Kristin Smyre

Reflection of Spiritual Education

Coming to BYU provides a unique opportunity to attend classes where the gospel
of Jesus Christ is not a forbidden topic. The learning environment welcomes discussion
and learning that includes gospel principles and spiritually nourishing moments. As I
reflect on the many dance classes I have taken I can look back fondly on all. However,
some stand out to me as contributing to not only secular learning, but spiritual learning
too.
My first experience with this came when I took dance 243 and 244. As dancers we
commonly refer to this as modern marathon. Being together for so many hours a week
gives ample time to form great bonds and close relationships. This happened between
student and teacher as well as student and student. Karen Jensen taught this particular
class and did so in a memorable manner. She had such great energy that caused myself
and others to look forward to her class every day. She accomplished this by providing a
positive learning environment and an atmosphere that pushed us and encouraged us. She
took time to allow the spirit to guide discussion and listened to its promptings. This was
amazing to experience.
During a spring semester, I had the privilege of going on the China Dance Study
Abroad with a powerhouse of spiritual teachers. Marilyn Berrett taught improvisation for
a while and then switched with Caroline Prohosky. Caroline also taught composition.
Jiamin was there for the entire duration of the study abroad. The number one reason I
think these three women stood out as spiritual giants to me was their shining examples
and life experiences. Their character was also off the charts. Sometimes as humans, we

Kristin Smyre
really do learn best by example. I cant think of a better example that our group could
have had. Both Caroline and Marilyn took opportunities to discuss spiritual things in their
lesson. They knew their class and implemented the gospel in the lessons somehow. The
lessons were woven together perfectly to not only make sense of improvisation or
choreography, but also teaching us life lessons. They told us experiences that contributed
to their reasons of why they taught something a certain way or how they learned
something. Those reasons often included something of the gospel. Jiamin Huang is one
woman I will always have the upmost respect for in this life. It brings me to tears now
thinking of her. She spoke about personal things that happened growing up in China.
While in China she shared stories of her life so we could better understand the history and
culture. We never imagined the hardships she faced and further couldnt comprehend the
amount of faith and courage she had. She explained how she found the gospel and even
shared her testimony with us. Never had a teacher done this in such a powerful way. I
was so impacted by her testimony. All that were in that conversation were in tears
because the spirit was so present.
Lastly, I am currently in Methods of Teaching Contemporary Dance, or Dance
366. Our teacher is the wonderful Ariel Hortin. Ariel is also high energy and provides a
welcome learning environment. Our discussions and readings sometimes do more than
just include gospel topics. Sometimes, they are centered on them. This provides a great
amount of time to discover on our own and then come back and discuss as a class. During
class discussions we learn from one another and also from insight that Ariel shares. She
too shares personal moments of growth and learning that helped me to learn. I have
enjoyed her example and vulnerability and will try to emulate those qualities in my

Kristin Smyre
teaching when I graduate. I believe so many teachers on BYU and in the dance
department are doing a great job at providing spiritual growth opportunities. I look
forward to doing the same for my students.