Dance has always been a love of mine and so has the musical theatre world.

You never forget your first audition.

I remember holding the sheet music and lines in my shaking hands. Let me say, I am not a singer nor an actress by ANY means so I had no expectations of getting a role even as a tree.

The second I got on the stage there were two unfamiliar faces that smiled at me and welcomed me. They asked if I had ever auditioned for a musical before and I replied no. They saw I had plenty of experience on stage as a dancer and they were excited I came out for the show.

Previous to this was the dance portion of auditions and I knew hands down I nailed that, it was about the only thing that kept me confident of a chance.

I read my lines and sang my song. My hands trembled and my voice cracked. Before I left the director said I did a great job but I knew I sucked and I was okay with that because at least I tried.

And you know what, that audition got me a part in the ensemble that led to me playing about five different roles and becoming dance captain.

Musical theatre was the first place I felt like I put myself out on a limb and didn't fall. I felt like I could be myself and that was okay, in fact, it was accepted and appreciated. It was the first time that I wasn't overlooked because I wasn't skinny enough or tall enough. My director, Cheri Addison, saw me for me. And she took a chance on me.

I don't think either of us knew what was to come but she has become my role model, mentor, and one of my dearest friends.

Before I knew it I was back on that stage auditioning for the ensemble again for my junior year in Annie Get Your Gun and as well my senior year in Hairspray. I remained dance captain throughout my time and even went on to help choreograph the remaining half of Hairspray.

During the summers, I was blessed with the opportunity to continue working with Cheri and her husband Rob to choreograph junior editions of musicals like The Little Mermaid Jr, Hairspray Jr, Legally Blonde jr, and Shrek the Musical Jr. I had the privilege to not only work with amazing staff members but also with THE most amazing group of kids that anyone has ever met.

You see, I don't just musical theatre because I love Broadway shows or because I love to dance. Musical Theatre will always have a piece of my heart because it was my home for so many years and shaped me into the woman I am today.