UNT student balances books and ballet: taxation major by day, ballerina by night

Thursday, October 31, 2024 - 10:00

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DENTON (UNT), Texas - At the University of North Texas, students are encouraged to pursue their passions with dedication. G. Brint Ryan College of Business student Reece Domingue does just that, excelling in her studies by day and performing as a ballerina by night, embodying UNT's spirit of excellence - and what it means to "show your fire."

[Link] UNT student Reece Domingue balances her passion for dance with her studies

Growing up in Denton, Domingue knew from a young age that she would pursue business.

"I always knew that I was going to go into the business field - that was my goal since I was little," Domingue said. "In the fourth grade, I was voted 'Most Likely to Run a Bank'. Accounting is a service-oriented field that requires you to prioritize the needs of others over your own interests."

Domingue served as captain of her Denton High School drill team, graduated as valedictorian in 2020 and received multiple scholarships to attend UNT. She quickly chose a degree path after taking a managerial accounting course with UNT Department of Accounting senior lecturer and accounting career advisor, Hillary Wang, opting for a Bachelor of Science in accounting and a master's degree in taxation and data analytics.

"Reece engages with energy and enthusiasm. She nurtures relationships with classmates and faculty," Wang said. "I'm impressed by her dedication to her goals and her journey of self-discovery. Reece navigates this path with maturity and joy."

An invitation to join the Don and Donna Millican Accounting Scholars Program sealed her academic path.

"Reece is a bright spark who will shine wherever she goes," said Madhuri Bandla, senior lecturer and faculty advisor of the accounting scholars program. "Since her sophomore year, I've seen her grow in confidence, working diligently toward fulfilling her dreams. As a top student, she excels through hard work and determination. She actively participates in professional development events and mentors other scholars."

Domingue has pursued her passion for dance since the age of two. A graduate of the Denton Ballet Academy, she has attended prestigious ballet intensives and competed in the Youth America Grand Prix. She completed a minor in dance while pursuing her bachelor's degree at UNT. She has previously served as director of the North Texas Emeralds dance organization and continues to teach young dancers at both the Denton Ballet Academy and her private choreography and coaching business, Studio D Dance Company.

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"Ms. Domingue is one of the best additions to our school and company," said Eldar Valiev, director and owner of the Denton Ballet Academy. "Our students benefit from her versatile skills and traditions of excellence."

Domingue's typical week includes studying for classes and the Certified Public Accountant exams, a rigorous series of four tests that aspiring accountants must pass to become licensed. She also attends evening classes at UNT, teaches dance on nights she's not in school and rehearses for Festival Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker.

She is also a tax intern at KHA Accountants, where she has secured a full-time position after her anticipated May 2025 graduation.

"I am very lucky to be at KHA as they support my dance teaching and are very accommodating," Domingue said. "I'd love to continue balancing my accounting career and teaching dance."

Domingue is celebrating her 15th year performing The Nutcracker with Festival Ballet, which can be seen at the UNT University Theater from Dec. 13-15. She also acknowledges the support she's received from UNT.

"The faculty and staff at UNT have been amazing in helping me continue my dance journey while pursuing my graduate studies," Domingue said. "The encouragement I've received has shown me that I can successfully pursue both my passions."