Student-Led University Ballet Co. Prepares for Inaugural Performance; ‘It’s Almost a Way to Be Free’

by Claire Hall

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Angelia Prip ’22 (BUS) has been dancing since she was 4 years old, and, beginning in elementary school, she would typically practice every day. When she arrived at UConn, and discovered there was no ballet company here, Prip was devastated.

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She set out on a mission to create the University Ballet Co., and, to her surprise, her initiative attracted 100 dancers, many of whom had trained with prestigious dance companies, including the Boston Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, Miami City Ballet, The Hartt School, the Nutmeg Conservatory and more.

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“When I dance, I connect with other people and feel like I’m the most full version of myself,’’ says Prip, an Honors student and accounting major. “When I’m on the stage, I’m my most confident self.’’

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“‘The Nutcracker Ballet’ is a tradition and a great way to celebrate the holidays. It’s a magical story,’’ Prip says.

Prip, who not only founded the University Ballet Co. but also serves as its choreographer, director, prop manager, marketing champion and more, said the company has not only been an artistic outlet, but also a source of tremendous fun.

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“We work hard, but we also laugh during rehearsals. We have fun on stage!,’’ she says. “This ballet, and the music, is beautiful. We’d love to have people come out and share that energy.’’

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Prip founded the ballet company two years ago, as a freshman.“I really love it,’’ says Prip, a native of Brookfield, who devotes about 25 hours a week to the company. “It’s a big commitment, but it’s so rewarding seeing it come together. It gives me chills!’’

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“No, I’ve never regretted doing this. It’s one of the best parts of my life. I was surprised how many people were interested and I wanted it to be such a great experience,’’ she says. “A video team came in to interview the dancers and they reiterated all the things that are important to me…that this club is friendly, committed to the art, that the ballet technique is excellent.’’

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The company would not have survived, were it not for Prip’s determination.

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“I knew I wanted to start the company right away. I posted all over social media to generate interest. We needed six people to start a club, and over 100 people responded. We’ve got people from all majors, undergraduate and graduate students, too,’’ Prip says. The next challenge was finding rehearsal space.

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“When I want something, I’m very motivated,’’ Prip says, laughing. “I will try every different way. When we first started out and we needed rehearsal space, I called every school, every auditorium, and every church I could think of. I told them, ‘We’re here and we want to do this!’ ’’

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The COVID pandemic ruined the company’s plans for its first performance but Prip persevered, teaching classes via Zoom.

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Angelia Prip (center), Karolina Zimny (left), photo courtesy of Julia Crane.

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Assisting Prip is long-time friend Karolina Zimny ’23 (CLAS).

“Angelia and I had been friends and dance partners for a long time, so when she asked me about helping her start this club, I immediately agreed, as ballet is a hobby we are both passionate about,’’ says Zimny, a junior from New Milford, who is majoring in environmental science.

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“Angelia’s work ethic is very strong as she is always willing to finish what needs to be done. She does indeed have a strong sense of purpose regarding the whole company and making each and every dancer feel welcome and included,’’ she said. “We are both very excited to see where this club will lead us to and for the overall future of the company here at UConn.’’

 

The admiration is mutual, Prip says. “I really appreciate Karolina and I am so glad to have her help. We work well together and have similar perspectives about what we want to achieve.’’

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The Ultimate Goal: Delivering a Good Experience

Prip is often asked how her work in the arts mixes with her career goals. She said she enjoys the focus of both.

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“That’s the wonderful thing about the School of Business. I’m not only learning accounting, but also marketing, management and finance,’’ she says. And with the ballet company, she’s not just working on choreography and dance but also music and set design.

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“Whether you’re in business or the arts, you’re focused on delivering a good experience. These are all things we talk about in class and I’ve used those skills when setting choreography, working with the theater to plan the performance, and more,’’ she says.

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Prip sees herself owning her own business some day and believes that having knowledge of business and experience in leadership will serve her well.