Jordyn Sarmoen

How have your summer studies abroad improved your skills?

Going out of the country over the summer gave me the experience of seeing dancers from all over who are not only super talented but are so open to everything artistically and are kind. It allowed me to see what everybody has to offer. Places like Ballet BC and Ballets Jazz De Montréal allowed me to see what I would be doing in the future and to experience the daily life that I would be experiencing after college.

What has been your most memorable moment as a dance major at Dreyfoos?

My most memorable moments would be the concerts and getting to perform guest choreography because I think that's a cool experience that not everybody gets the opportunity to have. Getting to audition for choreographers who are from all over the world and well-known in the industry connects me to more opportunities for college and after college.

How have you balanced your academic career at Dreyfoos with dance?

I balance my academics with dance by being careful with my time management. This year, I'm taking three academics on campus and one online, so that way I can go home earlier one day to try to get more work done and take some dance classes earlier than I would be able to normally. I also do a lot of work in the car and on the train, and I make sure the time that I have on campus where I’m free, I'm trying to get my work done. I find it to be a little challenging, but I think having the support here at Dreyfoos has made it much easier to deal with.
What did you enjoy most in your time competing in the NYCDA?

NYCDA has been a part of my life for almost 10 years. Being in the senior category this year was something different, and it felt special because everybody was there for the opportunity and the family. The senior category is ages 16+. It doesn’t matter your grade level. So last year, I was competing as a 16-year-old against some 18-year-olds. It was cool to experience that from a different perspective. And being a little older now and receiving that title was something that I've dreamed of forever, but never actually saw happening this soon, being that I was only a sophomore in high school, so I think it just opened my mind to new opportunities.

What advice would you give to younger dancers?

My advice would be to stay humble and not get defeated based on other people's experiences and rewards. Don't let everybody get to your head and just focus on your path because everybody's path is different. What other people have is something you don't have, and what you have other people don't have.

How do you deal with dance's physical and mental demands, and how does it affect you?

I deal with the physical and mental demands by taking time for myself when I can. Sleeping and eating are super important to me, as well as spending time with my family and friends and not trying to always focus on dance, although that can be hard at times because it is practically my whole life. But the times when I'm not dancing, I let myself break away from that and not make it my whole identity, which is important.