Meet Graduate Lucy Qian
Photo Credit: Jeri Tidwell
Lucy Qian - Harvard University & Harvard Ballet
MEET THE GRADUATE - From ABA to Harvard - A Story of Success!
Lucy Qian - Harvard University & Harvard Ballet
How has your classical ballet training at Akhmedova Ballet Academy influenced your approach to learning and problem-solving at Harvard?
At ABA, whether in class or rehearsing my variations, I always felt challenged and pushed beyond my comfort zone. Those experiences, which have helped me become more resilient throughout life, closely mirror the rigorous academic pressures and expectations at Harvard. My classical ballet training has taught me that patience and adaptability come hand-in-hand when making progress, especially since growth rarely happens overnight. Whenever I find myself struggling with a concept at school, I think back to the times I have grown stronger at the barre by focusing on solutions rather than seeing my shortcomings as setbacks. This kind of mindset has shaped the way I approach many challenges as I continue learning.
Many people assume dance and academics require entirely different skill sets. Where do you find your artistic and academic pursuits overlap?
There is definitely overlap between dance and academics; both demand lots of discipline, repetition, and precision. To become the best version of yourself in any field, success comes down to being proactive and consistent. Whether I am preparing for a performance or studying for an exam, I dedicate time to practicing my skills and strengthening the mental endurance required to perform at my best. Both pursuits have taught me that growth is far from a straight path, but it is still a continuous process. While there is always room for improvement, knowing I have put forth my best effort gives me the confidence to build upon my current skills and cultivate new ones.
What is one specific lesson you learned in the ballet studio that helped you navigate a particularly challenging week at Harvard?
At the studio, I had a really strong support system I could always count on: people who I could talk to, lean on, and who helped me work through stress. Leaving an environment where I felt so comfortable being myself was hard, but it also pushed me to find my own community at my new home at Harvard. Being able to rely on the people around me, whether professors, upperclassmen, roommates, or friends, made me more confident as I navigated any difficult week. While it wasn't necessarily a lesson I learned, my relationships at ABA helped me realize how much community mattered, so these were connections that I knew I had to build.
Looking back at your time at the Akhmedova Ballet Academy, what is the most valuable piece of advice you received from your teacher that still guides you in your studies and life today?
One piece of advice I still carry with me is not to be afraid of falling. Although this was originally directed toward what we did in the studio, it always reminds me not to let fear take over and to continue putting myself out there. As simple as it may sound, learning to embrace your mistakes and pick yourself back up really does make a difference in the learning process.
What is your advice to future graduates of ABA?
Whatever path you ultimately decide to follow, make the most of what you currently have—your relationships with your friends, your teachers, and your connection to dance. Creating lasting memories and meaningful goals can, and will, become a source of motivation when things get tough, sooo soak it all in!
If your Harvard academic experience was a ballet, which one would it be and why?
So far, my time at Harvard has felt like bits and pieces of The Nutcracker. Much of the time, being on campus feels like I'm living in a dream, but the challenges and opportunities have been incredibly real. Entering this new chapter drew parallels with Marie stepping into her enchanted world, where every class, organization, friendship, and opportunity offered new perspectives and lessons. While new experiences can certainly be nerve-racking, especially when navigating things on your own for the first time, this first year of college up in Boston has been a whirlwind of an adventure, much like the Snow Scene itself.