Photo courtesy of Matt Myatt
He may be well known for his fun-loving attitude and magnetic personality, but Myatt is much more; whether he likes to admit it or not, he is a talented dancer, as well as a soccer player, RA, student and the president of the Alpha Tao Omega fraternity.
Q: What inspired you to start dancing?
A: I was dating a girl in high school who was really into dance, so I was familiar with the dance world, but never had any real training. It was just funny to pretend to know how to dance. It was not until I came to Pepperdine and went to NSO’s random dance parties and ATO formals that I knew I liked to dance for fun. Philanthropies started asking me to choreograph things; I helped choreograph Songfest my freshman year. The summer before sophomore year I performed in the DIF film, and knew I wanted to be a part of DIF after my year abroad.
Q: How has being a part of DIF impacted your life?
A: DIF really pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. The directors, Alex and Kelsey, always pushed us to try new things. It was fun to have people believe in me. Without DIF, I wouldn’t have found something I find so enjoyable.
Q: Do you aspire to continue dancing after graduation?
A: Dance is just something I like to do for fun. It would be cool to take some dance classes with friends every now and then, but it’s not something I want to do professionally or competitively.
Q: How has being a part of DIF challenged you?
A: At first it was hard to decide how much of a priority DIF was. I am part of a lot of different things at Pepperdine, and I had to decide what I was willing to sacrifice. DIF was hard because it was something so new. Although it was a huge time commitment; it really shows when you put a lot of effort into it, and the sacrifices were worth it.
Q: What is your favorite thing about being part of DIF?
A: I loved seeing amazing talent come alive. I had seen people around campus that I had no idea had this special gift and wouldn’t know unless I got to know them. DIF made me see Pepperdine in a whole new lens. It was great to see people who had danced their whole lives share something so special with dancers who had never danced before. It was uplifting to see how people can use their bodies as a form of expression.
Q: What is one of your most memorable moments?
A: Our guys’ piece was definitely one of my most memorable moments. It was the first year DIF had a guys’ piece and rehearsals were so fun. It was pretty chaotic at first, but one day it just clicked.
Q: Do you have a role model or anyone in your life who has positively impacted your love of dance?
A: My dad has always been a positive influence in my life. He has always known what he believes in and stood firm in his faith even when he had to make sacrifices. He always supported me and challenged me to try new things. He used to say, “Keep a smile in your pocket and share it.” I think that instilled in me a love for people and just to be myself. You can’t be shy on stage; when you dance you are sharing a part of yourself.
Q: How did you find the time to balance being part of DIF, president of a fraternity, coursework, a freshman RA and club soccer?
A: One of the hardest things for me was to give up spontaneous trips on the weekend, but everything I am involved in is with people I really care about. It’s like killing two birds with one stone; I get to hang out with my best friends, but at the same time do things I really care about. I am not just busy, but I am building relationships as well. It also helps to stay organized. I have never used a planner before this year, and now I have two planners and an hourly schedule.
Q: Do you have any advice for students who wish to be a part of DIF?
A: People don’t realize how much of a community DIF really is and how awesome the people are. Even if you have to step out of your comfort zone, just go for it. You have nothing to lose by auditioning. College is a time when you are able to test your limits and explore who you are. Try new things, even if it’s uncomfortable. You don’t want to grow up with regret.
________
Follow the Graphic on Twitter: @PeppGraphic
