Dancing With Passion

Dance has been in Sophomore Nicole Childress’ life since she was in kindergarten. Dance has impacted her and influenced who she is today. She’s learned lessons and achieved accomplishment in the times she’s spent dancing.

“I dance because it’s a way to express my feelings, and if I’m having a tough day, it’s nice to go to the studio and see the girls,” Childress said.

Dancers spend hours each day in the studio to prepare for a big competition. Remembering routines can be hard and stressful, so before going on stage some dancers use warm-up rituals to help calm their nerves.

“Before I perform, I do the basic stretching and warming up,” Childress said. “But I always like to be alone before I perform.”

Childress has flourished in competition during her time dancing, and that didn’t come without hours and hours of practice and preparation.  

“Winning nationals and getting a perfect score on the studio production, it made me feel accomplished and like all the hard work finally paid off,” Childress said. 

Childress  learned life lessons from spending time dancing. 

“I learned to just be yourself because people are always going to be upset no matter what you do,” Childress said. “And you can’t make everybody happy.”  

Since dance has so many different forms, they can often teach dancers.

“Dance has helped with teaching me about different cultures because it’s not just ballet and jazz,” Childress said. “You can also take African dance, ballroom classes, and it helps you be more well rounded.”  

Dance has been in Childress’ life for most of her childhood, and she knows it takes time and dedication. Childress now continues to dance at the 320 dance company.