Spotlight: Meghan Bhanoo
Meghan Bhanoo has fond memories of her time spent at Fairmount participating in Fairmount’s Dance program. Her most notable memory was spending the night in the Novelty arts castle where she played games, watched movies, and shared stories with friends, topping it off with a pancake breakfast the next morning.
Another notable memory was a collaboration with Ohio Contemporary Ballet (formerly Verb Ballets) in their production of Peter Pan. Her experience of performing along side professionals as a part of a large-scale production hooked her into the performing arts world.
With such a positive and immersive childhood dance experience, Meghan couldn’t imagine her life without it.
“As I was graduating and heading off to college, one of my teachers at Fairmount told me to “keep dancing as long as you love it.” I think about this often, because dance really is something that brings joy and community into my life, so why would I ever stop as long as I continue to love it?”
Backstage at a Fairmount dance performance.
Currently in her third year at The Ohio State University, Meghan is working toward a dual degree in Ecological Engineering and Dance with a minor in Business. She attributes her education in multiple dance genres that she received at Fairmount for her audition readiness and acceptance into the Ohio State Dance major program.
“The multiple dance genres that Fairmount taught me prepared me to be ready for the new dance styles that I’ve been learning at OSU. ”
Dance has opened up experiences for Meghan beyond the state of Ohio. This past summer, through the OSU dance department, she traveled to Accra, Ghana where she spent two weeks studying with students from the University of Ghana, teaching in an after-school program, and performing with the National Theatre of Ghana.
“It was such an amazing experience to dance abroad, and I learned so much history and culture. ”
This spring, Meghan will once again travel with the OSU dance department to Salvador, Brazil where she will be immersed in local dance styles and perform with her fellow dance majors!
When reflecting on her time at Fairmount, a word that comes to mind is the word COMMUNITY.
“I think this word encompasses the friendly, homey feeling that Fairmount provides. I made some of my best friends at Fairmount and lifelong connections with the teachers and staff. Fairmount brought me into the arts and dance communities, which have shaped me into who I am.”
Meghan and her Fairmount friends posing for a photo with their Fairmount dance instructors, company members with Ohio Contemporary Ballet (formerly Verb Ballets), after a performance.
Meghan’s experiences participating in community outreach events with the Fairmount Dance Company (FDC) and volunteering to help with summer camps at Fairmount also taught her the importance of community, which kick-started her interest in community engagement and arts activism work in the Columbus area.
Meghan (middle) came and supported FDC dancers who performed at the statehouse in Columbus.
During her time at Fairmount, Meghan discovered a profound love for the arts that has continued to guide her. When asked if she had any advice to share with current future Fairmount students, Meghan said,
“... arts bring culture, happiness, freedom, and expression into the world, so keep doing what you love and don’t let anyone take that away from you!”
