ABOUT ME
Hello! My name is Adyson Whitman, and dance has always been a central part of my life. In fact, the first recital I ever attended was when I was just four days old. My mom grew up dancing and later became a teacher, which inspired me to begin dancing at the age of two—and I haven’t stopped since!
Growing up, my dance studio quickly became a second home to me. It was a place where I felt supported, challenged, and inspired, and it played a huge role in shaping not only my love for dance but also who I am as a person.
My studio didn’t just teach me the foundation of my art, it taught me how to set goals and achieve them. It pushed me to step into leadership roles and gave me the confidence to speak publicly about what I love most.
These strengths are what led me to the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, where I am currently a junior. Here, I have expanded my artistic “toolbelt” through roles such as Assistant Stage Manager and Assistant to the Costume Designer, among others you can find on my resumes!
WHY MY VALUES?
CREATIVITY
Creativity is my first value because dance has always been my primary outlet for expression. From a young age, it gave me a way to communicate thoughts and emotions that I could not always put into words. Over time, I have come to understand creativity not just as performance or choreography, but as a form of storytelling, problem-solving, and connection. Dance has opened a door to self-expression that I have not found in any other medium, and it continues to challenge me to think differently and create with intention.
EQUITY
Equity is my second value because I grew up in a rural area where training opportunities were limited. While I was fortunate to have a supportive home studio that shaped my foundation, pursuing additional training such as intensives or specialized classes often required hours of travel. These experiences made me aware of how access can shape opportunity in the arts. Because of this, I believe dance is a privilege that should be more accessible to all individuals, regardless of geography, background, or circumstance, and I am passionate about helping create spaces where that access is expanded.
RESONSIBILITY
Responsibility is my third value because I am a first-generation student. I have been given opportunities that others in my family did not have access to, and I carry that awareness with me in everything I do. I have learned the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance by watching my parents and my community, and I understand the sacrifices that have made my education possible. Because of this, I view my education not only as a privilege, but as a responsibility—especially one that allows me to pursue my passions. I strive to honor those opportunities by showing up fully, working diligently, and using what I learn to create impact beyond myself.
“MAKE LEMONADE”
If you know me personally, you’ve probably heard me say, “Make Lemonade.” This motto is incredibly meaningful to me. I grew up hearing my mom say it, and it wasn’t until I got older that I truly understood what she meant.
“Make Lemonade” is about choosing to find a positive in every opportunity you receive. The bad days, the “no’s”—there is always a way to pivot and create an optimistic outlook.
I carry this mindset with me always. Whether it’s the tagline on the back of my phone case, a picture frame in my room with those familiar words, or simply the outlook I try to bring into every space I enter, I always strive to “Make Lemonade.”
My mom is the best “lemonade-maker” I know. She has continuously supported me and my dreams, sacrificing her own time and opportunities to ensure I can succeed. There would be no lemonade without her.
EXPERIENCES
I knew from a young age that I wanted to pursue dance at the collegiate level, with a strong passion not only for performing but also for the work behind the scenes. After discovering Oklahoma City University through my training and mentors, I chose to attend the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment to further both my artistic and professional goals.
During my time at OCU, I have trained in a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, precision, and musical theatre, while actively contributing to numerous productions. Through these roles, I have gained hands-on experience in areas such as rehearsal coordination, technical setup, and communication between creative teams and performers.
I am currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Dance Management, a program that has equipped me to be both a versatile performer and an effective arts manager. My coursework includes classes such as Nonprofit Management for the Arts, Event and Production Management, Development and Fundraising, and Dance Studio Management, all of which have strengthened my understanding of the operational and business side of the entertainment industry.
OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
ARTS MANAGEMENT
As a student in the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, I have held several production-based roles, including 2nd Assistant Stage Manager, Moving Light Board Operator, Choreographer’s Assistant, and Assistant to the Costume Designer. These positions have provided me with hands-on experience across multiple areas of production, allowing me to understand how each department collaborates to bring a performance to life.
Through my work in these roles, I have developed strong skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving within fast-paced rehearsal and performance environments. Whether coordinating backstage logistics, assisting with lighting execution, supporting choreographic processes, or contributing to costume preparation, I have gained a well-rounded perspective of both the technical and managerial aspects of the performing arts.
GAMMA PHI BETA
I joined Gamma Phi Beta because I wanted to be surrounded by women who lead with integrity, kindness, and a genuine commitment to lifting others up. From the beginning, I was drawn to the values of the organization and the way they show up not just in words, but in consistent action through sisterhood and service.
Our philanthropy, “Building Strong Girls,” is something I hold especially close to my heart. My younger sister was a Girl on the Run participant, and leaving her in Ohio when I moved to Oklahoma was one of the hardest transitions I’ve experienced. That program played a meaningful role in her confidence and growth, and it gave me a firsthand understanding of the impact it can have on young girls during formative years.
I’ve served as the Assistant to the Financial Vice President and currently serve as the Membership Vice President. In this role, I help guide our chapter through Formal Recruitment and welcome new members into Gamma Phi Beta each year. It’s been really meaningful to be part of shaping that first experience and helping create a welcoming, organized, and exciting environment for potential new members.