Dance. According to Webster's, the definition in its plainest form is to move rhythmically to music. But, to me, dance is something that cannot be confined by words. It is a feeling as though you are water about to burst through a dam and race unabashedly through the air before crashing over rocks, exploding into a million little droplets. It can be as gentle and dainty as a bird hopping from limb to limb. DANCE. It has been a part of my world for as long as I can remember. I couldn't wait to get to the studio. At three, getting to visit with my friends while doing what I loved was the best feeling. Miss Marlene gave us wings to fly, scarves to twirl and wands that turned us into fairy princess ballerinas. She wove in stories of the great ballets, giving us our first taste of what was to become my chosen world.

Journey. I am travelling down Alice's rabbit hole. Possibilities are endless. I will keep reaching for what lies beyond. Being a competition dancer, as well as a concert dancer, I get to experience the best of two worlds. There will never be anything that compares to the adrenaline and excited butterflies that overwhelm you right before stepping on stage before an audience or judges. Knowing you have given your all...opening your heart for a brief moment...letting emotions overtake your every movement. The rawness is beyond description. My JOURNEY.

Family. Lucky to have parents, grandparents and a brother that support this journey. Thankful to have teachers who have become family and dancer friends who are like sisters and brothers. This is my eleventh season with my studio. Being a company dancer, I spend a good part of my day working on choreography with this FAMILY. I appreciate all the help and guidance from my teachers and directors...you all mean so much to me.

Future. I cannot fathom exploring a future without dance. There are so many ways to keep dance a part of my life. Thirteen. I am thirteen. Life will continue to evolve. Dance will continue to evolve. It is a living and breathing entity. It will continue to grow. I will continue to grow. My FUTURE is dance.