Alumni Feature: Lena Shuptar (‘15)

Lena Shuptar’s passion for dance started long before she began attending Lansing Christian School as a high school freshman.

A lifelong dedication to her craft earned her a full-ride scholarship to Wayne State University (WSU) where she is a BFA Honors Dance Major and a member of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College. During her time at WSU, Lena has had the opportunity to work with an impressive list of choreographers, perform with a number of dance companies, and choreograph work for both solo and group shows. Lena also earned a scholarship to attend the Alvin Ailey 6-week Professional Program in New York last summer and looks forward to collaborating with the acclaimed Pilobolus Dance Theatre and the Twyla Tharp Companies this coming year.

Lena’s studies at WSU are providing her with a unique academic experience that is challenging her to grow academically, creatively, and physically. According to Lena, “I have the opportunity to work with and make connections with other artists across all media. I am able to be active and improve my body every day. I have studied other subjects that are completely outside of my field, yet still relate. The education I’m getting through the Dance Department at WSU is not something that can be learned from a book; it has to be actively practiced, and I love learning this way.”

“The teachers at LCS are some of the most dedicated, caring, and fierce human beings I have come in contact with.”

Lena is thankful for the role LCS teachers played in preparing her to pursue a degree in dance.

“The teachers at LCS are some of the most dedicated, caring, and fierce human beings I have come in contact with (when dealing with teenagers, the demand to be fierce at times is always a must). Many teachers encouraged me to do my best and to achieve my maximum potential in whatever I was doing.”

Lena credits LCS faculty with propelling her forward and giving her confidence in the decision to study dance in college, specifically noting the encouragement from one who told her, “The Arts needed more people like [her], someone who might bring light to a profession that doesn’t see too much of it.”

While Lena’s senior year at WSU will be filled with opportunities to dance, collaborate, and grow in her craft, she is also looking forward to life and career post-graduation. In addition to her studies in dance, Lena has also been working on becoming trained as a professional Pilates instructor. Lena hopes her training in dance and Pilates will allow her to develop programs that share her gifts while promoting body awareness and improved performance for both young dancers and elite athletes.