Zari Niada Wigfall

Student

“Finding a good counselor can be the key to success at SMC,” says Zari Wigfall, future choreographer. “When I first got to SMC, I went to the African American Collegian Center, where I met Mr. Dobbs, whom I adore. And I got to know a lot of the people there who steered me in the right direction. I mean, SMC is not a little school, and the more questions you ask, the more likely you are to get good results.” One good result of going to SMC for Zari has been her immersion in the college’s famed dance department.

“I like the diversity of the college in general, and it’s kind of rare to find a two-year school with such a powerful dance program. Our teachers are excellent, and one of the best things about them is that they really push us to go on to other schools. They work us hard in the program, I can tell you,” Zari says with a weary laugh. “But it’s great experience for what I hope to do in the future.” If all goes according to plan, Zari will one day take Europe by storm. She’s pretty close to mastery in French, which she picked up in a highly unusual school.

“I took a French class at SMC, and I was struggling with it. But I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, and there’s a French Kingdom Hall in L.A., so I’ve been going there to practice. And now I’m pulling 90s on my quizzes.” While modern dance is her forte, Zari has a distinctly classical dream. “My ultimate dream is to go to Europe and choreograph for the great opera companies.” Curtain up. Cue the orchestra. Zari!

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