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 Emily Tlachac, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Dance and Graphic Design and graduating in spring 2026.
Where are you from and how did you become interested in pursuing a degree in this field? I am from Delafield, Wisconsin, a small town just east of Madison. I grew up dancing at a studio in my hometown. While I wasn’t sure about pursuing dance professionally, I knew I wanted dance to stay in my life. With support from my hometown dance teacher and my parents, I took a chance and decided to pursue a BS in Dance.
Figuring out my second major definitely took a little more exploration. I wanted something that would allow me to pursue other career options, but still intersect with dance in some way. After trying out a variety of different options, I finally landed on Graphic Design. The Graphic Design program at UW–Madison is unique because it is a specific focus within the Art major. I found this to be a strength as my coursework consisted of both fine arts and graphic design classes. Through the program, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of different mediums and investigate how they intersected with my passion for dance.
How did you decide that you wanted to become at UW–Madison Badger? Both my parents are UW–Madison alumni, so I grew up listening to their stories about life as Badgers. From singing “Varsity” at football games to sitting on the Terrace at Lake Mendota, their memories shaped my understanding of what it meant to belong to a community that was both spirited and supportive. When it came time to apply to college, I wanted to follow in their footsteps and experience for myself what it truly means to be a Badger.
What has been your most meaningful experience with the Dance program? Last spring, I had the honor of representing the UW–Madison Dance Department at the American College Dance Association (ACDA) North Central Conference. This experience was especially significant because it marked the first time I presented my choreography to an audience outside of the Madison community. ACDA in itself is an incredible experience, and I am deeply grateful to the Dance Department for providing me with the opportunity to share my work in such a meaningful and diverse space. Through this experience, I learned what it truly means to be a choreographer and an active member of the dance community.
What class or professor has had the greatest impact on you, and why? Fall semester of my sophomore year, I took Dance355: Group Composition with Professor Jin-Wen Yu. This class truly changed the trajectory of my dance career. Before Dance335, I never envisioned myself becoming a choreographer. It seemed daunting to me and I wasn’t sure I possessed the creativity required by the current industry. Studying composition under Professor Yu challenged me to think beyond steps and technique and to consider structure, intention, collaboration, and the ways movement can communicate meaning. Under his guidance, I created my first choreographic work for the H’Doubler student concert in the spring of 2024. What initially felt intimidating became transformative. Seeing my work come to life on stage revealed a new dimension of artistry I hadn’t considered for myself. It gave me the confidence to claim space not just as a dancer, but as a creator. Since then, I have continued choreographing and developing my artistic voice, and I now hope to pursue choreography beyond graduation.
What are your future goals or plans? After graduation, I plan to intern abroad as a graphic designer in Seoul, South Korea, through the UW–Madison’s AIP program. Through this opportunity, I hope to gain hands-on experience in an international setting, deepen my understanding of global branding and media, and strengthen my professional portfolio.
Ultimately, I aim to pursue a career in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. There, I aspire to work as a graphic designer at HYBE America, contributing to visual storytelling and artist branding on a global scale. At the same time, I plan to continue dancing and training with some of the top choreographers in the industry, allowing me to stay rooted in performance while simultaneously building a career in design.
Anything else you value about the School of Education or your program that you’d like to share with others who are considering it? The Dance Department is rich with a plethora of opportunities to explore and expand our artistry beyond the studio. Each semester, we have the opportunity to apply for a winter or summer scholarship to attend a dance event of our choice, allowing us to pursue experiences that align with our individual goals. Through these scholarships, I’ve been able to attend programs like the Millennium Dance Complex Industry Intensive in Los Angeles. That experience allowed me to train with working professionals, build connections, and gain insight into the realities of the commercial dance industry. Immersing myself in that environment pushed me outside of my comfort zone and strengthened both my technical versatility and professional confidence. Opportunities like these have been instrumental in my growth, bridging the gap between academic training and the professional dance world.
Do you have any tips for students thinking about how to maximize their experience? Transitioning into college is a really scary, but also exciting, time in life. My number one tip for other students is to try everything and anything that genuinely interests you. College is one of the few spaces where exploration is encouraged. My freshman year, I struggled to find my people and honestly felt lost. On a whim, I went to the career fair and found UNIT.E — a student organization dedicated to celebrating various dance styles from around the world. Joining UNIT.E introduced me to people who shared my passions, pushed me creatively, and supported me both inside and outside the studio.
Saying yes to that opportunity changed my college experience. Sometimes, finding your place simply starts with taking a chance on something that sparks your curiosity.
Can you tell us about a time when an academic advisor helped you? A majority of dance majors, including myself, are double majors. Without the support of the Dance Department’s academic advisor, Karen McShane-Hellenbrand, double-majoring would have been extremely challenging. Every semester, Karen met one-on-one with me to plan my coursework so I could not only graduate on time with both degrees, but also take classes that genuinely interested and challenged me. Her guidance allowed me to pursue my academic and artistic passions without feeling like I had to sacrifice one for the other.
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? Currently, I work as an Arts Administrative Assistant for Professor Li Chiao-Ping. From writing grants to organizing and presenting a dance concert, working closely with Professor Li has given me invaluable insight into the professional dance field. Through this role, I have come to better understand the administrative and creative work that happens behind the scenes to bring artistic visions to life. This experience has expanded my perspective on what a sustainable career in dance can look like and has strengthened both my organizational and leadership skills.
Anything else that’s important to you about yourself or your studies? At the moment, I am working on my senior honors project, which investigates the intersection between live performance and digital animation. This research brings together my passions for dance and visual media, allowing me to explore how movement can be expanded, transformed, and reimagined through digital design. Thanks to the support of the Dance Department, I have been able to fully pursue a project I have dreamed of creating since my freshman year. Having the space, mentorship, and resources to develop this work has been incredibly meaningful, both artistically and academically. I look forward to continuing my research and presenting my final work at the Art Lofts. Sharing this culmination of my studies feels like a full-circle moment that reflects how much I have grown as both a choreographer and designer.