Dance Alum, Olivia Oetker (2023)returns for a guest choreographer residency in the dance program
Her new work is inspired by the whimsy and wit exuding from the early 1900s art and writings of Cicely Mary Barker's Flower Fairies. Get Tickets here
Olivia expresses "I am drawn to the lightness, magic, and ethereal quality that is brought to life through her illustrations and their corresponding poems. In rediscovering a sense of childlike wonder and folkloric innocence, I intend to provoke the imagination and create a piece showcasing a mixture of ballet, contemporary, and pointe styles. This piece will embody themes of elegance, charm, grace, and fantasy while highlighting dancers' strengths and providing challenges and opportunities for technical and artistic growth."
About Olivia Oetker
Olivia graduated from Pacific University in 2023 and received a Bachelor of Arts in both Dance and Anthropology. She has been dancing since age four with an emphasis in ballet, pointe, and contemporary dance technique beginning at Trillium Dance Studios in her hometown of Arcata, California. Olivia has trained at summer dance intensives in San Francisco, California, performed many pointe solos and classical variations, and received the International Baccalaureate Artist’s Diploma in Dance at her performing arts high school. Throughout her time in college, Olivia was an active member of the Pacific Dance Ensemble and received the Outstanding Senior in Dance award upon graduating.
Olivia's capstone, Dance as Community Building and Meaning Making ... examined the role of community building within the dance classroom setting and culminated in the performance of a collaborative group piece. She has multiple years of experience working with children as a dance teacher and within various recreation program settings in both California and Oregon.
In 2024, she worked at Disney World in Orlando, Florida as a Character Attendant assisting with the daily operations of character experiences for Disney Live Entertainment throughout the parks and resorts.
Olivia has an avid passion for the arts and art education in its various mediums and hopes to continue to grow as an advocate for their importance as she develops into her professional career.
Sponsored by the Elise Elliott Trust in the effort to connect dance alum artists to connect with current students in learning and experiencing the art of dance making.