Arizona Sunray’s Jerusha Abarca
Freshman at ASU Barrett Honor’s College, Anthropology Major
1. How long have you been a part of Arizona Sunrays?
Three years, first year in jazz and the last two years in Dance
Company. I also danced with a ballet studio when I was 3-7
years old and danced in The Nutcracker a few times.
2. Tell us about one of your coaches? What makes him/her
a great coach?
Jen Warsaw, she is Director of Dance at Sunrays and teaches
several of my classes. She is awesome in her teaching and
inspires me to push myself to be better. She believed that I
could be awesome, even though I started dance later than
most in my life, and I really appreciate her for that. She is
choreographing and coaching me in a solo this year, which I
plan to do in competitions later this year.
3. How many different types of dance do you practice?
Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, and
Musical Theatre.
4. What is your favorite? Why is this your favorite?
Lyrical and contemporary are my favorites, because they’re
mixture of styles and in these styles I am able to express
myself in a way that just feels natural.
5. What are you studying at ASU?
Anthropology, but I’m also considering a double major in
dance or history. I earned my Associates of Arts degree from
PVCC last year when I graduated from Arizona Agribusiness
and Equine Center High School, so I have many of my
prerequisites already completed.
6. If you could have your dream job, what would it be?
I’m not really sure, but considering that I want a double major,
I think that I will either end up being a dance teacher or doing
research in anthropology, specifically archaeology. These are
two very different careers, but I like the fact that a double
major could open me up to both
interests, wherever I want to v