I was shy as a child, which anyone who knows me now may be surprised with that information. However, I honestly don’t think I would be where I am today if I did not go to my first dance class at 5 years of age.

I owe a lot to dance. Besides it being a physical outlet for expression, dance has allowed me to find a confidence in myself like nothing else could, as well as keep me grounded. I became comfortable with speaking and performing in front of large groups. It allowed me to learn and utilize respect, discipline and leadership on top of the general timing, balance and rhythm aspects of dance. I found myself walking around with a sense of radiance and grace.

In addition to all of the above, dance has opened doors for me to many experiences, opportunities and friendships. I am currently the sole choreographer for the drama club at my high school alma mater, as well as an alumnus of that drama club, where I had the privilege to perform the lead role from my favorite movie (Kathy Selden in Singin’ In the Rain). I have also met and taken master classes from Broadway cast members, I have taken a master class from the world renowned Finis Jhung in New York City, performed during the halftime show at the Discover Orange Bowl in 2012, took master classes from celebrity choreographers, performed alongside the Moscow Ballet during the Great Russian Nutcracker in 2007, met Broadway talent coach Peter Sklar, and starred as one of my dream roles for my studio’s dance recital my senior year. I even met my boyfriend through my dance studio, as well as some of the best friends I could possibly ask for. I am also currently an assistant dance teacher at the same studio for a variety of age groups. This allowed me to appreciate and utilize my major of Early Childhood Education even more. It is amazing to look back throughout my years as a dancer and realize the amazing opportunities that I have had and the people I have had the pleasure of meeting, whom I may not have if I did not continue, or even start taking lessons.

I am extremely grateful for my dance teacher and the inspiration that she has been to me through the years. I owe where I am now as a person to her. I don’t know that if I never took dance lessons if I would have missed it, but right now because I have, I could not imagine my life and where I would be if I had not stepped foot in that studio 16 years ago.