My Most Challenging Year Yet
Each summer for the past three years, I have asked a group of young dancers where they are with dance. I leave the question open-ended in order for them to answer however it resonates personally. My goal is to create a yearly check-in by which to chart how these young women grow through dance.
Below are Laurel’s shifting perspectives over the past three years. I eagerly await what direction her path will lead in future years and what role dance will play. – Emmaly Wiederholt
2015 – Laurel at age 18
At this time, I have just finished my first year dancing in the Professional Training Division at Nashville Ballet. Over the past year, I found myself taking on new challenges and responsibilities to further pursue my passion. While dancing all day, I continued my studies through Penn State World Campus and worked evenings at Panera Bread. This proved to be my most challenging year yet, filled with happiness, excitement, fear and love of dance. I will begin my second year in the program in August.
2014 – Laurel at age 17
This past year I trained in the professional training division at The Rock School for Dance Education. Currently I am in Oklahoma City for the 3 week intensive at Oklahoma City Ballet Company. Also, I am going to the three week summer intensive at the Nashville Ballet Company where I will be in the professional training division in the fall.
2013 – Laurel at age 16
Currently I am a dancer at The Rock School for Dance Education and it will be my second year attending the program in the fall. I love to dance more than anything and it has been my passion since I was four years old. I have attended four summer intensives and I am looking forward to furthering my education and training here in Philly!