She stands still on stage in her starting position and waits for her sound cue. The darkness in the auditorium surrounds her and she cannot see the audience, but she knows they’re there waiting, watching. Finally, once the stage lights go on and the music starts to play, music and motion become one.

For many, dance is a social event or just a hobby, but for Joanne Mallillin, 41, dance major, dance isn’t just something she does, dance is who she is.

Mallillin was born in the Philippines where she was exposed to a lot of Philippine folklore including music containing a variety of percussion, Mallillin said.

“Ever since I was a child, I have always moved with the music,” Mallillin said.

Mallillin has performed in various shows, including the New York Festival in Las Vegas and many previous shows at EC, Mallillin said. She is currently choreographing dance routines that will appear in this year’s Dance Ensemble.

“I choreograph more than I dance here at EC, I also design the costumes for the dances I choreograph,” Mallillin said.

Mallillin specializes in modern dance. She loves the nature and foundation of this type of dance, she said.

“Modern dance specializes in the artistic expressions of human nature,” Mallillin said.

Unlike hip-hop or the sternness of ballet, modern dance emotes more freedom of expression, Mallillin said.

“Modern dance is a lot of lyrical movement, it’s more freedom of movement,” Mallillin said.

Modern dance has helped Mallillin channel her emotions from the stage to the audience, and in return, Mallillin said it has also been a source of comfort for herself.

“Being on stage transforms me. I feel I’m the center of attention and at the same time, I’m touching the audience’s heart,” Mallillin said.

Mallillin said EC has offered her great opportunities and the staff has also been very supportive of her work.

“(Instructor) Daniel Berney has supported me a lot; he understands what my needs are,” Mallillin said.

The support for Mallillin’s dancing is rooted from her beginnings in the Philippines, where her mother always encouraged her to dance, Mallillin said.

“Every time I choreograph I dedicate the dance to her,” Mallillin said

Mallillin hopes to one day open a studio in the Philippines where she could teach children modern dance and its traditions, Mallillin said.

“In the Philippines, it’s very cultural,” Mallillin said. “It’s not exposed to as much as America is, so I want to share my learning experiences with these kids.”

Mallillin emphasizes how dance has influenced her and though not everyone dances as a profession, she believes dance is a part of everyone, she said.

“My life has changed through dance; the music keeps me going,” Mallillin said. “Other people may not be aware of it, but dance is in them, too. Unwillingly, people start to dance when they hear music at a party or in the shower, it’s an automatic reaction.”

For Mallillin, age is not an obstacle; she is very optimistic and takes care of her physique.

“Health is number one for me, so every morning I exercise and stretch,” Mallillin said. “When I’m ready to start the day, I feel good about myself.”

Mallillin deeply cherishes the art of dance and sees a lifetime of work in the future of her career.

“I want to do this for the rest of my life,” Mallillin said.