Senior Spotlight: Ava Partida
Dance performance and psychology double major Ava Partida (B.F.A. ’25) shares her experience as a double major and her next steps into the professional dance world.
The Meadows School of the Arts is proud to feature dance performance and psychology double major Ava Partida (B.F.A. ’25) in this week’s Senior Spotlight.
During her time at SMU, Partida embraced every opportunity to grow as both a dancer and a scholar. She performed in major productions such as DANCEWORKS, Hope Show, and Senior Dance Concerts, all while staying active in campus life through Alpha Chi Omega, working multiple part-time roles and completing a second degree in psychology.
With a demanding schedule that blended rehearsals, performances, coursework, and leadership roles, Partida said she quickly learned the importance of staying organized. “Time management is a skill that I have mastered while here at SMU,” she says, crediting the university’s support and flexibility for making it possible to balance two majors.
She also highlighted the impact of the Department of Dance and the mentorship she received at Meadows. “I’m grateful for the training and mentorship that Meadows and the Department of Dance have provided to me,” expresses Partida. “The diverse and knowledgeable Meadows faculty has helped me grow so much as a dancer.”
After graduation, Partida will move to St. Louis, where she has accepted a trainee position with the St. Louis Dance Theatre—marking the beginning of her transition into the professional dance world.
“This is an important first step towards my goal of dancing professionally,” she says. “And I am so excited to take this next step. Pony Up!”
Learn more about Meadows' Division of Dance here.