The UW–Madison School of Education offers academic excellence in areas spanning the arts, health, and education. We are a proud community of innovative leaders, creative thinkers, and fearless trailblazers. Our talented students are committed to making their college experience a meaningful journey that aligns with their interests and helps them achieve their future goals.
Following is a Q&A with Katie Pratt, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Dance and International Studies and graduating in spring 2026.
Where are you from, and how did you become interested in pursuing a degree in this field? Although I consider Detroit, Michigan, an important part of my identity, I spent most of my childhood growing up in Houston, Texas. My journey into this field began when my mom enrolled me in dance classes at the age of three. I was a clumsy child, and she heard dance could help strengthen mind-body coordination. What started as a practical solution quickly became something much more meaningful. I fell in love with dance almost immediately and continued taking classes consistently throughout my childhood. My relationship with dance deepened in 7th grade when I joined the apprentice company of Kingwood Dance Theatre. Dance became the center of my world — I was truly eating, sleeping, and breathing it. Even then, I was not sure dance would become my lifelong career, but I knew I wanted to keep studying it at the collegiate level. It had become more than an activity, but a space where I could push myself, grow, and feel completely at home. It became a safe environment where I could express myself freely while being surrounded by a community of people who shared the same passion. Although I did not come from an arts-focused household, my parents supported me wholeheartedly. Their encouragement made it possible for me to pursue a dance degree and continue exploring the form that has shaped so much of who I am today.
What class or professor has had the greatest impact on you, and why? While I feel incredibly fortunate to learn from so many inspiring faculty members in the Dance Department, Professor Kate Corby has had the greatest impact on my development as both a dancer and a student. During my freshman year, I was cast in her repertory work as part of a trio with two upperclassmen. Because the group was so small, I had the rare opportunity to work closely with her twice a week for several months. She didn’t just teach me choreography; instead, she reshaped the way I understand movement, creativity, and the learning process itself. Professor Corby helped me realize that dance is not only about precision and discipline, but also about curiosity, joy, and play. As someone who has always identified as a perfectionist, I often approached dance with a seriousness that left little room for experimentation. She gently pushed me out of that mindset, encouraging me to take risks, explore new ideas, and rediscover the fun that first drew me to dance. Her guidance opened up an entirely new way of engaging with dance. The following year, our piece, “Blossom,” was selected to be performed at the American College Dance Festival, which allowed me to continue working with her throughout my sophomore year. That extended mentorship only deepened my appreciation for her teaching. Like all of the faculty in the Dance Department, she genuinely cares about her students’ well-being and wants each of us to succeed in whatever path we choose. As I look toward my own future as an educator, I hope to carry forward the same values she has modeled — encouraging students to work hard, stay curious, and never lose sight of the joy that makes learning worthwhile.
What are your future goals or plans? As a graduating senior, I am excited to step into the next chapter of my dance career. My hope is to dance professionally with a ballet or contemporary company in either Milwaukee or Chicago — two cities with vibrant arts communities that feel like natural extensions of the work I’ve been doing here. At the same time, I plan to continue teaching dance. I’m already working as a dance instructor, and it has become one of the most meaningful parts of my week. I enjoy helping students discover their own relationship to movement, and I want to keep growing in that role alongside my performance career. I’m also interested in arts administration because it plays such an important role in the dance community. Understanding how arts organizations function feels essential to building a sustainable future in the field. Beyond dance, I hope to make use of my International Studies degree. I spent two and a half years studying Spanish at UW and had the opportunity to volunteer at the Community Immigration Law Center through one of my courses. That experience was incredibly impactful and meaningful, and I enjoyed being able to connect with people through language. In the long term, I hope to find ways to merge my two disciplines!
Do you have any tips for students thinking about how to maximize their experience? My biggest piece of advice is don’t be afraid to say “yes.” Both the Dance Department and the School of Education offer an incredible range of opportunities, many of which are funded. You never know which one might open a new door for you. It can feel intimidating to put yourself out there, especially in a new environment, but growth often happens in these moments. Try the things that scare you a little, apply for the opportunities that seem like a stretch, and allow yourself to be fully immersed in the experiences available to you. College goes by much faster than you expect, and it is one of the few times in life when you can explore so many interests at once.
Can you tell us about a time you connected with someone at the Career Center? I’ve had the chance to connect with both Jamie Macias and Lore Bennett at the Career Center, and their support has been meaningful as I prepare for life after graduation. They have each offered thoughtful guidance about what it takes to succeed in the dance world, such as exploring different career paths and understanding the professional materials dancers are expected to have. They have even visited several of my Dance Department classes to walk us through these materials, such as crafting a strong resume, writing a bio, and preparing professional headshots and dance shots.
Have you participated in any internship/work experience, research, or study abroad program? What did you participate in and could you talk a bit more about those experiences? One of my most valued work experiences was serving as an Arts Administration Intern with the Wisconsin Dance Council. The internship gave me a first-hand look at what it means to work in arts administration, especially within a state that consistently ranks very low in arts funding. That context alone taught me so much about advocacy, resourcefulness, and the realities of sustaining the arts in challenging environments. As part of my internship, I had the opportunity to attend the Create Wisconsin Conference on behalf of the council. The conference is one of the state’s major hubs for arts advocacy, bringing together artists, administrators, and community leaders who are passionate about strengthening Wisconsin’s creative sector. One of the most impactful moments was going to the Capitol to speak directly with politicians and senators about why funding the arts matters and how it benefits communities across the state. Being able to participate in those conversations as a student was amazing. This experience is something I will carry with me throughout my career, no matter where my path in dance and arts education leads.