THIS PROFESSOR'S STAGE GOES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

By Andrea Briones

Since the age of 5, Jana Rutherford, an associate professor in marketing at Barry University, has danced along to any music played around her. Seeing her enthusiasm, her parents enrolled her in dance lessons, where her passion flourished.

Now, Rutherford is teaching marketing courses in the college while pursuing theater in the background.

PHOTO COURTESY: JANA RUTHERFORD

The most recent production she participated in was Me and My Miami, produced by Patdro Harris at the Brévo Theater, which ran from Oct. 2 to Oct. 12.

It follows the story of three local teenagers—Rosa, Fuquan and Joseph—who were selected to perform at the Dade County Farmers Market Arts Festival. The musical celebrates culture, family, truth and the youth of Miami.

During the show, Rutherford performed as a dancer ensemble, showcasing a range of styles like modern dance, jazz and hip-hop.

Oftentimes, she drives straight to rehearsal after classes, but she finds the effort always worth it.

“I just love it and if I had to go back and do life over again, I would do this full time,” said Rutherford. “I’d be standing in rehearsal feeling tired, but in my mind, I’d be saying, ‘Oh my God, I love this so much.’”