Class of 2018 Dance graduate Abigail Miller is tapping her way to the bright lights of Broadway after being signed by the Movement Talent Agency in New York. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Abigail hopes to showcase her talent for performance and fancy footwork in big musical theatre productions.

“After four years at LMU I think I have a much clearer sense of what steps I need to take to reach my goals, as well as the skills to really stand out,” Abigail said, citing “A Chorus Line” as her favorite Broadway musical.

The only dance major among her classmates to take a bite out of the big apple following graduation, Abigail juggled a mix of dance and theatre classes during her time on the bluff, including tap, jazz, musical theatre and musical theatre dance.

“Two of my favorite classes were ‘Acting for the Musical’ and ‘Scene Study and Presentation,’" Abigail said. “Both really helped me learn how to effectively tell a story through song and dance and get into character.”

Moreover, Abigail found LMU’s Academic Resource Center to be an indispensable resource when it came to essay writing and editing, peer tutoring, resume crafting and more.

Originally drawn to the bluff for its top-ranked College of Communication and Fine Arts, Abigail says she appreciated that LMU’s dance program was part of a liberal arts university instead of a conservatory, allowing her to spread her wings and experience a well-rounded academic program and environment.

She added that the program brought in a wealth of guest teachers and visiting artists, and provided workshops with top dance companies, further enriching her experience.

In addition to her theatre minor and rigorous dance schedule, Abigail was also active in a number of campus organizations, including Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Order of Omega - the leadership honor society for Fraternity and Sorority members - and the National Dance Education Organization, among others.

She also had the opportunity to join the office Career Professional Development on one of their popular Career Treks to New York City, where she had the chance to check out the sights and meet with top employers and artists.

“It was an amazing experience,” Abigail said. “We got to see a lot of businesses in the arts and I made plenty of contacts.”

As for what advice Abigail has for future Lions?

“If you have a certain passion pursue it even if it scares you,” Abigail said. “Actively pursue what you want to do no matter what – do what scares you.”