Though we are sad to see them go, TPB knows that our seniors must leave, must move forward. We also know that Hope Garcia will accomplish all she sets out to do…and more!

Hope Garcia in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Hope Garcia is one of those people that is so altruistic and caring she’s the one you want on the lifeboat with you in an emergency. She’s well liked and the entire staff at TPB can count on her whether it’s in class, rehearsal or performance to give it her all. She has been an absolute pleasure to teach over the years and she will be a success in life in whatever she choses to do after ballet, because of her focus, discipline and intelligence. I wish Hope the best and will miss her next year! - Nancy Davis, Artistic Director

Hope Garcia has been a smart student- a wonderful role model at TPB for other students. – Jason and Michelle Davis

When describing the training a dancer must undertake, the phrase ‘work hard’ is invariably attached. And we understand that in its most abstract sense as their audience. We know that hours of rehearsals, classes, long hours went into the brief few minutes on stage. But remember: dancing is not all there is in these students’ lives. There is also homework, studying, tests- everything an average high school student endures and more. Ballet students make sacrifices that often go unnoticed. Catching and riding a bus for more than an hour to get to ballet classes. Finishing homework in between rehearsals. Running into the studio coming straight from school with no break, no downtime. This type of dedication is what Hope Garcia displayed during her time at The Portland Ballet. We are honored to present Hope, our third senior to be profiled for 2012/13.

Name, Age, Year in School?

Hope Garcia, 17, senior at Camas High School in Camas, Washington

Age 3

After dancing for years in Vancouver, Washington, I started the TPB curriculum program in 2009, when I was a high school freshman. But I did two TPB summer intensives previously, in July 2008 and 2009. 

It’s definitely forced me to become more organized. I’ve never felt like I’ve had to give up more challenging academics because of dance, but I have certainly become a master in time management and multi-tasking. In terms of my social life, it’s hard to have a “normal” high school experience as a ballet student, but if it’s something I really want to do, I’ll push through exhaustion after class or rehearsal and hurry to meet my friends.

Hanging out and doing activities with my youth group at Columbia Presbyterian Church and/or my friends from school.

Influential master classes?

The classes with John Clifford are always high-energy and lots of fun. It’s always challenging.

Or teachers?

Deanna Seay was one of my favorites from the 2010 Masters’ Workshop. She was soft-spoken but exacting; she expected a lot from her students.

Hope with Deanna Seay

Or SBI programs?

I went to an intensive in Spain in August 2009, run by Angel Corella and I was completely star-struck! But I think TPB’s SBI programs also had a huge impact on me; they’re what convinced me to audition for the year-round program.

Why do you dance?

Dance has been a big part of my life from a very young age. It’s not only influenced me in terms of dance technique but also in other spheres. Ballet has taught me to welcome feedback and corrections in my life, as well as to set the “barre” high for myself, both in and out of the studio.

I never performed this role but I loved learning the “Somebody Loves Me” section from Who Cares? during a Masters’ Workshop. I also loved dancing as a Fairy for the past two Midsummers.

Hope as a Fairy in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

I think dancing en pointe is my favorite part of ballet. Though it’s more work and pain than dancing in slippers, pointework is where I feel most at home, with its combination of elegance and strength.

Favorite TPB moment?

It’s not a moment, exactly, but I love the camaraderie of a production weekend at the theater.

Yuan Yuan Tan at the San Francisco Ballet is lovely. But I am also a big fan of Misty Copeland and many of the other dancers at American Ballet Theatre.

Plans for after graduation?

Attend college and major in chemistry, with a minor in dance and women’s studies.

Pursue dance professionally?

I plan to dance in college but I have no set plans to dance after that. However, I will always be an enthusiastic audience member and advocate for the ballet and dance community.

I want to become a doctor; but I’m not yet sure about my concentration. A pediatrician or an OB/GYN in a local clinic or practice would be cool but I think being a resident podiatrist for a dance company would be awesome, too. The human body is so fascinating and multi-faceted, I think it will be difficult to choose.

Enjoy dancing, both your own and that of others.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 15th, 2013 at 9:00 am and is filed under Dance Profile. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.