The Nancy Smith Fichter Scholarship was established in 1997 when Dr. Fichter retired after 33 years serving as Chair of the School of Dance at Florida State University. This scholarship is endowed through generous gifts from friends, colleagues, and alums of FSU, Dance, and is awarded to a deserving student majoring in dance. Only six students have ever been awarded with this honor.
In honor of Nancy Smith Fichter’s 90th birthday, three past recipients are sharing the impact the Nancy Smith Fichter Scholarship had on their academic and professional careers. Join us as we journey with Liz Dalal (MFA 2012), Erika Leeds (BFA 2015), and Bryanna Dean (BFA 2018) from their time in the School of Dance to their current successes.
Elizabeth “Liz” Dalal, 2010 Scholar
What was the impact of the scholarship on your academic career?
The Nancy Smith Fichter Scholarship helped me achieve my goals of completing my MFA, obtaining my yoga teacher certification, and participating in the ARTS in NYC program. I’m so grateful to have received this honor and financial support!
Do you have any favorite memories from your time at FSU?
One of my all-time favorite memories happened in Lynda Davis’ class. The whole class was repeating this big movement phrase for what felt like an eternity. You could feel everyone’s energy draining, but we kept going. Then Doug Corbin began playing the melody from Coldplay’s “Clocks,” and it was this transcendent energy boost that lifted up the entire room. I’ll never forget that moment. Participating in the Ringling International Arts Festival was another of my favorite FSU experiences.
Where are you in your career now?
My career has taken a different direction than I initially expected when I was at FSU. I just completed my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in May 2020. My eventual goal is to specialize in working with dancers and teaching dance science as part of a university dance department. I’m hoping to follow in the footsteps of School of Dance Professor Dr. Tom Welsh; he’s such an excellent mentor and professor.
Do you have any advice for current FSU or FSU Dance students?
Connect with alumni to hear how they are making their careers work post-graduation. If you think you might be interested in physical health sciences (physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy), consider taking pre-requisites while you are at FSU.
Erika Leeds, 2014 Scholar
What was the impact of the scholarship on your academic career?
Due to the generosity of the Nancy Smith Fichter scholarship, I was able to attend the American Dance Festival (ADF) the summer before my final year. I was exposed to numerous artists and dance technique styles that helped my growth as a dancer and artist immensely. Directly after attending ADF, I attended the FSU in NYC program where my horizons widened even further through my introduction to the dance community in New York.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time at FSU?
There were so many positive experiences from my time at FSU, but what stands out to me the most are the artists I worked with and the people I met. I had the opportunity to work with Nancy Smith Fichter personally and it is an experience that has stayed with me ever since. She is one of the most generous, insightful, and honest artists and choreographers I had the chance to work with.
Where are you in your career now?
After graduating I moved to Atlanta, where I had the opportunity to dance for several companies in the city, including Staibdance, performing both national and internationally. During my time in Atlanta I completed a Comprehensive Pilates Certification, and various specialized GYROTONIC® certifications. Currently, I am freelancing and working as the Dance Conditioning Coordinator at FSU, helping dancers integrate the principles of conditioning into their studio practice to promote longevity in the field.
Do you have any advice for current FSU or FSU Dance students?
My advice to students is to embrace all the possibilities available to you during your time at FSU. I truly believe that this university provides the opportunity for students to hone their skills and develop the tools to pursue anything they desire.
Bryanna Dean, 2017 Scholar
What was the impact of the scholarship on your academic career?
It gifted me with time I spent furthering my creative career. Working in-studio and watching master artists in college was the beginning of my creation career. Instead of working a second job, I could spend time after classes creating something.
Do you have any favorite memories from your time at FSU?
Developing, practicing, and performing my works “Sostenuto” and “Bryanna has her pants down again” on the Nancy Smith Fichter stage are some of my favorite memories. I got to handpick my cast and develop and rehearse material twice a week. I realized how much I enjoy creating and learning through this process.
Where are you in your career now?
I previously worked as the Operations Associate and Teaching Artist of Dances for a Variable Population, a non-profit dance company in New York City. They bring free movement classes to older generations and host multigenerational classes as well.
I recently moved to Virginia to manage and teach in a recreational dance studio – the same studio I grew up dancing in. The director there planted a seed of love for creative movement and dance culture in me and helped it grow and bloom.
Do you have any advice for current FSU or FSU Dance students?
Keep your thoughts toward healthy growth, stay open to detours in life, and be kind to yourself and others. Life in the arts is not a competition – be proud of your skills but also make connections with others.
To make a gift online to the Nancy Smith Fichter Scholarship, visit give.fsu.edu/nancysmithfichter or click on the button below.