On Monday, November 18, Athens Academy senior Siena Avolio successfully defended her

Capstone Project, "Dance and Movement Analysis." A dancer since she was four years old, Siena

sought new ways to grow and transform her approach to dance “from that of a mere student,

seeking to further their technique, to an artist who creates and shares their passion with others.”

With help from several mentors, Siena worked at dance conventions, attended summer intensive

courses, and participated in master classes around the country, working alongside dozens of

accomplished dancers and choreographers.

Over the past year and a half, Siena felt she transitioned from a dancer to an artist. She

began teaching classes, sharing her journey with younger dancers and mentoring others. She

struggled with imposter syndrome but faced it head on, learning how to overcome her

perfectionism by “recognizing, rationalizing, and reversing” the negative feelings. Siena’s project

forced her to seek “situations of uncomfortability”

—a process that allowed her to grow and will

pave the way for future growth, in college and beyond.

For the research paper component of the project, Siena also explored the field of

neuroaesthetics, learning more about the effects of art on the brain and its possible benefits for

those suffering from Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, among others. As she applied to

colleges throughout the fall, she sought programs that offered interdisciplinary options for

neuroscience and dance.

According to her mentor Lorraine Thompson, director of the theater department at Athens

Academy,

“Siena had this awareness that there had to be more to dance for her, knowing that it

wasn’t enough to fill her bucket and causing her to search for something more.” Ms. Thompson and

Siena worked together on several projects within the school’s theater program, with Siena

choreographing the spring production of The Addams Family and participating in the GHSA Literary

Competition.

The Capstone committee approved Siena’s project following her presentation and

successful defense of her work.

The Capstone Project is an opportunity for Upper School students to explore a passion via

four criteria: research, mentorship, experiential learning, and an outward contribution. Each

student details their work extensively in a portfolio, including a research paper; they then defend

the project before a committee of faculty and administrators, similar to a Ph.D. oral defense.Students whose projects are approved by the committee receive the Capstone designation at

commencement in May.

Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th

grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. Now in its 57th year, Athens

Academy pursues its mission of “excellence with honor” through academics, athletics, fine arts,

and service and leadership. Ranked the #1 private school in Athens, #9 college prep school in

the state of Georgia, and #1 private school in Northeast Georgia (Niche.com).

For more information, please contact Kelley Cuneo, communications director, at

[email protected] or 706-433-2410.