Leaping Into a Life of Disciplined Analysis and Creative Insight

On any given day, professional dancer  and School of General Studies (GS) student Elias Re is reading his textbooks in either Uris Library, before a rehearsal, or while waiting in the wings, pre-performance. During his brief downtime, he enjoys walks along the Hudson River and exploring the city.

When will you graduate from the School of General Studies, and what is your degree in?

I will be graduating in 2027 with a bachelor’s degree in financial economics.

What was your path to pursuing undergraduate work at Columbia?

My track to Columbia has been anything but traditional. I was born and raised in Italy, and moved to Florida in 2016 on a scholarship to complete my dance training. I began my junior year of high school there and graduated in 2018. At the time, training to be the best ballet dancer I could be was my main focus; I would leave school early to attend rehearsals and train late into the night.

After high school, I pursued a professional career in ballet, joining companies across the United States and performing around the world. Those years allowed me to fully dedicate myself to my craft, refining the gift that God has given me.

Yet, even as I poured myself into dance, I felt an insistent curiosity about the world around me. I wanted to understand people—their stories, their ideals, and how they made sense of life. I devoured books on history, economics, art, and science. I asked questions of anyone I met, from all walks of life. The more different someone’s background was from mine, the more fascinated I became.

Over time, my curiosity evolved into a deeper interest in how societies function—how social and political theories take shape within institutions and how those institutions influence global finance. That hunger to learn, to connect ideas and people, eventually led me to what I like to call the bastion of finance, art, and humanity—New York City. And, ultimately, to Columbia.

Has there been a special mentor or professor who has influenced your time here?

Absolutely. I have to first mention Timothy Bell, a GS alumnus I met in 2018 while working at a gym in Cleveland, Ohio. He encouraged and guided me through the process of applying to Columbia, and his mentorship was instrumental in helping me take that step.

I also have to mention Victoria Andrich, a woman who housed me when I was 18 as I finished my senior year of high school, and who helped me with my college career and in so many aspects of my life. She continues to do so even today, with advice. She was a huge catalyst for me to pursue my education at Columbia. 

Academically, Waseem Noor, a lecturer in economics at Columbia, has had a profound impact on me. I took his Principles of Economics class in 2021, which completely shifted my way of thinking. His teaching opened my eyes to the broader, more interconnected nature of economics—how it touches everything from policy to philosophy—and the class deepened my passion for the field.

How do you balance the demands of being a dancer and a student?

To be honest, I’ve learned that there is no true balance—only devotion. When you commit yourself fully to excellence in one field, everything else naturally becomes secondary. My guiding principle now is to live in obedience to God, seeking His wisdom in every decision and striving for excellence in every opportunity He gives me.

A typical day starts off in prayer and includes studying backstage before a performance, then returning to my books after the final bow. I might review choreography on my way to class or mentally rehearse steps while walking from Havemeyer to Hamilton. Both worlds—academia and dance—demand focus and discipline, but through faith, perseverance, and hard work, I believe it’s possible to give my best to both.

How do you like studying in the city? What are your favorite urban pastimes?

I absolutely love studying in New York City. The energy here is unlike anywhere else—it’s vibrant, fast-paced, and deeply motivating. Every day feels like being part of something larger than yourself. Everyone around me seems to be reaching for excellence in their craft, and that atmosphere constantly pushes me to refine my own purpose.

At the same time, living in such an intense environment has taught me the value of stillness. I often take prayer walks along Riverbank State Park, where I can look out over the Hudson River, breathe, and reconnect with God. Those quiet moments help me stay centered and grateful amid the city’s rush.

My wife, Aneriz, and I also make time to enjoy the city together. We love trying new restaurants, walking through different neighborhoods, and finding hidden gems across the West Side. Our date nights have become a rhythm of rediscovery of the city, of each other, and of the beauty in slowing down despite how fast New York moves.

Any specific recommendations for things to do beyond campus?

Explore. Every neighborhood in New York tells its own story—each with a rhythm, texture, and voice that feels completely unique. I always encourage people to step outside their familiar routes and experience the diversity of thought and culture that makes this city so alive. Meet people whose backgrounds, dreams, or beliefs challenge your own; those encounters can be transformative.

What is your favorite spot on campus for studying?

I enjoy studying at Uris Library. It has an atmosphere that feels both focused and alive—everyone is deeply engaged in their work, yet open to discussion and collaboration. It’s a place where ideas circulate freely, where the sound of quiet determination becomes its own kind of inspiration. For me, it’s the perfect balance of solitude and shared ambition.

What are your plans post-graduation?

I plan to stay connected to the arts while expanding into the world of global finance. My vision is to merge creativity with strategic thinking—to bring the discipline and beauty I learned from dance and art into the structure of financial economics.

Specifically, I hope to engage in international trading and global risk hedging, navigating the complexities of world markets with the same precision and rhythm that once guided me as a performer. I’m passionate about understanding how movement—whether in markets or in art—reflects human behavior and global connection. Ultimately, I want my work to bridge those worlds—disciplined analysis meeting creative insight.