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ThePerformer

Ricky Rogers Dance
Monroeville, Pa.

The Horse Whisperer
The Violinist
Wide Receiver. Dancer. Big 12 Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll student. College of Creative Arts student Ricky Rogers has found a home for his hybrid of skills at West Virginia University.  Now, as he receives the training necessary to perform and achieve from his coaches and professors, he’s thinking beyond his college years - and dreaming big in the process.

About
Ricky

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Ricky Rogers spent 15 years as a competitor in dance and football. His drive, passion and work ethic for both disciplines led him to WVU, where he has found a home as a Mountaineer.

What is your career goal? Plan A is to play in the NFL.  Plan B is to open up my own dance studio.

When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you pass the time? I love to relax by watching “Criminal Minds.”

What's your quote to live by? 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Where is your favorite view in West Virginia? Behind Woodburn Circle – you can see the river, mountains and sunset.  It’s a beautiful view. 

Favorite Morgantown restaurant? Stefano’s – their lobster mac and cheese is amazing!

Favorite movie? I love old movies; "Breakfast Club" and "Jaws" are at the top of my list. I’m also a fan of "Dirty Dancing." It’s actually the movie that got me interested in dancing.

Favorite song of all time? Anything Michael Jackson – especially "Dirty Diana"!

Favorite fictional character? Jay Gatsby is my favorite book character.

If you could only visit one more place on campus, where would you go? Milan Puskar Stadium – it’s home to me.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?  Brazil – I love beaches.

If you were to title your own autobiography, what would it be? “The Life and Times of Ricky Rogers” – nice and simple.

What couldn’t you live without? Music – it plays an important part in my life.  

Most valuable skill you have? The ability to dance. 

Person you’ve met during your time here who has had the biggest impact on you? My football teammate Terrell Chestnut.  We are really close; I know I can count on him to be there to help when I reach out to him with a challenge. 

If you could have dinner with any three people, current or past, who would they be? Michael Jackson, Drake and Lynn Swann, the Steelers’ Hall of Famer. Swann lived a life parallel to mine with football and dance.  

What about any hidden talents? I have a black belt in karate.  

Ricky
& WVU

Why did you choose to come to WVU? WVU was the perfect fit for me for both football and dance. I loved the atmosphere on game day and I really connected with the coaching staff. I also was impressed with Dr. Yoav Kaddar, the chair of the dance department. He was an athlete and a dancer, so he really understood me.

Why is WVU special to you? It feels like home to me. 

What surprised you most about WVU when you got to campus for the first time? How big it was. It was much larger than what I was expecting. 

When I'm on campus, you can most likely find me: At the football stadium.

What's the favorite class you've taken at WVU? A contemporary dance class.

What's your most memorable moment at WVU? The first time I stepped into the stadium on game day.

What advice would you give to a student thinking of coming to WVU? Don’t be overwhelmed by the size of the campus and how many students attend the school.

What's your proudest accomplishment while at WVU? Getting a 4.0 my first semester.

Best thing about college life? You get to meet a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and cultures.

How has WVU changed you? I have become more independent.  

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