Student Spotlight: Annabelle Sharp

The Department of Performing Arts and Technology provides opportunities for NC State students of any major to cultivate, explore, and pursue their interests in arts entrepreneurship, dance, music and music technology. Our Spotlight Series showcases members of the Wolfpack and how they have included dance and music during their time at NC State experience and beyond.

This month’s spotlight is on Annabelle Sharp, a third-year student from Sellersville, Pennsylvania, majoring in fashion and textile management, with a concentration in brand management and marketing and minoring in dance. She serves as the co-vice president of Studio 804 and is a company member of the Terrain Dance Project. Keep reading to learn more about Annabelle and her experience as a student performer.

“I first noticed Annabelle’s artistry and individuality as a student in Movement Improvisation- she was curious, focused, and willing to take risks, which consistently made for creative and compelling movement choices. It has been a pleasure to work with her as a Terrain Dance Project company member, and witness her continued growth. She contributes skillful dancing, innovative movement ideas, a sense of humor, and dedication to the choreographic process and her peers. Annabelle is very committed to her dance experience at NC State – academically as a dance minor, as a company member, and as the co-vice president of Studio 804. We are fortunate to have her presence in our department, company, and community!”

Amy Love Beasley,
Co-Director of Terrain Dance Company

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Spotlight Q&A

What role does dance play in your life?

Dance is something that helps me express myself it calms and recenters me. It is my favorite way to stay active. Through dance I have also made so many amazing friends that I will carry with me forever.

What has been a highlight of your experience as a dancer at NC State?

A highlight of my experience as a dancer has been my freshman year taking improvisation and seeing all that it involves and how fun it could be. Another highlight would be last year in the spring I had the opportunity to choreograph my own dance for my dance club (studio 804). Being able to see your work come to life and seeing people enjoy performing it as well as so many people telling me how great the dance looked.

How has dance impacted your NC State experience?

Dance has given me so many of my friends at NC State it also has helped me grow my experience and knowledge of dance. I have been able to see so many performaces and connected with other dancers from all across America.

Are there any recent updates related to you and dance, or something related to dance that you’re looking forward to?

Pack performance leaders is a new group that has started. It is a group of students in art and technology. Our goal is to improve the department for students. I have become dance chair for that so I will be mainly focusing on what the dance department can do. Working as committees to accomplish our goals. Also, I plan on studying abroad next semester in Medbourne, Australia. I have heard of a dance group that is there that I hope to join to continue dancing even while I am away.

What advice do you have for incoming students who are interested in participating in dance at NC State?

Participating in dance at NC State has been a amazing experience it is very different from what I have done before college, but it has helped me grow as a person so much and I am so thankful that I chose to participate in it.

The Department of Performing Arts and Technology offers students of any major the opportunity to study dance through academic courses and first-hand experience in choreography and performance. Whether you want to take a class, join a company, or attend a performance, you can experience dance at NC State.

You can see Annabelle and her fellow student dancers in the Terrain Dance Project perform at the Gregg Museum of Art & Design on Thursday, November 14.