Spotlight on...Alexandra Hay

Author: Zmira Zilkha

Alex Hay '05 recently received an exclusive internship opportunity at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, Dc. The reputable institution, founded in the early 1970's, produces a variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, multi-media performances and all kinds of music that ranges from orchestral to folk. Hay is currently profiting from the myriad resources offered by the Center, but is particularly focused on the place of dance in the professional world of arts. While at Middlebury College, Hay was heavily involved with the dance department and was known for her technical and creative mastery of both choreography and movement.


The Middlebury Campus: You demonstrate incredible dedication to the performing arts, and especially to dance. From where do you derive your inspiration?

Alexandra Hay: I was first introduced to the arts through dance. I started classes when I was three years old and I have not stopped taking classes since. My love for the arts quickly expanded beyond dance to all different art forms. My artistic inspiration comes from the human experience. I am particularly fascinated by the ability of any art form to transcend language and communicate in new and innovative ways.

The Campus: How did you learn about the Kennedy Center internship?

AH: Through the Middlebury College Career Services Office. MoJo is truly an amazing resource.

The Campus: How would you describe your experience at the Center thus far? What have you learned?


AH: I have been here about six weeks now, so I have learned quite a bit. We have a seminar with a different Vice President or Kennedy Center Executive each week, in which we learn about marketing, press relations, institutional affairs and accessibility. It is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and learn about the different positions within arts administration from some of the leading arts administrators in the nation.

The Campus: The internship has provided you with hands-on experience in the administrative and technical spheres of the arts. Do you see yourself further pursuing this kind of work in the future?

AH: I'm not certain at this point where I want to go from here. In addition to my interests in arts administration, I also want to be able to exercise my creative abilities and perhaps attend graduate school for dance criticism. I'd also like to teach at the college level.

The Campus: You spent the months leading up to your internship sailing in the Pacific Ocean, from San Diego to New Zealand. That's quite a remarkable experience. Do share your experience with us .

AH: It was absolutely incredible. I was aboard a ship named the R. Tucker Thompson, with five crew and eight other trainee-passengers. We sailed the homeward voyage to New Zealand, which took us two months. It was liberating to be out in the open ocean. I had quite a few adventures with the others on board, which included snorkeling with manta rays in the Marquesas, discovering a recent shipwreck in Minerva reef and dancing and singing at a local barbecue with Rarotongans. For the most part, we had beautiful and sunny weather, although we did hit some rough seas and cold rain squalls on the last leg of our voyage.

The Campus: While at Middlebury College, you were an English major and your time was divided between your love of literature and your passion for dance with the dance department. Do these interests remain separate, or have you discovered a way in which to combine them?

AH: One of my Middlebury courses, entitled "Writing in the Arts" and taught by [Lecturer and Tutor-in-Writing] Barbara Ganley - who is an incredible teacher - first introduced me to the many possibilities for marrying the two. While I love the arts for their ability to transcend language, I find the most satisfaction in describing them through writing. I will continue to pursue each passion separately while always searching for opportunities to combine them.