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Articles by Emma Garber
Kayla Mak, ABT Studio Company and Juilliard Student, Shares Her Daily Routine
These days, Kayla Mak jokes that she’s living like Hannah Montana. “It almost feels like I have two different lives,” she says. A fourth-year at The Juilliard School, Mak joined American Ballet Theatre’s Studio Company in September 2024. Juilliard’s professional exchange program allows Mak to work with the Studio Company while receiving academic credit towards her final year.
2024 Dance Teacher Award Honorees Jackie "Miss Funk" Lopez and Leigh "Breeze-Lee" Foaad Create a Dance Family
2024 Dance Teacher Award Honorees Jackie “Miss Funk” Lopez and Leigh “Breeze-Lee” Foaad Create a Dance Family On Friday nights in Burbank, California, street dancers of all ages and abilities pack into Mihran K. Studios to join in a cherished tradition. At the center of the class is Jackie “Miss Funk” Lopez and Leigh “Breeze-Lee” Foaad, the co-founders of Versa-Style Street Dance Company and legends of the Los Angeles dance community.
A few opinions for the road
“What’s the opinion here?” It’s a question I’ve asked countless times over the past four years, first as a writer and later as an editor. My time at the Massachusetts Daily Collegian has been defined by subjectivity. I’ve been lucky to voice my own opinions and to help others make their voice heard. Now, as I prepare to depart from the University of Massachusetts, I’d like to offer up a few opinions that reflect my time here. Opinion #1: Life has a funny way of working out.
Reviewing the Mask Mandate’s Necessity — The Pacifican
On March 21, 2022, the University of the Pacific sent an email to the Pacific community stating that the mask mandate would be lifted on March 25, 2022 due to “consistently low positivity rates.” This mandate had previously been in place for the entirety of the 2021-2022 school year. The email states that mandatory weekly COVID testing will also end. Members of the Pacific community can continue to test if they want to.
On rape culture
A look at the campus culture as a whole Nina Walat / Daily Collegian By Emma Garber, Op/Ed Editor September 23, 2021 It’s late August. You are 18 years old and preparing for the big move-in day. Like every college freshman, you’re excited, a bit nervous and unsure what to expect. You buy bedding at Bed, Bath & Beyond, get your room assignment, say goodbye to your high school friends and before you know it the big day is here.
Climate change is an intersectional issue
We cannot separate climate change from other social issues Eva Trainer/Daily Collegian By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor April 19, 2021 Our climate is rapidly changing, but this isn’t breaking news. Conversations about climate change have occurred for years, and rightfully so. Our planet is in dire distress and it is imperative that climate activists educate and call their peers into action.
I hope your party was worth it
Care about your community and follow the guidelines By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor February 8, 2021 By now, it’s no secret that things in Amherst are not going well. Yesterday morning, the University of Massachusetts announced that it was entering a state of “high” risk, meaning that all in-person classes will move remote, athletics will be paused and students should sequester for at least 14 days.
NARRATIVE: Now, more than ever, the performing arts need your support
The pandemic has changed our industry for good By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor October 27, 2020 I don’t need to remind you of what happened in mid-March 2020. The world shut down, businesses closed, events were cancelled, everyone sheltered inside, adjusting to life in quarantine. The performing arts were no exception. On March 12, Broadway went completely dark. Around the country, dance companies cancelled the rest of their seasons.
We need to settle for Biden
Biden was not my first choice, but he is the best choice Courtesy of Joe Biden’s official Facebook page By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor October 6, 2020 Last February, I wrote a scathing critique of former Vice President Joe Biden. I cited his questionable track record, lack of progressive policies and somewhat outdated persona as reasons not to vote for him. Biden was not my first choice for the Democratic candidate. He wasn’t my second choice, either.
College is more than just career training
Try not to take what we have for granted By Emma Garber, Assistant OpEd Editor September 24, 2020 People started asking me what I wanted to do with my life before I had even graduated high school. At the time, I thought I had a pretty good idea of my “life plan” but, like many college students, these plans changed a few months into my freshman year of college. For many freshmen, meeting fellow college students for the first time involves much of the same conversation: “What’s your name?
What happened to the best years of our lives?
It’s okay to be upset about the new normal Parker Peters/Daily Collegian By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor August 25, 2020 With the fall semester upon us, I am still flooded with a sense of disbelief. Though we have known for months that college life would not be normal, I still find myself reminiscing about what was and thinking about what should have been. Right now, new and returning students should be settling into life in Amherst, seeing friends and adjusting to normal college life.
Let’s talk about ‘Tiger King’
The difference between interest and idealization Courtesy of "Tiger King" IMDB page By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor April 15, 2020 It goes without saying that the last few weeks have been far from normal. In the age of COVID-19, routine is scarce, but free time is plentiful. There’s only so much to discuss. Oddly enough, pop culture has found its newest obsession: the 57-year-old, self-proclaimed “gay, gun-carrying redneck with a mullet,” former tiger keeper Joe Exotic.
