Sabrina Kreiss ’25 always knew she wanted to be in the dance industry, but didn’t know exactly how. When she began her studies at The Hartt School, she soon found it was more than a place to train—it was where she discovered her confidence, refined her artistry, and planted the seeds for a career in the dance industry. Now, with a dance performance degree, combined with her experience and drive, allows her to “feel empowered to take on any area of the industry and continue to grow in this art form.”
Today, she’s applying those lessons in her current positions with the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Ballet Hispánico of New York. Living in New York City, working in arts administration was one of her goals, and working for some of the most respected institutions in the dance world is attributed to Kreiss’s own determination as well as the skills learned at UHart.
At The Hartt School, Kreiss immersed herself in a curriculum that emphasized both artistic excellence and professional readiness. “The rigorous schedule of the Dance Division has made postgrad life feel like a breeze,” she explains. “Even with multiple jobs, auditions, and classes, I learned how to balance everything thanks to my time at Hartt.”
That demanding yet supportive environment, she says, was unique to Hartt. “Being part of the Dance Division was such a distinctive experience—no other school offers what we had. The opportunity to be surrounded by leading professionals in my field each day is something I will never take for granted.”
Kreiss’s professors and mentors were pivotal in shaping her growth. She credits professor Katie Stevinson-Nollet, as one of her biggest supporters. “Katie was and always will be someone I can go to for help, advice, or even a laugh on a tough day,” Kreiss says. “She truly believed in me and convinced me that I could do anything once I left school.”
Sabrina Kreiss ’25, The Hartt School, Dance PerformanceThe skills I gained at Hartt helped me make strong impressions during interviews and excel in my roles. The program gave me not just technical excellence but a deep understanding of the dance industry as a whole.”
Another mentor who made a lasting impression was fellow Hartt alumna Eran Bugge ‘05, guest faculty and former principal dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Kreiss’s experience learning Taylor repertory from Bugge sparked a deep appreciation for Paul Taylor’s work and inspired her eventual connection with the company. “Working with Eran introduced me to the true passion I have for Paul’s choreography,” Sabrina explains. “She’s a huge reason I’m where I am right now.”
Bugge also shares a similar sentiment as it relates to Hartt and the connections that can be forged. She also provides some powerful advice for the next generation. “Hartt is a wonderful place to not only build your skills and deepen your artistry, but also the base for you to start your networking.”
While at UHart, Kreiss also gained valuable real-world experience through two summer internships with the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City—first as an Administrative Assistant and later as an Administrative Assistant Lead. “Those summers gave me a real foundation in dance administration and helped me build lasting relationships in the industry,” she says. “They also prepared me for life in New York City, both professionally and personally.”
Her involvement on campus extended beyond the studio. As a member of UHart Hillel, Kreiss found a welcoming community that helped her reconnect with her Jewish identity. She says that “my peers as well as the staff, Lisa Langsner and Emma Strumph helped me rediscover my Jewish identity which will remain a part of me for as long as I live.“ Her favorite thing about UHart was the relationships she made around campus. She recalls, “the school is small but not too small—you always have a familiar face wherever you go.”
Today, Kreiss is balancing performance and administrative work in New York City, drawing daily on the lessons she learned at UHart. “The skills I gained at Hartt helped me make strong impressions during interviews and excel in my roles,” she says. “The program gave me not just technical excellence but a deep understanding of the dance industry as a whole.”
Reflecting on her journey, Kreiss offers heartfelt advice for incoming students:
“Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. If I had listened to the people who told me to give up on my dreams, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Only you know what you’re capable of—and if you want something badly enough, you can make it happen.”