Today’s alumni interview is a special one, because this one is my sister! Emily (and I) started dancing at ABDC in 1998, and she danced at the studio all four years of high school. We have some amazing memories! This past year, Emily danced in her first ABDC recital since 2002, in our alumni dance! Emily is definitely my hero for a whole slew of reasons-if you’re interested in reading more about her life and living with chronic illness, please check out her awesome blog at www.hopeinflamed.com.

What role did dance play in your life post ABDC and what role does it play in your life today?

Dance has always been a home for me to come back to. Even when I haven’t danced in awhile, my body remembers the steps even when my mind has forgotten. Dance helps me to let go of stress and express my emotions.

What are some ways you think dance training carries over in other aspects of life?

I’d like to think it makes me more graceful and poised, but that’s definitely not true. 🙂 But it does bring joy into all aspects of my life and has given me more confidence.

What have been some of the biggest lessons or takeaways from your dance experience?

Smile!

Funniest/most memorable dance experience?

On my last day of ballet at ABDC, we played games and did the limbo and took a lot of pictures. It was a sad but fun day!