A week in the life of a college dancer: Katie Tapalaga at USC Kaufman
October 29, 2025

Photo courtesy of Tapalaga.
By Hana Le, Dance Spirit
Ever wonder what a typical week looks like for a college dancer? What’s it like to balance dance, academics, and a social life? And how do collegiate dancers look after themselves with such busy schedules?
Dance Spirit has got you covered with our new series, “A Week in the Life of a College Dancer.” We’ll be speaking with students in collegiate dance programs across the country about the nitty-gritties of their lifestyles, from staying organized to fueling on the go. First up is Katie Tapalaga from Queens, New York, a junior at University of Southern California’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.