TUCSON, ARIZ.–The hustle and bustle of Broadway street looks different now for Alejandro MullerDahlberg as he steps into New York City’s famous entertainment district as a performer. As a dancer in a show running eight times a week, he now takes his bows in front of thousands of cheering audience members.

After graduating in 2020 from the University of Arizona’s School of Dance, MullerDahlberg spent a few years taking class, auditioning and performing in cities like Los Angeles to further his skills in musical theater. This fall, he made his Broadway debut as a swing dancer in the musical “& Juliet” in New York City. 

He’s one of dozens of graduates of the UA School of Dance to launch a successful career as a dancer/performer.

The school was established almost 40 years ago, and in 2020 ranked second among public universities by OnStage. The program, accepting only around 40 to 45 dancers each year, trains aspiring professionals who go on to take a wide variety of career paths.

For MullerDahlberg, the UA dance program gave him a glimpse into what a career in musical theater could look like through a jazz class taught by one of the school’s associate professors, Tamara Dyke-Compton. 

“I didn’t really think I could sing until she made us sing at the mock audition,” he said.“That was kind of the first time where I was like, ‘Well, maybe I could shoot for Broadway.’”

He said Dyke-Compton’s instruction has stuck with him. She, like many of the other faculty members, has a respect for and dedication to the art of dance that he learned from, he said. 

“You’re not always going to be lucky enough to find mentors to push you forward,” he said. “If you want to have longevity in your career–she’s a stickler about a warm up, so in terms of professional, on-the-job skills, I got a lot from Tammy.”

The journey was far from easy for MullerDahlberg. As a student during the pandemic, his passion for dance waivered, he said. But the faculty did not allow him to give up. 

“I switched to a dance minor, computer engineering major, because I wanted to quit dance,” he said. “But (Associate Professor) Liz George wouldn’t let me quit. So she dropped me to a minor, and she was like, ‘I have a feeling you’ll be back.’”

She was right.

The following year, he rejoined dance and graduated in 2020 with a Bachelors of Fine Arts. 

After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to continue studying dance styles like hip hop and musical theater that piqued his interest in UA classes. He started securing roles in regional productions such as “Damn Yankees.” Later, he performed in a six month contract with Tuacahn Center for the Arts, a “Broadway bootcamp” in Utah. He formed a foundation for his vocal technique and gained confidence to take a chance on New York City toward the end of 2023. 

“From there, I kind of never looked back–they say you get bit by the bug,” he said. “I came to New York on $1,000 at the beginning of this year. New York chewed me up and spit me back out.”

By then, MullerDahlberg knew a thing or two about perseverance. After overcoming a fractured ankle and several audition rejections, he started dancing again. He attended auditions in L.A, one being with Jennifer Weber, the choreographer of “& Juliet.” One day, a phone call from his agent changed the trajectory of his dance career. 

“I was driving to the gym and he gave me a call and he was like, ‘Is there anybody with you right now? Well, tell them to start recording,’” he said, describing the moment his agent told him he had gotten the job in “& Juliet.”

“I was like, ‘Oh my God!’” he said. “Cause let me tell you, a regional theater does not pay very much money. Broadway pays well enough that you can live comfortably in New York.”

Tamara Dyke-Compton said moments like these make her proud as an educator. She said the school offers a diverse curriculum where dancers can explore different dance styles and career paths to discover their passions. Alumni have built careers on cruise ships, Broadway, in Los Angeles or in ballet or modern companies, like alumna and former student Jada Pearman.

“She dances with Paul Taylor, and they’re having their season at the State Theatre in Lincoln Center,” she said. “There’s a humongous billboard of just Jada on the whole side of the building, and I’m just so proud of her.”

Ending up on a billboard in New York City might not be everyone’s journey, however, and there are other ways to find success as a dancer. 

Anastasia Miller, who graduated from the school in 2023, is currently freelancing in Los Angeles as a choreographer, dancer and teacher. She said the School of Dance gave her the tools she needed to be successful and open to jobs. 

“My favorite thing that really stuck with me from the school is the variety and options,” she said, “As a freelance dancer now, that’s kind of what my daily looks like– I’m constantly hopping into different facets of the dance industry every day.”

As a choreographer, Miller said she had opportunities to present work on stage at the Stevie Eller Dance Theater in showcases such as “Student Spotlight.” Guidance from her mentors taught her not only about choreography itself, but how to set a piece on stage with proper spacing and lighting, she said. 

When she graduated, she already had a strong choreography reel. “So my choreography looks relatively professional,” she said.

During her senior year, Miller also experienced audition rejection from dance companies. In those moments, she said, she learned to trust the process and that her life did not begin or end after graduation – she gained perseverance and perspective on the trajectory of her dance career.

“Just doing things you have any inkling to do and not letting fear stand in your way,” she said. “Don’t worry about judgment by others, because at the end of the day, they’re not the ones living your life–you are.”

Duane Cyrus, director of the School of Dance, said the curriculum aims to prepare students for sustainable careers with his primary vision being career longevity. As part of that, the school offers professional opportunities for dancers.

“We have professional companies come into town and do private auditions with our students that have led to employment. For example, one of our alums, Kyle Anders, is now apprenticing with Hubbard Street,” he said, referring to the contemporary dance company based in Chicago. 

Cyrus said a successful career requires community involvement. 

“Success does not happen overnight–it comes from a series of actions over time,” he said. “Immerse in the community, learn about the Dance Collective, engage with all the faculty. All of the faculty have value.”

Dyke-Compton added that dancers also need a sense of willingness coming into the program, loving and experiencing new things to become as well rounded as possible. Improving skills in all forms of foundational dance, she said, is key to knowing what you are drawn to as an artist. 

“I always say, coming in with an open mindset is the best thing and seeing the good in everything that’s being offered to you in the moment,” she said.

For MullerDahlberg, being honest and genuine have been the keys to success. 

“Whether you can dance this style or another style, whether you can do tricks, whether you can do turns or whether you’re a jumper or a freestyler,” he said. “None of that matters as much as the way you live.”

Now, he spends his time settling into his role on Broadway, learning multiple roles as a swing, from ensemble tracks to solo singing roles. And he walks into the rehearsal space – one he used to audition in – as a Broadway performer, enjoying every moment.