Chase McLean

 What are you working on as part of your research assistantship? 

I am working with Professor Tamara Williams on a ring shout research project. This is researching the history of slave owners who held property where UNCC currently resides, and finding out information about the slaves who worked the land of UNCC. We are also looking at landmarks where praise/prayer houses were with the intention of showcasing ring shout dance at those sites. This is a new topic of interest for me so I am looking forward to the challenge of research and the excitement of the puzzles coming together.

Why do you think its important to connect heritage and the arts to communities?

I think it is very important to connect heritage and the arts to communities. It’s through knowing our heritage that we can learn, understand, and grow from what once was a lesson (whether a lesson of trial and error, or success) and apply it to our lives. Knowing the history of something can bring clarity and understanding, or more interest to answer questions that come up. As an educator, it’s important to know the what and why of something, and equip your students and the people around you with that knowledge and information. Connecting through the arts creates an understanding of information for a lot of people who usually would not pay attention to history otherwise. It also can be a dramatic way to bring attention to a major subject or area of interest. 

What are you studying?

I am a Dance Education major with a certificate in Advanced Dance studies. 

What kind of career do you hope to have?

I hope to have a career that is constantly cultivating myself and others, inspiring others to grow in information and awareness of their bodies, and their knowledge of it and the space around it. 

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not in class, studying, or working, I am usually found in a dance class or creating art pieces for my small art business. I also enjoy hanging out with friends, cooking, and reading the Bible!