Dancing Through Life
Spider junior pursues passions for dance and political science
Mary Kimbrough, ’27
- Political Science and Dance double major from Powhatan, Virginia
- Recipient of the Brown Family Scholarship
What inspired your choice in majors?
I have always been interested in the government and politics sector. I’ve also done competitive dance all my life, but I wasn’t sure if I would be able to continue dancing in college. Then I heard about the University Dancers (UD) program — I auditioned as a first-year student and got in, and I’ve discovered my love for dance all over again. Receiving scholarship support furthered my decision to double-major because I knew I had the resources to pursue both my passions without having to choose. After graduation, I would like to go to law school or work for the government (I’m particularly interested in doing investigative work) and then go into politics later in life. I would love to incorporate dance into my post-grad life as well, so if an opportunity presents itself, I’ll take it.
What has been the most meaningful part of your Spider experience?
Being a member of UD has given me the strongest sense of community and belonging. Anne Van Gelder, UD artistic director and Department of Theatre & Dance faculty, has created an amazing space for us to work, dance, and collaborate with other faculty and students. I got to participate in UD’s 40th anniversary concert as a sophomore — it was amazing getting to work with artists-in-residence Robin Dekkers and Ben Estabrook. We did a short film that premiered at the opening of the concert; it was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It’s amazing that this tangible piece of art exists because it’s something we created together that we can re-watch and show others in the future.
Last summer, I spent a month in New York City furthering my dance training at Steps on Broadway with another UD student. I couldn’t be more grateful to have gotten to explore the city with her. After that, I went to the United Kingdom to study abroad at the University of Cambridge as part of the Jepson at Cambridge summer program. I took two law classes with other Richmond undergraduate students as well as Richmond Law students. I had a great time in and out of the classroom, at Cambridge and traveling to other countries.
Why is receiving scholarship support important to you?
I come from a middle-class family, and I’m one of three children — my brother just started his first year of college. So, it wouldn’t be possible for me to attend Richmond without the help of financial aid and scholarships. The security it’s provided me as I pursue my studies is unmatched. I am sincerely grateful to caring donors who give to scholarships as well as those who support the arts and students within the arts.