Amaree Ratliff

Hometown: Winston Salem, NC

Degree: BA in Dance, Performance, Choreography and Theory, Bachelor in International Studies, European Concentration, and minor in French

Graduation Year: 2026

How did you first get interested in dance?
I first started dancing in church as a young child, I realized that I really enjoyed it and wanted to take it further so I started actually training my sophomore year of high school. I began taking classes at the Academy of Dance Arts in Winston-Salem, NC and also attended RJ Reynolds High School which is an arts based school. There I was in an orchestra where I played the viola, I took dance classes, and joined the dance team “The Dancing Boots”. Growing up as a child I was really into music due to my mother and was often inspired by musical artists such as Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, and so many others. 

What kind of career do you hope to have?
The career that I hope to have is one that involves dancing until I can’t anymore. I would love to join a dance company and perform and do tours. I am open to any dance career whether that be commercial, modern, choreography or teaching. Although, I do hope to continue to perform first before I begin teaching full time. In order to incorporate my international studies into dance I would love to work internationally with dancers all over so that I can continue to learn from all cultures and continue to be inspired. 

What is your favorite thing about The Department of Dance?
My favorite thing about the Dance Department is that we are given multiple opportunities to show our talents, whether that be in class, for a performance, or a mock audition. I really think that we are very lucky to have the guest artists that we have had come in and want to talk and share with us because in turn that inspires us and creates new opportunities. 

Do you participate in any community activities or work in the Charlotte arts community?
I work as an intern for BarreBelle Ballet. It is a non profit organization that provides ballet classes to children in the community. It is a great organization that makes dance more accessible to our youth and causes the children to be involved, aware of arts, and inspired.

When you are not in class, studying, or working, what do you like to do for fun?
When I am not in class or at work I love to hang out with my friends, boyfriend or family, anything like going to the pool, hanging out in UREC, grabbing food, or just watching movies together sounds great to me!