Tyler Stauffer photo1. What drew you (eliza Quigley)to Mercyhurst?
I found Mercyhurst only by its dance department, although after visiting the school for my audition, I really liked how it was more of a small community on campus rather than a huge student body that had nothing to do with one another.

2. When did you start dancing?
I started doing ballet when I was four, although I absolutely hated it after a year. I continued with what I really liked, which was gymnastics, but when I was about eight, my mom decided I needed more structure. I guess I was becoming too much of a “wild child,” as she said, so she put me back into ballet classes, and I’ve loved it ever since!

3. What do you hope to do with your dance degree?
After graduation I will be dancing with Walt Disney World Entertainment. I’m not really sure of the direction I want to take my dancing in after that. However, I also have a business minor and would like to be able to use the two together to work on the administrative side of a large ballet company.

4. Why did you decide to become an ambassador?
I thought it would be nice to show others what drew me to the college and why I loved it. Having two older siblings, I’ve been through my fair share of boring monotone college tours. I wanted to be able to give prospective students a chance to really see the campus how I see it, and what it can offer, although the scholarship and the résumé builder don’t hurt either!
Tyler Stauffer photo
5. Is there any type of dance style that you prefer, such as modern, contemporary ballet, or classical ballet?
I like classical and contemporary ballet the best.

6. Do you have any interests in teaching?
At the moment I don’t, but who knows what the future will bring?

7. What is one of the most valuable things you have learned through your college experience?
To go after exactly what you want. Don’t let anyone tell you that it’s not possible. I’ve seen plenty of my friends, including me, accomplish goals that were originally told to be “impossible.”

8. What do you like the most about the dance department?
I love that we’re more like a family than a department. I know that anyone in the department would support me, and vice versa, in times of need.

9. Have you done any company auditions?
I have auditioned for cruise lines and Disney, but no companies so far. I know that I want to be in the Orlando area to continue my work with Disney, but while I’m there I have found some small contemporary ballet companies that I would like to audition for once I’m settled. Even though I won’t necessarily be doing ballet in Disney, I will definitely keep taking classes in the area.

10. Do you have any plans for after graduation yet?
As I said before, I’m going back down to Disney World. I’m actually participating in their College Program for the second time. It is an easier way for the schedulers and trainers to get to know me once again, as well as an easier way to transition into a full-time position once my internship is finished in January.
Tyler Stauffer photo