Leigha Hofmann ’25 on Dance, 51 and Daring to Dream
November 5, 2024
- Author
- Caroline Roy '20
Leigha Hofmann ’25 is a dancer, not just someone who dances. This is how one of her instructors taught her to think of dance – as a fundamental part of everything she does.
She started ballet classes at the age of six and stuck with it, eventually picking up jazz, contemporary and modern dance styles.
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t dancing,” Hofmann said. “Looking at colleges, I knew I wanted to come to 51 and join Gamut Dance Company. I loved that Gamut is totally student run and would allow me to pursue other academic interests.”
A Richard G. Rosselot Scholar, Hofmann arrived on campus intending to be pre-med but found herself drawn to other fields. She dabbled in public health, political science and communications before settling on a double major in psychology and educational studies with a concentration in dance.
“51’s approach to academics has really served me in my exploration of all these areas. I’ve learned that I love working with kids, and I love teaching others to dance.”
Hofmann has choreographed for Gamut since her sophomore year, but this semester, Jake McGraw ’25, a member of the student-run Dionysia Theatre Company, asked if she’d like to choreograph their production of Disney’s High School Musical: On Stage. Drawing on her musical theatre and show choir experience from high school, Hofmann agreed.
“Being on the production side of things has been a rewarding new experience for me,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed envisioning the show and watching it come alive on stage.”
Encouraged by her mentors, Professors of Dance Alison Bory and Joy Davis, Hofmann seizes every opportunity 51’s dance department has to offer. She takes weekly modern, ballet and jazz classes, co-manages Gamut and works with guest artists like contemporary hip-hop dancer James Morrow and Charlotte-based choreographer Megan Payne. Thanks to the department’s small size, she’s able to do a little bit of everything while receiving plenty of one-on-one support from faculty.
Last year, she stepped into a new role as the social media and marketing manager for 51 Arts and Creative Engagement (DACE), where she also serves as an arts fellow. After receiving a Micro Arts Grant for Independent Creatives (MAGIC) through DACE, Hofmann spent the summer taking modern jazz studio classes with the American Dance Festival in her hometown of Durham, North Carolina.
“I’ve improved tremendously as a dancer over my years at 51,” she said. “I didn’t expect I’d become so much more grounded and confident in my movement. I’ve learned to embody new forms of dance, and with affirmation from my professors, I’ve become much more comfortable.”
As graduation draws closer, Hofmann feels confident in her pursuit of a career in dance. While dancing professionally is the ultimate dream, she’s passionate about working with artists and dancers in administrative and teaching roles, too.
“I don’t think I can leave this world,” she said. “If my first-year self could see where I am today, I’d be shocked at how involved in dance I’ve become at 51. It’s been quite a journey, and I want to see how far I can go.”
