Adyson Prusha

Adyson Prusha – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Olivia Henry Photography
Issue 78 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Adyson’s inspiring blend of talent and kindness illuminates every step she takes. As a dancer, her grace and dedication transcend mere movement, speaking volumes about perseverance and passion. Yet, it's her kind heart that truly sets her apart, radiating warmth and compassion in all she does. Adyson embodies the power of using one's gifts to uplift others, reminding us that true inspiration stems not only from skill but from the goodness within.

Photography by Olivia Henry Photography

Tell us about your dance career.
My dance career started at the early age of about 4 years old. My mom put me into classes for fun and I ended up loving it so much! What started as a fun activity turned into a hobby, and now a lifestyle! I currently dance almost every day of the week in different styles ranging from ballet to ballroom dance, and I’ve tried almost any style you can think of!

What is the most rewarding thing about dancing for you?
There is nothing more rewarding about dance than being able to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams. I was once a young dancer watching the “big girls” through the studio window, so to make those kids feel like anything is possible is such an incredible feeling. It makes me feel as though I’m inspiring the future generations of the world!

What is next for you in the world of dancing?
I’m headed to the big stages! It’s my dream and lifelong goal to perform on a Broadway stage or travel with a dance company around the world. Even though that’s currently what my mind is set on, I always plan to keep trying new things and explore my options! I love photography, so to be able to combine my love for dance and taking photos would also be a fun experience!

What do you wish non-dancers knew about dancers/dancing?
I wish that people who don’t dance could understand how it’s an art form and equally a sport. Many people see dance on a surface level, but when you get into it it’s so much deeper than that! Teams train and work hard to compete against each other like any other sport would, and it’s just as physically challenging (if not more!) than other common sports. At the same time, however, dance is also a way to communicate and display artistic vision that is used in cultures and lifestyles worldwide.

How is your dance team different from your drill team?
Studio dance is different than drill team because, for me, it focuses on the more artistic aspects of moving. Teachers will challenge us to take a piece of choreography and put our style on it while also maintaining the details they taught us. However, the drill team's focus is more on being uniform and creating visuals for the audience. I love both equally, and I can honestly say transitioning between the two is not as easy as it might sound, but I would never ask for any different way to spend my time!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I love participating in activities and being a leader or role model for others. I also have a goal to make an impact on the world in some way, whether this means my community, my friends, or strangers. I have started to do this by being creative and passionate with everything I do, but also using my integrity to do the right thing and bring up those around me.

Describe a time when you got to be a leader.
Recently I led my first practice as the First Lieutenant of my drill team. It was pretty scary at first because I had never commanded that many girls at once, and I knew they were all following my lead! Despite my worries, I reminded myself that everything would be okay and they were there to support me! It ended up going amazing because I stayed true to myself and my personality. It made me realize how much I love to help others enjoy dance just as much as I do!

Describe your personal leadership style.
My leadership style is all about balance. I want to find the perfect amount of strength so I can be respected among others, but also allow time for others to voice their opinions and feelings so they are respected as well. I feel like it is also important to find a balance between “work” and “play” so that way nobody feels burnt out. Although there is no way to achieve literal perfection, I will always strive to do my best and satisfy the needs of myself and those around me!

If you could make an outstanding impact right now/ today, what would you do and how would you do it?
My main personal focus at the moment is becoming closer to God. With this being said, I would make an impact by loving others how Jesus loves every one of us every day. Showing even the smallest amount of kindness can make an impression on someone since you never know what they might be going through. Just talking to someone and listening about their day can make them feel appreciated and heard, and my kindness and encouragement might lead someone to accept God in their lives as I have.

What else would you like to talk about?
Along with dancing for a studio and drill team, I have participated in many activities such as theater and cheer. I have found my passion for performing and working alongside others, which has further allowed me to be a role model and help my teammates through anything. I have made it my goal to make everyone feel welcomed and appreciated no matter who they are!

What has been your favorite theater performance you got to perform and why?
I must say my favorite performance I’ve gotten to participate in was my high school’s production of The Addams Family. I walked into the show knowing nobody, and I left with some of the most incredible people as friends. The environment while rehearsing and performing was so supportive and welcoming, and it made me so excited to get on stage and be with those people, showing off all our hard work. I also got to help choreograph the dances for the show, so seeing my vision on the stage left me feeling so accomplished and overwhelmed with pride.

What character did you play, and how did it suit you?
Although I’ve been in many shows and played roles such as Gabriella in High School Musical, I chose this show as my favorite because I played part of the ensemble. This opened up so many opportunities for me since I got to help choreograph for the show and observe more of what was going on behind the scenes, which I’ve never really gotten the chance to do. This suited me well because I was able to play a flapper and even young Wednesday in a scene where I got to bring some of my dance training into the theater setting.

What is a memory with your cheer team that you will never forget?
I will never forget when my cheer team got to compete at a competition together! This may seem simple, but it was the first time our organization had ever done something like this, so it felt amazing to start a new tradition. We went out there and gave it our all and I felt so proud coming off the mat with the support and excitement from all the girls.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I feel very passionate about dance! It has always been my escape from reality during tough times. It seems as though nothing matters and I can clear my head when performing or taking a class. It also amazes me how dancers can be in a room with only walls and mirrors, yet we make impacts on the world with the messages and emotions that can be spread through our movement. I feel truly connected with myself when dancing, and I will always find it to be a version of therapy.

How did you find your photographer, Olivia Henry Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I found my photographer, Olivia Henry, through Instagram! I have followed her for quite a while, and my first experience with her was our dance photoshoot together. I immediately noticed her welcoming and inviting attitude which made me feel so much more confident in front of the camera. I loved the way she would ask me about my interests and get to know me during the process, and I felt like we were truly friends when working together.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
I can confidently say if I have a free day, I’m immediately calling my grandma to see what she’s up to! I love hanging out with her any chance I get. You could probably find us shopping around town or getting some lunch together.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I’m looking forward to traveling this year! I’m going on a trip to New York City and later on to Las Vegas! I’m usually super busy with activities so getting to travel with my family and explore the country is something I’m super duper excited about!

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
the hardest thing I’ve ever had to accomplish is finding hope after losing someone I care about. I’ve learned how to overcome this by being open to talking about my feelings and finding the good in every day.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
TRY EVERYTHING!!! Just like the Zootopia song says! You never know what you might love until you try it, and being involved in what’s going on around you can connect you with new people while making memories you will have for a lifetime.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In the next 5 years, I plan on going to college to pursue my dance career. I would also like to push myself to do more involving modeling, like possibly signing with an agency or company of some sort.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Even though it may sound silly, I enjoy school! I love learning new things and educating myself, and completing assignments gives me something to focus on.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can wiggle my ears!

3 things on your bucket list…
Jump out of an airplane, be in a movie, and travel to every continent at least once!

Who do you find inspiring?
The person I find most inspiring is my little sister. I’m inspired by her every day because she has such a big heart and she always motivates me to be the best version of myself.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I am inspiring to others because I am determined and hardworking. I don’t let anything stop me from trying new things and I always set goals for myself to get to where I want to be!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
If there is anything else I can tell you, it would be that JESUS LOVES YOU!

Look for Adyson in issue 78 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 78

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