CLASS OF 2020: Featuring Stella Markland. Creative! Committed! Courageous!
Stella performing on-stage. Photo courtesy of Stella Markland.
Student Interviews on the Impact of the Arts
The Burbank Arts for All Foundation is proud to highlight students in the CLASS OF 2020 who have been part of the robust arts community in Burbank Unified School District classrooms. We hope you enjoy reading about their experiences and getting to know them as we celebrate an important milestone in their lives: high school graduation.
Today, we present to you Stella Markland, who danced through the Burbank High School's performing arts program. This fall, Stella will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, as a Dance Major. Congratulations Stella!
“Practice, practice, practice for one reason, and one reason only - because you LOVE it. The constant repetitive practice mixed with creative exploration of your passion is so important! In addition to strengthening your technique, training gives you real inner confidence. Do what you love because it makes you feel good not because you want to “win” or because your parents are making you do it.”
My name is Stella Markland, and I am 17. I have been a member of the Burbank High School's Unleashed Dance Team since I was a Freshman. I also performed with the Burbank High School Pom Team since its inception.
What was your first experience with the arts while in the Burbank Unified Schools?
I was part of the dance production at Burbank High School in 8th grade, which significantly impacted me. I loved being on stage and dancing in such a high-quality show with so many supportive, creative people.
What art experience in the schools are you most proud of, and how did it impact you?
The most meaningful experience being on the Unleashed Burbank High School Dance Team for four years and the Pom Team was, by far, the strong friendships and mentor bonds created through performing and working hard every day with dedicated, caring people. Having the opportunity to perform, create, and collaborate with a group of talented, focused, ambitious, and smart students, faculty, and coaches, impacted me in every way imaginable. The performance opportunities were of high quality; collaborating with the lighting and costume design students was memorable; and, receiving backstage management experience was terrific. The impact of working through all the typical teenage issues coupled with growing together creatively with so many talented, devoted friends and teachers, gave me the strength and motivation to believe in myself.
What advice do you have for younger students interested in doing something like what you do?
Practice, practice, practice for one reason, and one reason only - because you LOVE it. The constant repetitive practice mixed with creative exploration of your passion is so important! In addition to strengthening your technique, training gives you real inner confidence. Do what you love because it makes you feel good not because you want to "win" or because your parents are making you do it. The feeling of winning over another team or person or proving something doesn't have a positive, long-lasting impact. Only the sense of accomplishment that you made going through a process of hard work and love for what you do does. It fills your heart and stays with you forever.
Please share your plans for your future after graduation. Are you going on to college? If so, where and what do you hope to study?
My goal was to attend New York University's (NYU) Tisch School of Dance. I felt like my dream of living in New York, and training at NYU had come true when I received the acceptance letter. For many reasons, including my desire to be closer to my family since so much has happened in the world the last few months, I happily changed my plans to attend UC Santa Barbara in the Fall as a Dance Major. I am interested in double-majoring in Sociology. Although most of my classes will be online and the housing situation is still unclear, I am excited to move to Santa Barbara and begin a new chapter in my life. There is much uncertainty right now, but I am determined to make the best of the situation. My years in the dance department at Burbank High School helped shape my positive attitude that anything is possible when setting goals and when you seek out and keep in your heart those who want you to succeed.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you expect the arts to continue to play a role in your life, and if so, how?
In five years, I see myself as a college graduate and either attending a graduate program or dancing with a company. No matter what I do, the arts, performing, especially dance, is ingrained in my soul.
Stella pictured above dancing. Photo courtesy of Stella Markland.