From the Winter 2019 Collegian | Dance major Andy Zavadsky says that he can’t imagine dancing anywhere other than UA. For three years, he learned from some of the best instructors in the world while the recipient of the Tutwiler Scholar scholarship, which allowed him to come to Tuscaloosa from his home in Wisconsin. But when that scholarship ran out, Zavadsky faced a tough decision: find another scholarship, or make the trek home and lose the opportunity of a lifetime. But thanks to Arts and Sciences donors, he’s able to make his dream a reality.

For as long as he can remember, Zavadsky has been dancing. He began dancing at the age of three, and, after spending years in the competition dance world, he knew he wanted to make dance his whole life.

“I knew I had to do dance because that was the one thing I was very, very passionate about,” Zavadsky said. “It’s been a part of my life for so long, and I love it. I can’t find anything else like it.”

Zavadsky’s journey took him from his home in Wisconsin to the dance program at UA, where he participates in everything he possibly can. Since his freshman year, he’s performed in multiple shows, including Dance Alabama! and the Alabama Repertory Dance Theatre. He’s also an active member of the theatre and dance honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, and has helped the department recruit by giving tours and advice to prospective students.

“Dancing takes up a lot of time,” Zavadsky said. “It’s a big commitment, but I absolutely love it. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else anywhere else.”

As a dance and exercise science double major, Zavadsky is spending five years at the University, longer than his initial scholarship could sustain him. But, thanks to the Cranton-Massey Scholarship, the Kappa Kappa Gamma Scholarship in Fine Arts, and the Dean of Arts and Sciences Scholarship, he is able to keep working towards perfection.

“When my scholarship ended, I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to come back and finish out my last year here,” Zavadsky said. “If it wasn’t for these scholarships, I would not have received the funding that I needed to accomplish my dream.”

After graduating, Zavadsky hopes to dance at Disney World or on a cruise ship, where he can travel the world, meet new people, and do what he loves. Wherever he ends up, he knows that he wants to continue dancing for as long as he can.

“Being able to get on the stage is amazing,” Zavadsky said. “You’re in the studio rehearsing and practicing for hours and hours, and then you get to showcase that in three minutes on stage. I think it’s really cool to see all your hard work being put on stage and to get to show people what you love.”