Artist Spotlight: Emily Hause

Because Emily Hause wears many different hats here at Lawrence, she is not immediately known for her artistic work. We thought we might give you some insight into one of Lawrence’s artistic gems.Where are you from and what is your major?

I’m from St. Paul, Minn. and I’m double majoring in biochemistry and Spanish.

When and how did you start dancing?

I started dancing when I was in second grade because my mom took me to “The Nutcracker” ballet and I instantly fell in love with dancing.
I started taking lessons at the Classical Ballet Academy of Minnesota that following spring. My primary motivation was that I wanted dance in “The Nutcracker” and I did for 10 years. Even today, I could dance the whole ballet part by part but now I’m not concerned about dancing in “The Nutcracker” but just dancing in general.

How have you managed to continue pursuing dance while studying here at Lawrence?

I’ve pursued dance at Lawrence through Mˆle and ArtsBridge. I have been a member of Mˆle, the campus dance troupe, since my freshman year and have been a copresident since my sophomore year. For the first time this year, I’m working with the ArtsBridge program to teach dance to second graders while linking it to learning about other cultures and health awareness.

Are there any artists or performers whom you have found to be particularly inspirational?

There are so many different genres of dance that I’m impressed by anyone who can dance at all and I’m especially impressed with anyone who has made it into a career. Being a professional dancer is much harder work than anyone realizes.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Mˆle dance troupe?

Mˆle is a dance group that meets twice a week at 7:15 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays in the multipurpose room [in the rec center] to stretch and dance. We’re an entirely student-run group and in addition to having students teach dance, we go to see dance performances, bring in guest teachers and work on original choreography.
The highlight of each year, though, is the show in May which highlights student dances and student choreography. My favorite part about Mˆle is that we’re open to anyone joining, regardless of prior dance experience and we have a lot of fun.

What are your goals for the future with regards to dance?

I haven’t really thought about it but I would like to keep taking dance classes, learning and performing even after I leave Lawrence. I guess that’s an okay goal. Or maybe being in a music video if this whole pre-med thing doesn’t work out.