Student Spotlight: Alison Tucker
Alison Tucker is a student in the Business Administration program through UF Online. She shared more about her experience as a business student and her passion for dance.
Q: Why did you choose Warrington?
Tucker: “I chose the Warrington College of Business because it is very professional with standards set at a high level, to which I appreciate. I also chose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Warrington through UF online, so I could continue to pursue my passion for dance and performing. Also, growing up as a Gator fan made the decision easy.”
Alison Tucker performs on stage.
Q: How long have you been dancing?
Tucker: “I’ve been dancing since I was 4 years old, and I started training in my hometown, Ocala, FL. In 2019, I started commuting back and forth from Gainesville to dance with Dance Alive National Ballet just as a student. This past year I was asked to join Dance Alive as a professional dancer, and I could not be more excited. I’ve been dancing for just about 14 years, and I have loved every second of it.”
Q: Tell us about your involvement in the Nutcracker!
Tucker: “The Nutcracker is a truly special tradition in the Ballet World. I’ve been performing the Nutcracker for almost 10 years, and I feel that Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it. Dance Alive has 12 performances of the Nutcracker this year. We travel to North Carolina, South Carolina, Alachua, and Ocala. Ending with our main performances here in Gainesville at the Curtis M. Phillips Center on December 17th and 18th.
One of the best parts of dancing in the Nutcracker is the variety of parts there are to play. This year I get the privilege to dance as a snowflake, a dancer in Spanish, a flower in the Waltz of the Flowers, and ending with all of us coming in for the finale. The Nutcracker really is a show full of magic. It is without a doubt a performance that fills everyone with holiday spirit. We have worked so hard to put on this fabulous performance, and I hope everyone considers coming to see it, maybe even making it a holiday tradition for themselves.”
Tucker is a member of Dance Alive National Ballet.
Q: What are your future career plans?
Tucker: “In the future, I definitely want to continue dancing. My goal is to incorporate my passion for dance with my business degree. That may include opening my own studio to teach the new generation of dancers or becoming an Artistic Director of a professional dance company. For now, I want to keep learning and growing as an artist as well as academically. Dance will always be a part of my life and receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business will help that dream go even further.”
