Dance Ambassadors
Dance Ambassadors Program
Founded 2019, the Tufts Dance Ambassador Program is designed to enhance student engagement with all things Dance at Tufts. Tufts Dance Ambassadors are a voluntary advisory group comprised of undergraduate students. These student ambassadors are a resource for students and are in regular communication with Dance faculty and administration. Ambassadors can be contacted via email with questions, ideas, and concerns having to do with Dance Program classes, extracurricular dance group activities, and outreach for Tufts Dance beyond the Medford Campus. For further information about the Tufts Dance Ambassador Program, contact Dance Program Director, Jaclyn Waguespack.
Bijin Basu (Class of '26)
Hey everyone, my name is Bijin (bee-jeen)! I am currently a senior at Tufts University majoring in Cognitive Brain Science and minoring in Dance. I have been practicing the beautiful dance form of Kathak for over 12 years and am a certified 5th Year dancer under the Prayag Sangeet Samiti Institute based in India. At Tufts, I am a proud member of Tufts Bhangra! Serving as a Dance Ambassador, I am here to offer support to anyone interested in the incredible Dance Program and the creative work that happens in this space. The sense of community I've found here is amazing, and I hope others can experience it too. Feel free to reach out or say hi if you see me around campus; I'd love to get to know you!
Eliana Chasen (Class of '27)
Hi! My name is Eliana and I am from Los Angeles, CA. I am a junior at Tufts majoring in Child Studies and Human Development and minoring in Political Science and Dance. I am deeply involved in the Dance Program at Tufts, but I am also a proud member of both Sarabande Dance Ensemble (a contemporary and jazz student group) and Spirit of the Creative (a hip hop and commercial student group). Besides dance, I love to spend time outdoors, listen to new music, and cook with friends! Feel free to reach out with any questions about dance (or general life!) at Tufts – always happy to chat!
Zaynab Espana (Class of '28)
Hi! My name is Zaynab and I’m a sophomore from Ecuador majoring in Biology and minoring in Dance. Since my very first day at Tufts, the Dance Program has felt like a second home. I’ve performed and worked crew for the dance concerts, and I also work as a monitor for the department. One of the biggest joys of my Tufts experience has been dancing with the incredible people in Sarabande Dance Ensemble. The Dance Program has given me a space to grow, move, and feel at home. If you have any questions or want to learn more about this amazing community, don’t hesitate to reach out. Welcome to Tufts!
Mia Giatrelis (Class of '26)
Hi! My name is Mia, and I'm a senior double majoring in Cognitive Brain Science and Civic Studies and minoring in both Theatre and Dance. I have loved being a member of the Dance Program as I've taken amazing classes and performed in many dance concerts. I am grateful for the dance experiences I've had, and I'm excited to become more involved this year. Please reach out with any questions you have!
Ella Gilad (Class of '27)
Hey everyone! My name is Ella and I am currently a junior at Tufts majoring in Economics, International Relations, and Dance and minoring in Entrepreneurship. My dance background is based in modern technique, seeing as I previously danced with the Mark Morris Student Company. Dancing at Tufts has allowed me to redefine my relationship with movement and expression. I have loved trying new styles and meeting amazing people through the program. Outside of the studio, I am in an a cappella group on campus! I also love to cook, do ceramics, watch romcoms, and spend time with friends. Feel free to reach out about any of the above or just to say hi!
Jena Thorne (Class of '26)
Hey everyone, I’m Jena! I’m a senior from Oakland, CA, and I’m majoring in Child Studies & Human Development and Cognitive & Brain Sciences with a minor in Dance. With a training background in ballet, I’ve had so much fun expanding what I love by dancing with the Harvard Ballet Company. But I have actually grown most by taking new styles of dance at Tufts and learning from my peers, as I’ve found such a splendid and love-filled community in the Dance Program! I also enjoy exploring the vibrant dance scene in the Boston area, so I’m always down to try out open classes and find new performances to see!