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 Evie Henriksen, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Dance and Social Welfare and graduating in spring 2026.
Where are you from? How did you become interested in pursuing a degree in this field?
I am from Waconia, Minnesota, a small town just west of the Twin Cities. Growing up in a “dance family,” I was always surrounded by movement and creativity, but for a long time I wasn’t sure what role dance would play in my future.
Majoring in dance didn’t feel like the obvious choice at first. I always knew I wanted dance to stay in my life, but I didn’t know how that would look until I made the decision to pursue a BFA. It was a leap of faith, supported by opportunities like scholarships and the encouragement of my family.
Now that I’m over halfway through the program, I can confidently say that majoring in Dance has given me a space to explore not just technique and artistry, but also who I am and what I want out of life. The Dance Department is so much more than a place to take classes. It’s a community of passionate, talented, and supportive people who inspire me every day.
How did you decide that you wanted to become at UW–Madison Badger?
When I was looking at colleges, I had three main things on my checklist. First, I wanted to stay in the Midwest. Being from Minnesota, it was important to me to stay close enough to visit family easily and for them to visit me, too. Second, I wanted to attend a Big Ten university with a strong student life. The idea of being part of a school with so much energy, tradition, and spirit was exciting to me. Last, I needed a school where I could pursue dance while also exploring another area of interest. UW–Madison seemed to check all the boxes.
After my time here so far, I can confidently say I couldn’t imagine a better place for me. The vibrant student life has been everything I hoped for and more, from cheering on the Badgers at football games to taking advantage of the amazing resources and opportunities that come with being at a top research university. What really sealed the deal for me was the Dance Department. It stood out because of its encouragement to explore multiple areas of study. I’ve been able to fully commit to earning my bachelor of fine arts in Dance while also diving into my passion for social welfare. The flexibility and support here have made it possible for me to grow in both areas in ways I didn’t even know were possible. Choosing UW–Madison felt like a leap at the time, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. This school has given me the perfect balance of everything I wanted and more than I could’ve hoped for.
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
One of the best things about the UW–Madison Dance Department is the close and supportive relationships between students and faculty. I’ve had the chance to connect one-on-one with nearly every professor, whether it’s through meetings to discuss assignments, casual chats in the hallway about our weekends, or deeper conversations about my goals and progress. These relationships have truly shaped my experience here.
One faculty member who has had a particularly meaningful impact on me is Professor Jin-Wen Yu, the current chair of the department. In the classroom, he has consistently challenged me and supported my growth as both a dancer and a thinker. His creativity and innovative approach keep my mind engaged and my body energized. It’s clear that he cares deeply about his students, always pushing us to reach our potential while offering guidance that feels personal and intentional. I’ve been fortunate to perform in several of Professor Yu’s faculty and research concerts, where I’ve experienced firsthand the professionalism and artistry he brings to every project. These opportunities have helped me grow as a performer and given me insight into what it takes to produce high-quality work.
Beyond the stage, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him as his student assistant since my sophomore year. This role has been incredibly rewarding, giving me hands-on experience with the administrative side of dance, everything from sending professional emails and applying for festivals to managing communications and supporting the logistics of concerts. These tasks have given me a much deeper appreciation for what happens behind the scenes to make a dance department thrive.
One of the most memorable experiences Professor Yu facilitated for me was attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with artists from around the world, and see what professional-level work looks like on a global scale. Experiences like these, combined with his advice on everything from academic coursework to career planning, have been invaluable. What I appreciate most about Professor Yu is that he always has his students’ best interests in mind. Whether it’s offering thoughtful feedback, sharing opportunities, or simply checking in, he genuinely wants us to succeed. His belief in me has shaped my growth in ways I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
Can you share specific resources, people, or experiences that helped you to clarify your career goals? What about them made an impact?
One of the most amazing things about the UW Dance Department is the variety of opportunities it offers. Whether you’re interested in refining your technique, choreographing your own pieces, exploring teaching, diving into the behind-the-scenes world of sound, lighting, and production, or even working in arts administration, there’s something here for everyone. The program is designed to help you explore as much as possible. You can study off-campus during summer or winter terms, work with guest artists in residencies, join student organizations, choreograph your own work for performances, attend festivals, and so much more. Being part of a large university like UW–Madison means you have access to incredible resources and a wide variety of classes.
What really stands out to me is the mix of people you meet. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has unique interests, which creates this incredible environment where you’re constantly learning from each other. This variety has opened my eyes to areas of study that I didn’t realize I’d enjoy and encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone. Taking classes with people who are passionate about everything from technique to tech design has expanded my perspective and helped me develop a more holistic understanding of the dance world. For me, all of these opportunities have been key influences in figuring out my career goals. What I love most about the UW–Madison Dance Department is how it encourages you to dive in and discover what truly inspires you. Whether you know exactly what you want to do or are still figuring it out, this program gives you the space, resources, and support to explore every possibility.
What are your future goals or plans?
I am a great example of a student still exploring potential future goals and plans. When I started as a freshman at UW, I was fairly confident that my career post graduation would be outside of the dance world. However, the past two and a half years in the Dance Department have reshaped what I thought my life would look like. Now, I am deeply drawn to the idea of remaining connected to the dance and arts community in some capacity. While I’m still exploring where exactly I see myself in the future, I am particularly interested in opportunities in performing and arts administration. I am excited to continue discovering how I best fit into the dance world.
What are some tips that you have for current students who are trying to maximize their experience?
College really does fly by. You’ll hear it often and it couldn’t be more true. Having been at Madison for two and a half years, I feel like I just got here. Maximizing your college experience is so important, yet it can feel overwhelming at times. My biggest piece of advice is to get involved. Whether through the School of Education, student organizations, or campus life, there are countless opportunities waiting for you. The key is to explore what’s out there — if you take the time to look, you’ll find more options than you can fit into your schedule. Some of my most memorable and rewarding experiences at UW have come from simply saying ‘yes’ and putting myself out there. Trying new things and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible opportunities and connections that truly make your college experience unforgettable.