Bronte Hopkins extends beyond her usual modern dance to teach new forms
BYU alum Bronte Hopkins is expanding her influence through dancing and teaching. Hopkins graduated in April of 2020 with a degree in K-12 dance education, and she now works as the dance department director at Mountain View High School in Orem.
Hopkins is in charge of a ballroom team, a dance company, an urban dance class, a UVU concurrent enrollment course, an Honor Society (NHSDA) chapter, and other modern, contemporary and ballroom technique courses. As a modern/contemporary based dancer herself, Hopkins said it has been an interesting experience to teach other dance styles, like social and urban dance.
“My advice to current students is to take all elective classes seriously,” Hopkins said. “Taking a variety of courses in my undergrad prepared me for this job. Diversity is key!”
Besides teaching, Hopkins is also performing with Wasatch Contemporary Dance Company. The company is currently working on a full-length contemporary dance film based on different animals, which will premiere in the Water Gardens Cinema in Pleasant Grove, Utah, at the beginning of November. Hopkins is part of the section of the film inspired by butterflies and metamorphosis.
“For me, dance is a transforming, transcendent and healing force that can do so much good. It is a medium of expression and communication that can be a great unifier,” Hopkins said.
Dancing is one of the ways that Hopkins has come closer to God. She likes to think of dance as a form of worship, and a way to learn more about herself and her connection to the divine.
“Dance is the enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in action. Movement inspires action and faith is action-based,” she said. “Our bodies are a huge part of our mortal journey and the knowledge we gain through movement is absolutely invaluable.”