Lindsey McGovern, a 2015 graduate of Salem State University, spent much of her childhood as an active artist in the world of both dance and theater. Lindsey often participated in high school dance and theater productions while also attending a private dance studio in her hometown of Reading. During this time, she “formed a strong bond" with teachers in the arts whom she still works with today.
While dance and theater were always a passion for her, Lindsey was torn between several options for undergraduate majors or concentrations when her journey began. She knew her goal was to own a private dance studio, but figuring out what educational experiences would serve her best on that journey was a challenge. Lindsey eventually discovered that what she wanted most was a program that offered supportive opportunities to dance and create, things that SSU was able to offer. On top of her concertation within the dance program, she was also accepted into the Commonwealth Honors Program at SSU that gave her an opportunity to explore other academic subjects as well. This allowed her the opportunity to explore several business and psychology-based classes that benefited both her interests and her future career.
Beyond attending and excelling in her classes Lindsey was an active member of Repertory Dance Theatre and Salem Dance Ensemble. She found that through the guidance of Meghan McLyman (SSU professor of dance) and Caitlin Corbett ( SSU professor emeritus of dance) she grew not only as a dance artist and choreographer, but as a leader as well. While the dance program and its faculty greatly impacted her, Lindsey also found that the Commonwealth Honors Program also greatly impacted her academic career. Under the leadership of Joanna Gonsalves (SSU professor of psychology), the program grew her interests in many areas including writing, research, and the pursuit of further education in the future. Today she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Dance Teaching Artistry from Wayne State University and serves as a graduate assistant and TA for Dr. Douglas Risner, the programs director. She aspires to one day pursue a PhD that relates to her masters research in the future.
Outside the classroom, an experience that Lindsey greatly enjoyed while at SSU was the American College Dance Association's regional festival, which she attended each spring. It provided a wonderful opportunity to learn from new artists, perform for adjudication, and present research— all of which were important catalysts for her career in dance. Additionally, she found that the chance to choreograph and perform each semester with Repertory Dance Theatre and Salem Dance Ensemble was excellent preparation for a life of performing and creating, allowing her to grow artistically.
After graduating from SSU, Lindsey took a leap of faith and opened a private dance studio called Enchanted Dance Academy in Winchester, MA. Opening her own studio had been a dream of hers since she was very young. The studio started out small but is now in its 8th season and has grown to a home for over 300 young dancers ranging in age from 2 to 18. Lindsey currently teaches six days a week to a variety of age groups in a variety of genres. On top of her work at her own studio, in 2018, Lindsey cofounded Vitality Dance Project--a modern dance collaboration with a fellow SSU alumni, Kelsey Blanchette. Together, they perform at local dance festivals and various performances in the area. Some of their most recent performances included, The Dance Junction Festival, Salem Arts Festival, NACHMO 2023, and OnStage 360. Opening her own business and taking on new projects has helped her grow in many capacities--as a business, a business owner, dancer, artist, and teacher.