yes. I had to take a break early on for financial reasons, but even then I still watched dancing videos and did some self-teaching.

Why did dancing appeal to you at such an early age?

Holtgrave: Well, first off I am awful at anything sport- related. Secondly, I can't see myself doing anything else. It is the only way I can see myself living to my full potential.

Q: Tell me about the job you will be doing over winter break.

A: It is for the Kansas City-based company called Quixotic Fusion. I will be working with them this upcoming winter and will be doing two performances. This company takes every art form, including dancing and singing and then fuses all of it together into a performance.

Q: How does it feel to have a job before graduation?

A: It is amazing! It was my goal to start my professional career before graduating, and for it to actually be happening is great.

Q: What are you most excited about with working with Quixotic Fusion?

A: It is my first professional job, so that is just exciting in itself, and then I will be doing strictly dancing.

Q: How did you land the job?

A: I was performing in the Dancing in the Street Festival, and I was being watched by the company. I guess you could say I was discovered.

Q: What do you enjoy about dancing?

A: It is physically challenging, and you always have something to work toward. There is always something you can improve on and something you can learn.

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: It depends on how this Quixotic Fusion job goes and how far I get with it. Ultimately, my goal is to dance on cruise ships.

Q: You recently got injured. How did that affect you as a dancer?

A: It was awful. It was definitely a test of character. Originally the doctors thought I had a stress fracture, but really I sprained my foot. I didn't let it stop me, though. I taught cardio classes in a wheelchair, watched dance videos and still worked out my upper body.

Q: How has your experience been at Southeast Missouri State University?

A: It has been a learning experience. I learned a lot about people. I don't believe in regrets. People do what they do for a reason.

Q: If there is one thing you learned about dancing, what would it be?

A: Being a dancer is like living life. Everything you do is up to you, and you make it the way you want it to be. You have to put in the time and work to get anywhere.