Don’t be apolitical during the pandemic
Our civic duties are more important now than ever before By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor April 1, 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a hold of our nation. As a result, we’re stuck inside our homes: bored, lonely and maybe a little sad. With the days dragging on, many people may want to drown out the incoming reports. However, amidst this chaos and confusion, it is more important than ever before that we do not forget about our civic duties. The news is not easily digestible right now.
Do your part in curbing COVID-19 and stay home
Help break the curve By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor March 17, 2020 The world has turned upside down. The University of Massachusetts has sent a majority of students home for the semester. Grocery store shelves are empty. Hand sanitizer and toilet paper feel like currency. The COVID-19 pandemic has erased any familiarity. There’s panic and confusion, plenty of disappointment and no shortage of questions concerning the future. This is our new normal.
Female athletes are worth more than their appearance
Focus on the player’s performance, not what they look like By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor March 11, 2020 In late February, one of the ballet world’s biggest stars spoke out against the immense pressure within the dance community to be thin. During her appearance on The Today Show, Kathryn Morgan explained how in 2020, dancers are still told to lose weight, a pressure that often diminishes their mental health.
Pass the torch, Joe Biden
On June 27, in one of the first Democratic debates, United States Representative Eric Swalwell told an anecdote from his childhood. “I was six years old when a presidential candidate came to the California Democratic convention and said it’s time to pass the torch to a new generation of Americans. That candidate was then-Senator Joe Biden.” Swalwell may not have made it far in the race towards the White House, but he was correct about Joe Biden.
West Side Story needs to remember #MeToo
Talent does excuse human indecency Collegian File Photo By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor February 12, 2020 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification: What's 1 + 0? In 2018, three of the ballet world’s most prominent stars came crashing down. Alexandra Waterbury, a young dancer and model, alleged that New York City Ballet dancers Chase Finlay, Zachary Catazaro and Amar Ramasar had shared sexually explicit photos of female dancers without their consent.
Philadanco ignites Fine Arts Center
Philadelphia Dance Company performed on February 6 (Photo courtesy of Philadanco's official Facebook page) (Photo courtesy of Philadanco's official Facebook page) (Photo courtesy of Philadanco's official Facebook page) By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor February 10, 2020 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification: What's 6 + 0? It’s rare to find a dance company like the Philadelphia Dance Company.
The Oscars are overrated
Let’s celebrate art without awards Courtesy of The Academy's official Facebook page Courtesy of The Academy's official Facebook page Courtesy of The Academy's official Facebook page By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor January 27, 2020 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification I was really angry when I read this year’s list of Oscar nominations. Was I surprised? No. Once again the nominees lacked diversity.
‘The Nutcracker’ needs an update
It’s time to reevaluate this holiday tradition Phil Bruxvoort/Flickr By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor December 12, 2019 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification “The Nutcracker” is a timeless holiday tradition. Each year, many enjoy the Christmas-themed ballet, which tells the story of a young girl named Clara’s magical holiday dream. Virtually every American ballet company produces some version of this ballet.
年龄歧视？好的，老人家.
在互联网上，千禧一代和Z时代成员都在用一个简单的短语“好的，老人家”（OK, boomer）来回怼婴儿潮时期出生的一代人。诞生于抖音的“好的，老人家”涵盖了年轻人对婴儿潮一代的沮丧。许多人进入社交媒体用#标签发布有关婴儿潮一代的笑话。一位抖音用户说：“当年只花了6.5美元学费，在耶鲁大学读书的您的祖父告诉您高中毕业后应该去一所四年制的大学。”配图是熟睡的艾米纳姆，配文 “老人家正目睹这个星球的毁灭。” 当然，并不是所有老人家都对模音（meme）产生了兴趣。许多人指责千禧一代为“年龄歧视”，和“老人家”一词与仇恨言论相提并论。电台节目主持人Bob Lonsberry称婴儿潮一代为“年龄歧视中的n词”。美国退休人员协会（AARP）的高级副总裁Myrna Blyth在接受Axios采访时说：“好的，千禧一代，但我们才是真正的有钱人。” 当25岁的新西兰议员Chlöe...
Ageism? Ok, boomer.
Baby boomers are held to a double standard Collegian File Photo By Emma Garber, Assistant OpEd Editor November 18, 2019 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification Across the internet, millennials and members of Generation Z are retaliating against generations before them with one simple phrase: “OK, boomer”. Born out of TikTok, “OK, boomer” encompasses the frustration youth feel towards baby boomers.
Dear Mayor Pete, I’m not here to sit and look pretty
Lessons learned at Pete Buttigieg’s town hall By Emma Garber, Assistant OpEd Editor November 4, 2019 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification On Thursday, Oct. 24, I was sitting in a lecture when my friend invited me to a spur-of-the-moment drive to New Hampshire to see presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg speak at Bow High School. “Mayor Pete” would be outlining his new policy plan for women, “Building Power”.
