Meet dance student Jason Collins

Name: Jason Collins

Major: Dance - B.F.A.

Home town: Albany, New York

How many years have you studied at Juilliard? I have studied at Juilliard for the past two years and I'm currently in my third year.

Why did you decide to apply to and attend Juilliard? I dreamed of going to Juilliard as a child but never believed it would actually become a reality. When I was 16 I auditioned for the Summer Dance Intensive on a whim and was so excited and shocked to be accepted. Those three weeks at the program were a true turning point in my training. It gave me a taste of what the School would be like and I was hooked! To have the opportunity to focus on my art amongst such a highly talented group of artists was the only logical way that I felt would develop my voice as an artist. I feel so fortunate to attend a school where I feel so unbelievably inspired by everyone around me on a daily basis.

Tell us about one of your most memorable moments at the School. In the past two years, the most memorable event that is engrained in my brain is the first time I performed on the Peter Jay Sharp Theater stage. I was performing José Limón's Missa Brevis and I can remember feeling this distinct and extremely powerful energy. The combination of performing in such a legendary space and the excitement emanating out my entire class onstage was like nothing I've ever felt before. In a way, it felt like it was the beginning of the rest of my life. 

What does it mean to you that individuals and alumni donate money to support Juilliard? It is clear to me that Juilliard would not be the amazing school that it is without the generous support of individuals and alumni. Students at Juilliard have countless opportunities available for the taking. Personally, I feel so grateful to have all these different experiences available to me at a time when I have the freedom to explore and discover myself as an artist.

How important was it to you to receive a scholarship to attend Juilliard? I feel extremely blessed to be living a childhood dream of mine by attending Juilliard and this dream would not be possible without the scholarship that I receive. My family has had to make a lot of sacrifices in order to support my development as a dancer and now as the economy continues to create more obstacles, I feel very grateful to receive scholarship support in order to make my education possible.