Michela Arietti

Class of 2026
Major in Program II in Embodied Resilience (Interdisciplinary studies in Dance, Neuroscience, and Nutrition)

Building on my classical training before Duke, I have been exploring other forms of dance outside of ballet, with a special focus on de-institutionalized practices and social choreography. The Dance Department gave me multiple performance opportunities, as well as the Benenson Award which allowed me to spend a summer at the American Dance Festival, and the Clay Taliaferro Dance Award which recognizes the artistic and technical growth of an undergraduate who has the “potential to become a professional dancer, teacher, or choreographer.” Creating and interacting with the EIP MFA students also provides me with a higher level of artistic challenge and development. The University allows me the flexibility of majoring in personalized interdisciplinary studies in Movement Practices, Nutrition and Neuroscience. My focus is on examining how trauma can be engendered and healed through both dance and nutrition. Outside my academic pursuits, I am a passionate advocate for disability rights and eating disorder awareness, believing in creating a welcoming and nurturing space for all.

Favorite Class: I’m horrible at picking favorites! Either Dancing States of Mind by Prof. Kliën, as it allowed me to explore deeper realities of movement within myself, or Juel D. Lane’s advanced modern dance residency (mentored by Profe Woods Valdés) because it pushed me to perfect a dance style I was unfamiliar with in a short amount of time. A special mention also goes to Contemporary Chinese Dance by Prof. Jingqiu Guan, which was my first experience with screen dance and I got to connect with my Chinese roots!