Tom Hogan ’20
Tina Ying ‘20 is December’s Artist of the Month. She had a main role in this year’s fall play, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and she is one of the leading members of the Episcopal Academy dance team.
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ying played the roles of Hippolyta, the queen of the Amazons, and Titania, the queen of the fairies. But before she became one of the many talented actors and actresses in the EA theatre, Ying mainly focused on dance. She is incredibly passionate about dancing, saying, “Every time I hear music I just want to dance to it. I get to tell stories without words and create art with my body.”
Ying has danced for eleven years, and she will be one of several dancers choreographing and performing her own solo dance this year. Her teammate Natalie Johnston ‘20 remarked on Tina’s work methods: “Her biggest strength is her drive. She’s a hard worker on the stage and in school. She’s devoted to the things she cares about and will put in the effort it takes to succeed.”
Ying has evolved from solely a dancer to a multifaceted artist in dancing and acting. She has continuously developed her artistry since she started her acting career at Episcopal. Ying explained, “I ended up doing Grease at the end of sophomore year and it ended up changing my life. It got me much more into theatre.” Grease was her first upper school musical. Daniel Clay, theatre department chair, stated, “In a very short time she has come a really long way as an actress and that’s because Tina works hard.” Ying’s drive and leadership qualities make her a noteworthy actor in the community.
Tina also exhibits many leadership qualities that are present in her actions. According to Johnston, “Everyone looks up to her as a person and dancer. Before class, she will go over the routine with people who don’t remember it and help them understand the counts and rhythm.”
Even though she just started acting in school productions last spring, Tina has assumed a leadership role in the cast. Clay explained, “She contributes to an environment that’s accepting and inclusive and safe,” which gives everybody in the cast the positivity they need from their peers.
Not only has Ying positively contributed to the EA arts programs, but the EA community has also fostered a place for her to achieve these accomplishments. She is very thankful for all the help and support that the EA community has given her. Ying explained, “The entire theatre community is so encouraging, especially when you’re going outside your comfort zone.”