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Denise Lopez

865

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Dance is more than expression; it's my passion and identity. As a dance teacher, I want to share its transformative power, helping students discover their strengths, creativity, and confidence. Dance education cultivates resilience, discipline, and empathy—essential for personal growth and success. My goal is to make dance an integral part of education, fostering holistic development. I aim to create an inclusive, accessible dance program and advocate for its benefits in education. This scholarship will help me build a supportive space where students can thrive as dancers and individuals, preparing them for a future of possibilities.

Education

Estrella Mountain Community College

Associate's degree program
2020 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Dance

Estrella Mountain Community College

Bachelor's degree program
2020 - Present
  • Majors:
    • Drama and Dance Teacher Education

sierra linda high school

High School
2016 - 2020

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Drama and Dance Teacher Education
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      dance

    • Dream career goals:

      Creative director

    • Barista

      DutchBros
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Barista

      Mis Raices
      2024 – Present1 year

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Junior Varsity
    2018 – 20191 year

    pom

    Varsity
    2018 – 20202 years

    Softball

    Junior Varsity
    2017 – 20181 year

    Arts

    • Independent

      Dance
      dance shows, pep rallys, school events, community showcase
      2018 – 2020

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Healing Self and Community Scholarship
    To make mental health care affordable and accessible, I would focus on integrating technology with community-driven support systems. My contribution would involve creating a digital platform that offers a hybrid model of professional counseling and peer support. This platform would include features such as affordable teletherapy sessions, group therapy led by licensed professionals, and peer-led support groups for specific issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. Additionally, I would advocate for mental health education in schools and workplaces to reduce stigma and promote early intervention. By training community members, teachers, and managers to recognize signs of mental health struggles, we can build a supportive network that guides individuals toward the resources they need. I would also work on partnerships with nonprofits and governments to subsidize the cost of professional care, making it accessible to low-income individuals. Through these efforts, I aim to create a more inclusive mental health care system that emphasizes early support, community involvement, and accessible professional resources, ensuring that no one has to face mental health challenges alone or without proper care.
    Kirk I. Woods Memorial Scholarship
    Education in dance will profoundly shape my future by equipping me with the tools, knowledge, and skills to pursue my passion with confidence and purpose. It is not just about perfecting technique or mastering choreography; it’s about developing a holistic understanding of dance as an art form, a means of expression, and a cultural and historical narrative. Through my education, I will gain the technical proficiency required for performance and the theoretical and pedagogical knowledge necessary for teaching and mentoring others. Dance education will allow me to refine my physical abilities, exploring the nuances of movement and the dynamics of the human body. This refinement is essential, as it will enable me to express emotions and stories more authentically through performance. However, the impact of education extends beyond personal skill development. It will also foster my creative expression, encouraging me to experiment with new styles and push the boundaries of traditional dance forms. By learning about the historical and cultural contexts of different dance genres, I will gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of this art form, enabling me to create work that resonates with a broad audience. One of the most significant aspects of dance education is its potential to transform not just the individual, but the community. As I grow in my practice, I envision myself becoming an advocate for arts education, promoting its importance in both schools and community settings. Dance has the power to bridge gaps, bringing people together across cultural, social, and economic divides. With my training, I hope to create inclusive and accessible programs that invite people from all walks of life to experience the joy and transformative power of movement. I aim to establish community workshops that cater to different age groups and skill levels, providing a space for creative exploration and personal growth. In collaboration with schools, I want to integrate dance into the broader educational curriculum, highlighting its benefits not just as a physical activity but as a medium for learning and self-expression. Dance can be a powerful tool for developing discipline, confidence, and empathy in young people, and I am committed to making it a part of their educational experience. Moreover, I am passionate about making dance education available to underserved populations who might not otherwise have access to it. This includes working with communities that face economic challenges, as well as those with limited exposure to the arts. I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to explore their creative potential and that dance can be a powerful vehicle for social change. By offering free or low-cost classes and collaborating with local organizations, I hope to break down barriers and make dance an accessible and enriching experience for all. In addition to community engagement, I will contribute to the dance world by nurturing the next generation of dancers and educators. My goal is to share my knowledge and experience in a way that supports students in discovering their own voices and exploring their unique artistic identities. This involves not just teaching technique but fostering an environment where creativity and experimentation are encouraged. I want my students to feel empowered to take risks and develop their own choreographic styles, contributing to the evolution of dance as a dynamic and ever-changing art form. Ultimately, my education in dance will enable me to give back to society by fostering creativity, promoting wellness, and building a more vibrant, connected community through the arts. I am excited to use my passion for dance as a tool for positive change, inspiring others to move, create, and connect in ways that enrich their lives.