Monica Koo, a student in La Roche's Dance Department, receives instruction from Gerard Holt, the department's newly appointed artistic director.

"To me, ballet is everything," said Koo, a native of Korea who came to the United States eleven years ago. She began dancing when she was five. Since then, she has studied in many professional venues, including the Kirov School of Ballet in Washington, D.C., and the North Carolina School of the Arts. She spent a year as a company member at the Colorado Ballet. Recently, she performed with the Buffalo Inner City Ballet.

"Monica is a terrific dancer, very disciplined. She would make a wonderful classical ballerina," said Gerard Holt, artistic director for the La Roche College Dance Department.

Koo is just the kind of student that Holt is working to attract to his growing program, which is only six years old. Holt joined the department in the spring of 2001. His first task was to encourage staff and students to meet a certain level of professionalism in the dance studio. He believes such a commitment will only enhance performances and improve the reputation of the program.

"What we have achieved is a high work ethic," said Holt.

That commitment to excellence has resulted in more work. This year, Holt added a performance to the roster for the 15 students in his program. The College hosted the inaugural La Roche College Choreographers' Series, an eclectic performance that invited guest artists and students to serve as choreographers. Holt is committed to making sure his dancers work with many different professionals before they graduate. He wants the students in his program to push the limits of their abilities.

Holt would like to see two different tracks emerge for students who major in dance at La Roche. Young men and women focused on performing would pursue a bachelor of fine arts degree. Students who are interested in teaching would earn credits toward a bachelor of arts degree.

"You should be able to come out of this program and educate others," said Holt.

Jennifer Mondani, a dance department alumna, is doing just that. After her graduation in December 2001, Mondani began teaching ballet, jazz, tap and tumbling at three Pittsburgh area studios. Her ultimate goal is to teach dance at the college level.

Mondani has watched the La Roche College Dance Department grow and improve since she joined it several years ago. She is pleased with the renewed purpose the program has under Holt's direction.

"He (Holt) has provided more class offerings, more organization and more professionalism to the program," said Mondani.

Holt's goals for the future are to create an elite dance program with a classical ballet foundation. If audience reac- tions to recent student performances are any indication, Holt and his students are on their way.