Kaelyn O’Neill ’28

Kaelyn O’Neill ’28 | Dance and Nursing major

Dance has always been a constant for Kaelyn O’Neill ’28. Beginning at three years old, she was immersed in the world of performance, recitals, and showcases. Now in college, O’Neill retains the belief that in order to improve and get better, you must put in hard work and dedication. With dreams of becoming a nurse and professional dancer, she hopes to use her love of dance to teach others and watch them find theirs.

What brought you to Saint Anselm College?

What led me to Saint Anselm was the opportunity to double major in both nursing and dance. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse but also wanted to pursue dance in college and eventually as part of my career as well. The incredible nursing program and the Aaron Tolson Institute of Dance opening was an immediate sign that Saint Anselm was the place for me.

How did you decide to study dance? 

Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to dance in college. I also knew that I wanted to continue dancing outside of college and earn a bachelor of fine arts degree. For me, studying dance was always going to be a part of who I was. One I found out about the College’s dance program, I knew I was going to be able to experience lots of amazing opportunities and create a bright future for myself. Dance has truly taught me so many things. It has made me stronger, more disciplined, and taught me true hard work and dedication. I played other sports growing up, but none of them compared to the love I felt for dance.

What can you share about your dance background?

Dance has always been a constant for me. I started dancing when I was three years old. I remember all throughout middle and high school I’d come home after having dance from 3-9 p.m. and would continue to dance in my basement until 10:30 or 11. To me, it didn’t even feel like work or a burden to be dancing that long and that late. It felt rewarding and made all my accomplishments throughout my dance career feel truly earned. I’ve spent my life performing in recitals and showcases. Later in the years my studio started to compete in about four competitions. I’ve been blessed to be able to perform in places like Philadelphia, Disney, and New York. I’ve been dancing for 17 years now, and all these opportunities and years of dance have led me to be the dancer I am today!

Do you have a favorite style?

I grew up taking ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, and tap, but my favorite style is contemporary. I’ve always loved the emotion that comes with this style and how you can tell a story through the movements. I also love slow and sad music that has a storyline, so dancing to that really allows me to fully let go.

What’s been your biggest academic takeaway from studying dance?

My biggest academic takeaway has been how much I’ve been able to learn in the span of two years. Not only do we learn dance physically in our classes, but we also learn the history of dance through sit-down lectures. Academically, I’ve learned a lot of new information as a Dance major that has allowed me to grow as a student and a person. Being a Dance major offers us dancers to learn outside of the studio and provides amazing opportunities in expanding our knowledge for the future.

Is there a class that’s stood out as your favorite?

My favorite dance class has been Choreography. It really allowed me to better understand the process that goes into choreographing. It also forced me to think outside of the box and find what specifically tailors to me in the choreographing process.

What about the Dance major has surprised you the most?

The people I’ve met. The other dancers in the program have played a huge role in my success due to their continuous love and support. As some may know, the dance world can be tough sometimes, but I’ve never met people who are more supportive and caring than the dancers in this program. You know you’re in the right place when you meet people who are genuine, want the best for you, and want to see you succeed. I met some of my best friends on the first day of freshman year in our major classes and girls who I’ll be friends with for the rest of my life. This major has allowed us to help each other become better dancers, better students, and better people!

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations? 

I’m on the dance team where we perform at football and basketball games! I’m also involved in Dance Club. This allows people to take weekly classes and towards the end of the year, get the chance to choreograph their own dances, and be a part of others in the end of year showcase.

Why would you encourage someone to study dance at Saint Anselm? 

I would encourage someone to study dance at Saint Anselm because of the experience it offers. This program allows you to grow and to watch your progress throughout the years. I’ve been able to watch the maturity of my dancing evolve.

How have you felt supported by faculty and staff on the Hilltop?

Our director, Aaron Tolson, is a wonderful example of an experienced dancer and teacher who provides opportunities for student success and always wants the best for his students. He shows this through his commitment to the program, his constant support, and his dedication to dancers here at Saint Anselm.

What do you hope to pursue after graduation?

I hope to dance professionally as a Boston Celtics or New England Patriots dancer. I also want to continue teaching kids dance and keep dance a part of my life forever! It’s a beautiful thing to use my love of dance to teach others and watch them find theirs.