The Sacred Heart University community, especially the Sacred Heart Dance Company, suffered a great loss last Thursday when junior Julianna “JJ” Sannino passed away. JJ was an interdisciplinary studies major who planned to work with elementary school students. She participated in a service trip to Colombia and mentored students in grades 6-8.
JJ lit up every room she walked into and had the most infectious smile and laugh. She was extremely dedicated to dance and the friendships she created within the Dance Company. She took every opportunity to be in the studio and shined each time she took the stage.
There are no words to describe the tremendous loss we feel within the Dance Company. JJ was a part of our family, and there is a hole in each of our hearts that only she could fill. It feels so strange walking into the studio and remembering that she won’t be there with us again, especially with this semester’s shows coming up this weekend. But we know she would want us to continue this great passion she had and honor her legacy through dance.
Dance Company will never be the same without her, but we will always cherish the time we were lucky enough to get with her. We will forever wish we could take the stage with her one more time.
Sending love, prayers and strength to all those who knew and loved JJ as much as we did. We are grateful to have such an amazing community of support and love during this heavy time.
We love you JJ and we will miss you forever, it was a privilege to know you. We dance for you today and every day.
