As part of Charleston Dance Center’s 25-year celebration, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on another incredible alumna: Whitney Wilson. Whitney danced with us from the very beginning in 2000 until her graduation in 2008. From her years at Just Dance! to an inspiring career that blends dance, healthcare, and education, Whitney’s journey exemplifies passion, creativity, and resilience.
From Just Dance! to a Life of Movement and Healing
After leaving CDC in 2008, Whitney attended the University of Florida, earning her degree in dance. She immersed herself in transformative experiences, studying under world-renowned teachers and traveling to Israel, California, NYC, and Illinois. It was here that she discovered her voice as a choreographer and performer, setting her on a path to empower others through movement.
After spending a few years teaching and choreographing locally, Whitney moved to New England to pursue her MFA in dance at Smith College in Northampton, MA. There, she experienced a deeply enriching artistic community that valued dance and interdisciplinary collaboration in ways she had never encountered before. Surrounded by incredibly talented and dedicated dancers, teachers, and artists, she expanded her creative vision and deepened her commitment to dance as a powerful tool for connection and expression. (And as a bonus -Oprah was the keynote speaker at her graduation!)
After completing her MFA, Whitney spent a brief time in Minnesota, where she welcomed her first child and developed a deep interest in reproductive health. However, the brutal winters led her and her family to return to Gainesville, where she began working with UF Health’s Arts in Medicine program. In 2020, she gave birth to her second child, an experience that further deepened her passion for maternal health and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in nursing.
A Career at the Intersection of Dance, Medicine, and Education
Since 2018, Whitney has been a Dancer-in-Residence for UF Health Shands Arts in Medicine, facilitating dance experiences that promote health and well-being. During her first five years with the program, she led weekly classes for individuals with neurological movement disorders such as Parkinson’s and MS. More recently, she created Bump and Groove, a dance program designed for pregnant women on long-term hospital stays. This class provides patients with the opportunity to step out of their rooms, connect with others, and engage with their bodies in a holistic and creative way.
Beyond UF Health, Whitney is a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Florida’s Center for Arts in Medicine, teaching undergraduate students about the intersection of arts, science, and medicine. Since 2023, she has also served as adjunct faculty at Santa Fe Community College, where she teaches Dance Fundamentals and Contemporary Dance.
And as if that weren’t impressive enough—Whitney is also a Labor and Delivery Nurse. She shared that although it may seem like a departure from her dance career, she finds that her background in movement enhances her empathy, resourcefulness, and ability to connect with patients in deeply meaningful ways.
Lessons From & Reflections of CDC
Reflecting on her time at Charleston Dance Center, Whitney recalls finding not just a dance studio, but a true sense of belonging. From rehearsals to performances, she built lifelong friendships and learned the power of trust, vulnerability, creativity, and celebration.
Her advice to current and future dancers? Trust the process. Whether creating a dance, structuring a class, painting a picture, or writing a poem, Whitney encourages young artists to let go and embrace the journey. It is through this openness that true transformation happens.
One standout memory from Whitney’s time at Charleston Dance Center was when the studio was without a permanent space before the year-end performance. Classes were held at Hot Wheels, a local skating rink, proving the dedication, adaptability, and resilience of Buffi and the entire studio family. She also fondly recalls the excitement of participating in an MTV dance show pilot—an unforgettable experience!
Lastly, Whitney often thinks of Kim Wade Roberts and the light she brought to those around her—a light that continues to shine through the Charleston Dance Center/Just Dance community today.
Whitney’s journey is a testament to the power of dance to shape lives, not just on stage but in the world beyond. Whether she’s teaching, choreographing, dancing, or caring for patients, she brings the same passion and creativity she cultivated at Charleston Dance Center. We are so proud of all that she has accomplished and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her next.
Whitney, thank you for being a part of the CDC/JD legacy!
Stay tuned for more Alumni Spotlights as we celebrate 25 years of Charleston Dance Center magic! Mark your calendar for our 25th Annual Year End Performance on June 14th.