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Elizabeth Ehrlich Has a Busy Last Semester at Duke

Not only is the senior Economics major with a finance concentration preparing for her move to New York City, where she will be working for JP Morgan as a first-year analyst in sales and trading, she’s debuting her original choreography for the Duke Dance Program’s ChoreoLab.

An annual spring performance showcase of creative works by Duke faculty and students, ChoreoLab encourages dance experimentation across aesthetic genres and modes of presentation. Since its inception, the event has provided a support structure for creative process in which Duke students and alumni receive mentorship from Dance faculty to advance their aesthetic sensibilities from a dance’s inception through final performance.

Ehrlich’s piece, “Hearts a Mess,” featuring the song of the same name by pop artist Goyte, comes out of her independent study work with the Dance Program's jazz instructor Nina Wheeler. Student works like Ehrlich’s are also supported by a faculty committee that offers support and feedback while students develop their work.

Ehrlich has danced through the program for all four years at Duke. She said being a part of the dance program on top of her other commitments helped her be responsible and much more efficient.

“I’ve never done something this vulnerable,” Ehrlich said. “Dance has pushed me out of my comfort zone to try new things that I would have never done otherwise.”

Despite being busy, Ehrlich has been pleased with her Duke experience. “I’ve loved my time here and cannot thank the Dance Program enough,” she said. “I specifically want to thank Nina Wheeler for being such a good role model and my biggest supporter.”

What advice does she have for students who are looking to balance their passions outside of academics but might be hesitant?

“Don’t shy away from things you are interested in,” she said. “Take risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone! It’s worth it and you’ll regret it later in life if you don’t.”

Choreolab Spring Dance Concert is April 8 & 9, at 7:30pm in the von der Heyden Studio Theater at the Rubenstein Art Center.t