STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: Dreher Seniors Zola Weinberg and Laura Evelyn Rogers Gain Work-Based Learning Experience Through Ballet

Zola Weinberg and Laura Evelyn Rogers will graduate from Dreher High School in the spring, but they’re already working as professional ballerinas. The seniors are gaining work-based learning experience with the Columbia Classical Ballet, and they’re the first students to use the ballet for class credit toward their high school degrees.

“I think this is an exciting opportunity, especially because this is the first time we’re working with a professional company. We get to dance during the day and have a lot more performance opportunities,” Laura Evelyn said.

The two have been dancing on a serious level since elementary school and have been members of Dreher’s dance program prior to the work-study. They say they enjoy ballet because they’re always looking for ways to perfect their performances. Ballet also teaches Zola and Laura Evelyn about staying focused, a skill that also applies to learning in the classroom.

“You have to be persistent and dedicated to your training. You have to lock in while you’re dancing. That translates to when you’re doing schoolwork. You have to make sure you’re getting it done and being organized,” Zola said.

Through connections with the Columbia Classical Ballet and its residency at the Columbia Ballet School, Zola and Laura Evelyn are doing this work-study for the entire school year.

Zola says this opportunity gives her and Laura Evelyn professional experience while still getting the chance to see their friends and be part of the Dreher community.

“Lots of dancers have to be homeschooled because they can’t work their schedules around going to school in person. Doing this work-study allows us to still go to school and have that sense of community,” she said.

Zola and Laura Evelyn performed with the Columbia Classical Ballet during their work-study. They performed in Ensemble Eclectica’s Tapestry of Sound at the Harbison Theatre in August. Next month, they will perform in the ballet’s “Once Upon an Evening” at the Koger Center for the Arts, which brings the stories of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White to life.

The ballet they’re looking forward to performing in the most is “The Nutcracker” at the Koger Center in December. Zola and Laura Evelyn say they always enjoyed seeing “The Nutcracker” on stage when they were younger.

“I loved seeing the dancers perform on a large stage in pretty costumes. I looked up to the older dancers,” Zola said.

After graduating from Dreher, Zola hopes to continue dancing with the Columbia Classical Ballet before going to college to become a doctor. Laura Evelyn is currently auditioning for college dance programs. She says the teachers at the ballet school and ballet company members have been able to give her and Zola advice that would help them with their future plans.

“We’re working with professionals who have gone through the process of applying to college and trying to get into a company. They give us a lot of wisdom and advice, which is really great,” Laura Evelyn said.

The two say they’re grateful to be part of a professional ballet company before graduating high school.

“It’s our senior year and we’re doing something that will help us with our careers. It’s something that we want to pursue in the future,” Laura Evelyn said.

For more information about work-based learning experiences and opportunities for Richland One students, contact Dr. Charnice Starks-Ray in the Richland One Career and Technical Education Office at (803) 735-3325.