Diet culture has gone too far
The dangers of diet culture Collegian File Photo By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor October 10, 2019 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification My Instagram Explore feed is full of content warning me to avoid overeating. I went out to eat for dinner and the calories were listed on the menu. In the dining hall, little green bars tell me which foods are smart choices. Everywhere I turn, there is evidence of our culture’s obsession with dieting.
Following Antonio Brown, the NFL must continue to hold players accountable
Brown’s release is a victory, but there is still work to be done By Emma Garber, Assistant Op/Ed Editor September 24, 2019 Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification As a lifelong fan of the Patriots, I have grown up defending my team. Any New Englander will tell you that the Pats are no strangers to controversy: from the 2007 cheating allegations, to “Deflategate,” to the Aaron Hernandez scandal.
Learning from Lara Spencer and the dance community
Forgiveness over cancel culture (Collegian file photo) By Emma Garber, Collegian Columnist September 4, 2019 Filed under Archives, Columns, National, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification The world felt the power of the dance community after Lara Spencer, co-host of Good Morning America, made fun of Prince George for taking ballet lessons.
It’s alright to give up on your dreams
This is only the beginning of a new path (Collegian file photo) By Emma Garber, Collegian Columnist April 30, 2019 Filed under Archives, Campus, Columns, Headlines, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification At some point growing up, somebody probably asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Your answer may have been anything you could think of: a football player, an astronaut or perhaps even the president.
The influence of the influencer
They have more power than you think (Courtesy of Sephora official Facebook) (Courtesy of Sephora official Facebook) (Courtesy of Sephora official Facebook) By Emma Garber, Collegian Columnist April 1, 2019 Filed under Archives, Columns, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines, Student Life Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification Scrolling through my Instagram explore feed, I see a myriad of sculpted beauties smiling back at me.
Why we need more women to lead the arts
Executive roles tend to be exclusively male (New York City Ballet/ Official Facebook page) (New York City Ballet/ Official Facebook page) (New York City Ballet/ Official Facebook page) By Emma Garber, Collegian Columnist March 18, 2019 Filed under Archives, Columns, National, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification About two weeks ago, history was made when, for the first time ever, the New York City Ballet announced a woman...
Breaking the stigma behind mental health
We can all be more understanding (Collegian file photo) By Emma Garber, Collegian Columnist February 28, 2019 Filed under Archives, Campus, Columns, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification It is no secret that mental health often falls second to physical health in terms of treatment and recognition.
What good is internet condemnation really doing?
A new age for social media Photo by Alvin Buyinza By Emma Garber, Collegian Columnist January 29, 2019 Filed under Archives, National, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines Send email to this address Enter Your Name Add a comment here Verification Like many, when I first saw the video of the Covington High school boys harassing Nathan Phillips, a Native American man, I was filled with rage.
Stop hiding the arts, celebrate them instead
UMass has more to offer than business, dining halls and sports By Emma Garber, Collegian Columnist December 10, 2018 Filed under Archives, Campus, Columns, Opinion, Scrolling Headlines A few weeks ago, my professor had the members of my seminar class visit the University Museum of Contemporary Art. This assignment came as a surprise to me, considering this was the first time I had heard of a museum on campus.
The election may be over, but your work isn’t
As the final results from last Tuesday trickle in, lawn signs are removed from front yards and “I Voted!” stickers are peeled off of jackets, the finality of the election looms in the air. We will all go back to our normal lives: our bumper stickers will begin to fade and Beyoncé’s Beto O’Rourke endorsement will disappear into the depths of her Instagram feed. However, even though the election has ended, our civic duties have not.
A look at how women are portrayed on ‘ZooMass’
Editor’s Note: The Collegian decided not to link to the posts described as not to directly bring more traffic to these images of women in vulnerable situations. The woman is passed out in the corner of the elevator, her long blonde hair covering her face. She’s curled up in a ball with her tube top riding down, a thin black “censored” box covering her exposed chest. That is the image I saw when I opened Instagram on Oct. 14, 2018.
Service workers at UMass should be treated better
It was like any other Saturday night in Franklin Dining Commons: The place was packed with the usual crowd of students filling their stomachs with sushi and stir-fry, the room abuzz with chatter about approaching exams and weekend plans. A sudden crash rang out when a group of men accidentally dropped their plates as they began to finish up their meal. The room erupted in the usual sarcastic applause, and the men hung their heads in shame.
Where to live at UMass (and why it doesn’t really matter)
As a high school senior, I was already thinking about where I wanted to live at the University of Massachusetts before I had even committed to the school. A simple YouTube search will bring you to Sketch 22’s video “Where to Live at UMass”, a staple among incoming freshmen each year. Although the video is almost eight years old, dating to even before the current Commonwealth Honors College dorms, the ideas presented in the parody still hold true.
Why aren’t we talking about Chase Finlay?
The latest scandal from the New York City Ballet had all the components to become headline news, yet it has not. Recently, the dance world was floored when Chase Finlay, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, was accused of partaking in a well-hidden sexual harassment scandal along with fellow lead dancers Amar Ramasar and Zachary Catazaro.
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