Dance instructor and performer AMELIA NOMMENSEN studied Marine Biology and Dance at University of California: Santa Cruz from Fall 2010 through Spring 2014. She was integral to the reestablishment of the Dance Minor in 2012, being a member of the first cohort to graduate with the minor in over ten years. In her senior year, she was awarded the Chancellor’s Achievement Award for Diversity and the Dean’s Award for Institutional Excellence for co-directing Random with a Purpose XXII. She performed in nine dance showcases, choreographed in several, collaborated with UCSC music majors, and performed in the faculty showcase “Blueprints.” Amelia enjoyed all classes in the program, her favorites being Intro to Dance Composition with Tandy Beal, History of Ballet with Ted Warburton, and African Dance with Manjou Kone. From just one class, Intro to Dance Composition, she formed a professional relationship with Tandy Beal building three years and counting of performances and teaching. Amelia currently teaches dance through ArtSmart, performs with Tandy Beal and Company, Modern Collective Dance Company, and the Kolo Sisters throughout the Bay Area. She continues to grow her dance education by sharing her passion with other dancers and audience members alike.