The lights are dimmed, and the curtains open. The stage fills with music, and a beautiful dancer comes into view. Who is she? Well, she’s none other than Enloe’s very own dance captain, Arts and Entertainment editor, and TikTok editing enthusiast. She’s our very special, incredibly funny, and once-in-a-lifetime Mia Coburn.
Before she was the experienced leader you’d see taking charge of dance rehearsals, or your go-to friend for writing advice, there was once “baby Mia” — strong, energetic, imaginative, and impossible to ignore. We know Mia as someone who is collected and focused, but her older sister Kayla describes a much more chaotic version of her: hyper, and a bit of a “babble mouth” who constantly makes people laugh.
Growing up as the younger sister, she’s impacted the people around her in many profound ways. According to Kayla, Mia was the first person she ever had to babysit for. Mia was a “gateway into responsibility”. But with responsibility also came companionship. Years later, Mia and Kayla remain as close as ever with their handmade matching stickers of each other and matching outfits too. Even from early on, the traces of the person Mia would become were already there. Consistently across friends and family, Mia is described to be creative, determined, and observant. She’s someone who notices the details that other people might miss. Her humor, curiosity, creativity and energy have been there from the very beginning.
A dancer of 15 years, Mia is no stranger to the stage. Performing in class and outside of Enloe, Mia has her technique nailed down. But it isn’t just her skill and dedication that’s impressive; her leadership stands out massively. After beginning in the Modern Theory class as a freshman, Mia immediately made her way up to Dance Ensemble. “I think a lot of the teachers noticed her dedication,” said friend and fellow dancer Taylor Rothwell.
As a Dance Ensemble member, Mia is a role model for all dancers in the department. “She’s just really stepped into this role of a dancer that you can look up to,” said Erin Howell, a close friend and junior in Dance Ensemble. In class, Mia’s focus and attention to detail are on point. Erin described her as “an inspiring dancer.” Taylor agreed, explaining that, “Mia’s a very silent leader, but she has this presence about her that’s super inspiring, contagious, in a way.” However, this dedication and care don’t mean Mia doesn’t have fun. “Sometimes she’ll just say something really funny, and it catches you off guard … It’s just that you don’t notice at first. And then you’re like, ‘Wait. Oh, my God, you’re hilarious,’” said Erin.
In addition to being a role model through Dance Ensemble, Mia also leads in her role as Co-President of dance club. Dance club provides a space for students of all skill levels to learn different styles. Members perform at pep rallies and in a showcase number with the elective classes. For Eagles who don’t have space in their schedule to take a dance class, the club allows them to meet choreographers and bond with fellow dancers. As Co-President, Mia is responsible for communicating with members, dance teachers, and style specialists to educate members and execute performances.
Balancing professionalism and friendliness can be difficult as a leader, but Mia does it flawlessly. Erin explained that Mia is “someone you could tell anything to.” While at first, she may seem “super serious and collected,” as you get to know her, you find out that she’s “just a silly goose.”
But Mia doesn’t just perform art through dance; she appreciates and analyzes it. Her knack for movies and music is apparent to all who know her. Mia is an incredible writer and a treasured member of the Eagle’s Eye. Looking at Mia’s graphics for her articles feels like a walk through a beautifully curated art gallery. Every article Mia creates reflects the same attention to detail, creativity, and intentionality that she brings into dance and all other aspects of her life. Whether she’s writing about a film, costume design, music, or anything pop culture-related, her distinctive voice as a writer shines through.
Reading through any article of Mia’s will always leave you with something new. Maybe it’s a fresh new perspective on that movie you watched last week, or cause a deeper appreciation for the costume design you saw in a musical. Her writing has a way of making readers slow down and process beyond what we see at the surface level in modern-day media. Some of her most notable articles discuss everything from costume design in “Wicked”, to representation in TV shows like “Abbott Elementary”, or even design analysis of characters and settings in “Arcane.”
Considering her talent for writing and dance, it’s no surprise that Mia is taking her skills to Greenville at the Honors College at Eastern Carolina University. There, she will double major in Dance Performance & Choreography and Journalism. While us at The Eagle’s Eye are sad to see such a talented writer leave, we know she’ll make waves wherever she goes.
From Julie:
Mia is the best co-editor I could ever ask for. Working with Mia has been the easiest experience I’ve ever had, and I’m so grateful to have shared the arts and entertainment section with her. As an editor, Mia stepped into a leadership role in the class and worked closely with staff writers. Her impact is truly immeasurable—she uses her gift for writing to help others without any hesitation. I know that Mia will continue to leave great impacts on everyone she meets.
From Elise:
Talking to Mia every other day in class is truly a pleasure. Not only does she always know what to say, but her humor and style feel unique in a world of oversaturated jokes and trends. I’ve always loved reading her articles and find her style so effortlessly thoughtful and creative. Even in interviewing Erin and Taylor for this article, it was clear how these traits spanned more than Mia’s writing. Her thoughtfulness, dedication, and clever humor are well known on the dance floor and on stage. I can’t wait to see what Mia does, because I know she can achieve anything she puts her mind to.
