Starting at the age of 5, Jenna Kulacz knew she was meant to be a dancer. From the Westchester Dance Academy to the Elon Performing Arts program, dance has been a focal point of Kulacz’s life. Despite her passion for the art, her OCD has been battle. With the tools she has been given throughout her career and the help of friends and mentors in the BFA program, she is learning everyday how to grow with it instead of letting it defeat her.

When she was young, her parents put her and her twin sister in the same dance class and right away they knew she would be the one to stick with it. The movements, environment and rhythm all came so naturally to Kulacz.

“Jenna and I both started dancing when we were young and it was the ‘thing to do’. I soon realized that it was not my thing and very much her thing and here we are!” Explained her twin sister Jackie.

Age 7, Jenna at her recital with classmates, photo courtesy of Susan Kulacz

Kulacz recalls a specific class where at only 7-years-old, she took it extremely seriously in comparison to her classmates. Others would play around when it was time to “freestyle,” but she saw it as an opportunity to try new moves and explore what she was capable of. The class was only once a week but she would ask her mom if she could go back every single day.

“Because of my hard work ethic and natural abilities, my teachers saw something special in me, and influenced me to start taking my dance training more seriously,” stated Kulacz.

Preparing for her cross training

She eventually outgrew her childhood studio at age 12 and transitioned to the Westchester Dance Academy, an elite competition studio. Coming into the studio with much less experience and technically inferior to other dancers, only made her want to push herself and work harder to reach their level.

As the years of competition went on, Kulacz knew this chapter in her life would soon be closing. She recalls her final performance being extremely anxiety ridden because of how high the stakes were for her. The size of the stage, bright lights and row of judges made her feel and think what would happen if I mess up? She was unable to look at it from an optimistic angel since she was obsessing over delivering perfection and admits that was one of her biggest regrets.

Kulacz knew she wanted to dance in college since it was her passion, but she wanted a real college experience as well. She heard of Elon because of their amazing dance training and high-level academics.

Striking one of her favorite jazz poses

Every year the numbers of those accepted into the dance program vary, but currently for the 2018/2019 academic year there are 54 dancers according to program’s roster.

Reported by dance-colleges.com and based on 59 evaluations, the Elon University dance program ranks in Top 100 Dance Schools in the USA and The Best Dance School in North Carolina.

Transition to Elon

Once Kulacz was accepted into the program, she was heavily involved right away. Although it was rare as a freshman, she was blessed enough to be cast in multiple pieces. Being a double major in Dance Science and BFA Dancing Choreography, this high level of commitment so early on consumed her schedule of class and dance, leaving barely any room for personal time.

Growing up competing in the dance world, Kulacz described herself having a perfectionist personality. Despite all that was on her plate, she still felt the need for everything she did to be perfect. Her social life became less and levels of OCD became higher.

On average OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, affects 2.2 million American adults and is defined as an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, and sensations.

Stretching before a choreography class

When in her dance classes she talked about having a hard time letting her mind go. She was always present and gave all her effort when in the studio, but the voice in her head was always there reminding her of what still needed to be done.

With this state of mind and booked schedule, Kulacz felt she was missing out on regular college experiences because she didn’t have that time to acclimate herself the way her friends did. She admits taking on these two major roles has become her biggest challenge since coming to Elon, but one aspect that has been the most beneficial to Kulacz has been her dance mentor.

A Glimpse into her Professional World...

Jenna at a shoot for local dancewear company, Courtesy of Jo + Jax

Stirking a jazz pose for an Elon Performing Arts photoshoot, Courtesy of Elon University BFA program

Gearing up for some cross training at her home studio, Courtesy of Jo + Jax

She's all about that fitness, Courtesy of Westchester Dance Academy

A summer well spent learning how to pose for street dancing, Courtesy of Westchester Dance Academy

Once accepted into the program, she was assigned Jillian Jacobson as her mentor. Being a year older and already having experience in the program, Jill knew exactly what Kulacz was going through and how to help her. Luckily they were paired up mid September, but prior to that Kulacz was extremely independent and tried to figure things out for herself. She admitted she thrives around people and isn’t necessarily the best at being independent, so Jill was a critical part of helping her succeeded.

Over time Jill has provided Kulacz guidance, advice and a best friend. The two became very close and Kulacz said having someone to help you through tough times or when you don’t want to feel alone has been an amazing part of the program and her well being. Kulacz explained they are so similar, having the same personal interests as well as struggles with anxiety, so she was finally able to have soemone who truly understood her.

She was putting a lot of stress on herself because she’s a double major with exercise science and dance so just having someone to hang out with and we both have a lot in common so it makes for a really good mentorship."
— Jillian Jacobson, Mentor

Kulacz emphasized how important it is to take care of her mind and body before anything else, because if she doesn’t she can’t reach her full potential.

Statistic found from National Alliance on Mental Illness

According to psychologist Dr. Brian Goonan of the Houston Ballet Academy, the biggest reason for mental health struggles in dancers is because of the non-stop competition. Dancers go from being the best among one group of peers, but once they move to the next level, they are knocked back down. It is an ongoing process.

“So until you are the principal in the best company, you are always looking to a bigger pond," stated Goonan in an article for Dance Magazine.

Despite the struggles Kulacz deals with throughout her time balancing her worlds, it is something she says she is learning to get better with. Elon is the place for Kulacz to flourish as both a dancer and human and she believes gaining all these skills and experiences has only made her dancing stronger.

“Jenna is and always has been my tiny dancer. It is obvious that she is happiest when she’s dancing and watching her makes my own heart soar,” stated her mother Susan Kulacz.

With her mentor and fellow friends, she is ready to push herself in the best way possible and overcome her personal struggles. Dancing has provided her with countless opportunities and experiences and she is ready for more.

Fearlessly leaping across the studio floor