Page 58 - Menlo Magazine: Summer/Fall 2018

SUMMER MAGAZINE 2018
SUMMER/FALL 2018
ALUMNA PROFILE
From her childhood through her time at Menlo and continuing at Stanford University, Jess Fry ’15 has trained in
multiple dance disciplines, most extensively in ballet and jazz, while simultaneously pursuing science studies with a similar devotion. Staying true to her passions, she’s working towards a double major in physics and theater and performance studies. In the spring of 2017, Jess decided to spend the summer working on an advanced physics experiment in Geneva, Switzerland, and afterwards, she planned to take a year off from her studies at Stanford. This wasn’t, however, to take a break. She had the opportunity to perform on Broadway in the revival of M. Butterfly, directed by Julie Taymor.
Jess was gracious enough to take some time to answer our questions about her fascinating path.
Congratulations on your Broadway debut. How has this role differed from others you’ve had in the past?
Thank you very much! My role in M. Butterfly was unique because it required me to use a more diverse set of skills. The play required everything from technical ballet elements en pointe to Chinese opera movements and masked martial art spear work. M. Butterfly was also my first professional performance contract and, while the process resembled that of other productions I have been in, the scale and talent necessary were so much greater.
particular, Dr. Dann’s AP Physics C and Applied Science Research classes and Mr. Thibodeaux’s Advanced Topics
in Math class, where I became particularly fascinated by particle physics. I enjoy particle physics because it utilizes the language of math to describe the most fundamental building blocks of our universe.
Jess Fry ’15
Art and Science Go Hand in Hand
Beyond dance, you have an accomplished science background. Tell us more about your interest
in science and where you hope
to go with it.
I developed my interest in science and math at Menlo thanks to countless phenomenal teachers and courses, in
Every discipline cultivates a unique way of perceiving the world, which, while valuable, can prevent you from seeing the bigger picture or thinking outside the box.”
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