What began as an opportunity to study dance in Latvia for a year has evolved into an ongoing international platform for Iowa alumna Alyssa Gersony — one that is expanding the real-life impact of dance for individuals who are blind and visually impaired.
After earning her Master of Fine Arts in interdisciplinary studies (choreography and intermedia performance) from the University of Iowa in 2020, Gersony became Iowa’s first student to receive a Fulbright in dance—the only Study/Research award given that year by Latvia. Despite a global pandemic that forced her to reapply, Gersony arrived in Latvia in 2021 with a question:
“How can I teach orientation and mobility skills through creative movement practices?”
Gersony’s research focused on integrating orientation and mobility training into dance for blind and visually impaired students. Partnering with the Latvian Dance Information Center, the Latvian Center for Contemporary Art, and the Strazdumuiza School for the Blind, she led workshops, taught dance classes, and introduced the pediatric belt cane — a mobility aid for children.
“I wasn't interested in going [to Riga], doing a project, and then leaving,” Gersony said. Her commitment to her work has kept her deeply involved in Latvia while expanding her career throughout Europe.
In 2022, Gersony moved to Brussels — a city she had first explored while on a study abroad program in her undergraduate years — to pursue postgraduate artistic research at a.pass (Advanced Performance and Scenography Studies) residency program. Since then, she has been learning Dutch while working on three major grant-funded projects focused on dance and accessibility.
“One of my top priorities in moving to Brussels was figuring out how I could continue working in Latvia, and supporting the initiatives we started collectively,” Gersony said.
More than two years after her Fulbright award, she has secured funding from the Latvian Ministry of Culture and the European Commission to expand a project that grew organically from her research called “Free to Fail,” a work-in-progress showing and feedback series organized for local Latvian choreographers.
“This wasn’t part of my original proposal,” Gersony said. “It emerged from being there and getting to know people.”
Her ongoing research and projects are helping to redefine accessibility in dance, showing that movement can be a powerful tool for fostering independence and expression among visually impaired individuals. She credits the Fulbright application process for equipping her with the skills to secure international funding that sustains work as an artist and researcher.
“Applying for the Fulbright set me up to apply for a small-scale cooperation project through the European Commission,” she said.
A key factor in her success was the guidance of UI Fulbright Program Advisor Dr. Karen Wachsmuth and the support of Dr. Rebekah Kowal, the UI Graduate College, and the UI Schools of Art, Music, and Dance.
“I ended up in Latvia because of the International Programs office at Iowa, and Karen was instrumental in guiding me through the process. I’m incredibly grateful to her,” Gersony said.
Reflecting on her experience, Gersony sees Fulbright as more than just a grant — it’s a catalyst for new opportunities.
“This program gives people a chance to step outside their home context, explore something new, and pursue a line of research they’re curious about,” Gersony said. “It opens the next door and brings you along an unexpected path.”
For students interested in international opportunities, Gersony encourages exploring options beyond traditional study abroad.
“There are many exchange programs, even outside of Fulbright, that can support you in finding funding and the means to continue your education in Europe or elsewhere,” Gersony said.
She also highlights the availability of scholarships, adding, “There are a lot of scholarships out there, and I think the International Programs office helped me understand that.”
Gersony’s work continues to move forward, shaped by the partnerships and experiences she has cultivated in Riga, Brussels, and beyond. Her experiences underscore the lasting impact of global experiences, showing that a single opportunity can lead to a career that transcends borders and disciplines.
Learn more about U.S. Fulbright Student opportunities at the University of Iowa
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.
