News Article

Get to Know Brianna Larson, a native of Fargo that is a show stopper at heart, and the faculty member you want at karaoke night.

Brianna Larson

Place of birth?

Fargo, North Dakota

Why did you choose A-State?

The environment created by all of the faculty, staff and students I met was such a welcoming one. I already felt at home after just being here a day.

What makes a good professor?

Someone who continues to be a student themselves and is always hungry to learn.

Who was your favorite teacher (and why)?

Dr. Wheeler, because he was always challenging me to push myself, but wasn’t worried about telling me the truth when I needed to hear it.

My favorite motion picture is...

That’s too hard to answer, but my favorite recent release is The Greatest Showman.

When I want to crush karaoke, my song is...

Well... that question has a larger answer actually. For a while in college I had a group of friends I met through my cousin, and we would go to karaoke every Thursday night at Rooters. The karaoke guy (Frank) knew us well, and we knew him. We’d often stay until he packed up, and then go to The Frying Pan (sort of like a Denny’s) for late night/early morning breakfast. These were my few go to songs back then: “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton, “Wannabe” by The Spice Girls, “My Baby Loves Me” by Martina McBride, “Suddenly Seymour” from The Little Shop of Horrors, or “I wanna dance with somebody” by Whitney Houston. We even acted as back up dancers for one another when we weren’t singing.

Four people I’d take to coffee...

Derek Hough, Hugh Jackman, Andy Blankenbuehler, and Susan Stroman.

The best advice I ever received was...

"If something scares you, then don’t run away, go for it."

What makes for a good student?

Someone willing to open their mind to other ways of thinking and experiencing the world.

My hobby is...

Salsa dancing, baking, and crafting.

My passion is...

Telling a story through movement and dance.

What’s the value of a university education?

Exposure to a wide range of knowledge, ideologies, and people, as well as the gaining of life skills like organization, communication, and collaboration.

Your philosophy on education in seven words:

Not every student learns the same way.

If you could teach another field, which one and why?

Biology. I’ve always been fascinated with math and science, but of all that I’ve studied, something about biology always seemed exciting and to make complete sense while still being a beautiful surprise.

E-book or hardback?

HARDBACK

What is the one thing you wish you could teach everyone about your field?

Being a dancer and being a performer are different things.

Before you retire I want to...

Write a textbook on musical theatre dance history.

In college, I was known for...

Being highly organized and informed, and there to help any one of my classmates with whatever I could. I was the ‘mom.’

What music is playing in your car?

Pop, country or show tunes

The television series I must TiVo...

I cheat with Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Prime, so I’m usually diving into multiple shows at a time. I love fantasy shows (Sci-Fi) and crime dramas.

The last book I read for fun was...

Dan Brown: Origin.

My favorite trip was...

To Scotland and Ireland.

If I could travel anywhere it would be...

To visit each of my friends living in another country. The two on the top of that list right now are Japan and Colombia.

What is the one thing I’ve learned I’d tell my college self...

Gain as much experience and knowledge and training as you can possibly fit in now, this is the time, and you won’t have the same opportunities later. On the other hand, don’t forget to let loose once and a while and let yourself have some fun.

My favorite thing in my office is...

Pictures of my friends through the years. They help me remember my journey.

My pro sports team is...

Boston Celtics.

My pet peeve is...

people not using their blinker when they drive.

My favorite meal is...

homemade tacos.

A perfect day is...

sunny and spent with family at my family’s lake cabin, ending in a bonfire with s’mores.

My spirit cartoon character is...

Does Toadette from Super Mario count? [Absolutely, says the editor]

Cats or dogs?

Both, but cats first.

Beach or mountains?

Mountains

Dinner or supper?

Dinner

The one thing I’d take to a desert island (and a boat is not an answer)...

a cast iron skillet.

I wish I could...

travel the world more.

Only my friends know I...

I can’t tell you that, or then it wouldn’t be something that just my friends know. ;)

My favorite saying is...

“When one door closes, another opens.”