By Sarah R. Schwartz ’10

Cameron Auble-Branigan ’13 is far from just going through the motions—he’s dancing his way to the top. Trained at some of the finest dance schools in the country, this first-year Biology major recently auditioned for his third summer intensive with the San Francisco Ballet (SFB).

At 10 years old, Auble-Branigan needed a way to channel his energy. After attending a modern dance show, he knew he wanted to learn this very physical form of artistic expression. It’s been a passion of his ever since. He explains, “It’s not just about the steps. When I dance I get to learn about myself.

It will be Auble-Branigan’s first time back to the SFB since sustaining a knee injury that required surgery. It was every young dancer’s nightmare. “I had some doubts as to whether or not I should keep dancing,” he says. “When I had the surgery I knew that I needed an education.”

Auble-Branigan was already familiar with Arcadia University. In 2003 he participated in Camp Shakespeare, where young students ages 11-17 studied the bard’s text, times and performance techniques. They also performed scenes chosen to explore themes in Shakespeare.