From partner lifts in a Leuven dance studio to witnessing primetime performances at the Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Abby Brubaker experienced Belgium through dance. She expected the study-abroad program to grow her skills as a dancer, but what she also found was a clearer picture of the career she hopes to pursue.
Brubaker, a Slippery Rock University senior dance major from Lancaster (Lancaster Mennonite HS), joined a group of 21 SRU dance students May 12-21 in an immersive exploration of Belgium’s modern dance scene. Led by Jennifer Keller, SRU professor of dance, and Lindsay Viatori, associate professor of dance, the program featured hands-on workshops, performances and cultural experiences in Brussels, Leuven, Ghent and Bruges, where the group expanded their dance repertoire while exploring Belgian culture.
“This trip exposed me to more ways that a dance career can take shape and it helped me realize which styles I want to pursue further and which ones aren’t for me,” Brubaker said. “That kind of clarity is something I couldn’t have gained without firsthand experience. I feel the trip exposed me to more ways a dance career can take shape.”
Brubaker’s exposure to new techniques and working with professional studios across Belgium reinforced her goal to become a full-time member of a dance company. It also opened her eyes to international opportunities.
“It reemphasized for me how important the arts are, and that what we are doing and creating as dancers is important and impactful,” Brubaker said. “Belgium is more supportive of the arts than the U.S., and seeing that love and value of the arts within a culture was beautiful and encouraging.”
Several instructional dance classes from studios in Brussels and Leuven helped Brubaker further her strong foundation from her major at SRU while also showing the potential for career pathways in instruction. For Brubaker, the instructional class at STUK Arts Center in Leuven was a highlight.
“One of my closest friends and I were partnered together for an acro modern dance fusion class that we took and we shared many smiles and laughter as we attempted all these partner lifts and tricks that were being taught to us,” Brubaker said. “The opportunity emphasized how art has the power to invoke all kinds of feelings, emotions and responses within people.”
Beyond the studio and stages, students explored historic and cultural landmarks that deepened their understanding of Belgium’s artistic and societal contexts. From medieval castles in Ghent to the canals of Bruges, the group gained valuable cross-cultural insight.
“You can learn so much in such a short time when you are immersed in a culture different from the one you are used to in a way that cannot happen without the experience,” Brubaker said. “I would encourage any student to take the opportunity to broaden their worldview and learn more about themselves through study abroad.”
Brubaker was one of more than 180 SRU students to travel abroad last year as part of the University’s study abroad programs. They include 10 short-terms programs led by faculty members and administrators, like the one Brubaker benefitted from, but there’s also monthlong or semester-long programs where students earn academic credit at partner institutions that are applied to their SRU degree. Additionally, more than 20 education majors completed their student-teaching requirements in Spain. All told, SRU students learned in 30 different countries last year.
“Students can study abroad from any major, for any length of time, in any place in the world — it is self-designed,” said Jenny Kawata, SRU’s director of global exchanges and partnerships. “Many of our students who travel abroad say that it is the most impactful experience that they’ve had during their time in college. It makes a big difference for attracting and retaining students, and, most importantly, setting them up to succeed.”
More information about study abroad programs at SRU is available on the University’s website or by calling 724.738.2057. More information about dance programs is available on the department’s webpage.
