This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Irvine chapter.
Name: Megan Bowen
Age: 19
Date of Birth: September 26
Major: Dance
Hometown: Temecula, CA
Ethnicity: Hispanic/White
Relationship Status: Single
Campus Involvements: I am a new member in Delta Delta Delta! I am also on the committee for Bare Bones Dance Theater.
What is it like to be in the UCI Dance Department? Does it take a lot of hard work?
I absolutely love it. Being able to dance in one of the top dance departments in the nation is the most crazy/inspiring/insane/best thing that I have been able to experience! It takes an extreme amount of work and energy to be a dance major. I think it is funny when people tell me that being a dance major is not that hard because I am like, “Okay… we do more than twirl around all day!” Most of us dance six to eight hours a day, double major/minor, take 20+ units a quarter, and work. So yes, it is a lot of work. But at the end of the day, when I am dancing onstage, it is all totally worth it.
Has anything embarrassing happened on stage so far?
Thankfully nothing embarrassing has happened on stage at UCI so far. It is totally bound to happen though! But I do have quite an embarrassing story from the 7th grade (what more do I have to say? It was the 7th grade). So, I was performing my solo at a dance competition and used a three foot tall stool as a prop. In the middle of my dance, I was about to do this awesome move with one leg in the air, and was balancing on the stool like a badass when all of a sudden, the stool slipped out from under my standing leg. I belly flopped onto the stage and blacked out. All I remember is that, somehow, I got up from the floor and kept dancing because I did not want to walk off stage and seem weak to my competitors. Yeah, that was pretty embarrassing.
After graduation, what is your dream job in dance?
Well I have two dream jobs at the moment. My first would be to travel with a modern/contemporary dance company (no one specifically at the moment) and just perform across the nation. My second dream job would be to dance on Broadway. I would really love to end up in New York, but I am going to just go with the flow and see where I end up!
What is Bare Bones and how do you contribute to it?
Bare Bones is a student-run, non-profit organization that essentially gives back to the community through art and provides performance opportunities for anyone on campus! I am on the committee, so I help with advertisement/marketing. Check us out on Facebook or Instagram! I love Bare Bones because you do not have to be a dance major to be involved. One event that we host is called “Unplugged,” which is basically an informal show where anyone can come and perform. In the past, we have had actors, dancers, musicians, and singers come out and showcase their talents! My favorite event we have is our annual dance performance which takes place in winter quarter. The performance gives an opportunity for undergraduates to choreograph and dancers to perform onstage. It is probably the most fun show that I have ever been a part of!
What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite music to dance to?
I honestly like any music, but I have been jamming out to a lot of 80s music recently. I love dancing to instrumental music; I am really into violin and cello pieces.
Why did you decide to join a sorority at the beginning of this year?
One reason is that I really needed a break from the arts. I needed a break from always being focused on dance, and I needed communication with a variety of different people. The second reason, as cheesy as this sounds, is that I really wanted to have a bond of sisterhood with an amazing group of women! I found that, and absolutely love my sisters in Delta Delta Delta; they are truly beautiful women.
How do you keep such a positive and lovely attitude when you are so busy?
Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed with life, I just have to remind myself how lucky I actually am. I always tell myself that there is someone in the world that has it harder than O do. I am so blessed to even be in college, dance every day, be a part of an amazing sorority, and have awesome friends. Yeah, it gets busy and being on campus from 8AM to 10PM isn’t the greatest, but I am doing what I love so there is really nothing I can do but stay positive and love life!
What do you look for in a guy?
If he can make me laugh, then that is perfect. Down-to-earth and genuine guys are great. I also like men that are taller than me and can provide chocolate…not to be too specific.
What is your favorite thing about UCI?
Dancing every day and meeting great people. I also really like the couches in Cyber A.
Are those couches your favorite spot on campus?
When I am not in class or dancing, you will probably find me passed out on the couches in Cyber A. No shame, those couches are so comfy! My friends showed me this lovely spot on the top floor of the Science Library that I love as well. It is very peaceful and totally zen for when I need to get ready for midterms.
How does living in a dorm compare to living in your own apartment this year?
I love having my own place, but I definitely miss having all of my hallmates right outside my door. And I miss not having to cook. I really like making food, but sometimes I am just too tired and end up eating the same thing every day. Mac n cheese with Spam has been my life this quarter…and yes, it is really good.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I really want to go to Spain! My mom’s side of the family is Spanish and I want to see where my family comes from!