​The Nomination: I am nominating Katie because of her passion and determination. I have worked with her for over a year now and have loved watching her grow. Her passion for dance, love for other people, and joy to be around has been fun to watch. She embraces challenges and loves to learn new things. I look forward to seeing where her passion takes her.

​What sparked your passion for dance, and what do you love most about dancing?
I began dancing at the age of 4. My mother put me in ballet and tap, and soon after I was dancing nonstop. My stage included the studio, outside and even the coffee table. I loved to dress in costumes and put on a show! I honestly don’t remember a time when I wasn’t in dance. Early on, my best friends were at the dance studio and for that reason I always wanted to be there. The things I love most about dancing are the lifelong friendships, the love and support from my teachers and the lessons that I have learned through the years.

What has dance meant to you in your life, and where do you see yourself in the future with dance?
Dance is my life! Long hours at the studio, hard work, injuries, and sometimes disappointments have all shaped my life. But with all those things I have also learned to work hard, support others, and to dedicate myself to the sport I love. Right now, my focus is on becoming my best self. I will be entering high school next year and my goal is to dance with the Academy Dance Company at my fine arts school as well as continue to work hard at my studio.

Which type of dance is your favorite, and what has been your favorite memory through dancing?
My favorite type of dance is ballet, with contemporary coming in as a close second. I have spent hours and hours working solely on my ballet technique and I feel that is also my strongest area of dance. I have so many wonderful memories, but my favorite memory was the year I auditioned and danced a season with dancers much older than I was. I was proud of myself for being selected to dance with them. That year pushed me to work extra hard and I learned so much from those older and more experienced dancers.

How do you continue to spread kindness to others, and how do you also help people feel loved and appreciated?
Kindness is huge! First and foremost, I treat others how I want to be treated. Ever since I was little, my mom always said to me “Pretty is as pretty does!” That has stuck with me. There is room in the world for everyone to shine.

As an inspiration, how do you spread joy and positivity to others through your passion in dance?
I think dance in itself is joyful. When I dance, I hope my feelings show through and my love for dance brings joy to those around me. Some of my favorite dance memories include mentoring and leading younger dancers. My joy and positivity guides them and also inspires them to love dance.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
If I could give advice to someone beginning their dance career it would be to have passion for what you are doing, always work hard, and take corrections from teachers and peers as learning experiences. There will always be someone better than you, but be your best self and that will be enough.

Katie will be featured in Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Khadajah is an amazing young lady, who truly has a passion to make an impact and serve her community. Khadajah has been volunteering in her community as a Girl Scout since the age of 5, she has earned her bronze, silver and gold award through Girl Scout by doing numerous community projects. She has been volunteering at her local church for 7 years and has been on 3 missions trip across the country. She also been on local missions trip within her community and has partnered with numerous nonprofit to volunteer. Khadajah has volunteered at her local library and DaVinci science center for the last 4 years during the summer in addition to working as a playground counselor through her local township.
She has been dancing since the age of 10 and continues to dance competitively.
Khadajah plans to attend Cairn University to study Social Work.

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​Tell us about some volunteering opportunities you have had.
I first started volunteering as a girl scout at the age of 5. I have volunteered in this organization in numerous capacities. I then volunteered for 3 years at a local summer camp and was a LIT (Leader in Training camp counselor). For the last 4 years during the summer, I have been volunteering as a camp counselor at Science Center in my community. In addition to that I’ve also volunteered as a library event assistant at a local library in. I have volunteered in numerous capacities in my church from being a Sunday school preschool teacher and a leader at Vacation Bible School. I’ve been on 3 mission trips to Michigan and Las Vegas where I’ve helped the homeless and at community center. I have also been on local GO group Missions trip in my local community.

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​Tell us about some volunteering opportunities you have had.
I first started volunteering as a girl scout at the age of 5. I have volunteered in this organization in numerous capacities. I then volunteered for 3 years at a local summer camp and was a LIT (Leader in Training camp counselor). For the last 4 years during the summer, I have been volunteering as a camp counselor at Science Center in my community. In addition to that I’ve also volunteered as a library event assistant at a local library in. I have volunteered in numerous capacities in my church from being a Sunday school preschool teacher and a leader at Vacation Bible School. I’ve been on 3 mission trips to Michigan and Las Vegas where I’ve helped the homeless and at community center. I have also been on local GO group Missions trip in my local community.

Why did you start dancing? Did someone inspire you? If so, who?
I started with Gymnastic at 6 years old and then changed to cheerleading and from cheerleading to dance.
I was inspired by a Disney show called Shake It Up and I instantly connected with one of the main characters, Zendaya.

​Why do you want to study Social Work in college?
I’ve always wanted to help those that are less fortunate than I am and going on mission trip with my church opened my eyes to the realities of the world and made me understand that there are lot of people who did not have the same resources that I was afforded. By being a social worker, I would be a key part in helping those who are in need.

What was your favorite part about being a Girl Scout? (Other than the Girl Scout cookies of course!)
I loved selling the cookies. I am a huge math nerd and I loved calculating the amount and trying to figure out how much someone needed back.
If you could only use 3 words to describe yourself, what would they be and why?
Kind- I love the feeling of warm happiness when you help someone
Caring- I have empathy for others
Generous- I am willing to give others things that have value

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself obtaining my Masters in Social Work (MSW) and possibly obtaining my PHD. I hope to in a hospital or private practice setting.

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I am passionate about children in the foster care system and would like to advocate for those children as they are often forgotten and deemed unadoptable once they are no longer toddlers.

Three Things on your bucket list
1. Travel to all 50 states
2. See the northern lights
3. Backpack around Europe

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
“Be yourself everybody else is already taken”. Many a time we try to imitate others or be like someone else.

Khadajah will be featured in Issue 31 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Rebecca is an extremely talented dancer majoring in ballet at a top school for dance in the United States. She holds many regional titles and was a soloist at a pre-professional ballet company. Not only is she extremely talented, she is very humble and kind to everyone she meets. Rebecca is a very determined and motivated person who has battled through many injuries and although she goes through a lot, she is willing to help anyone. Not only is she a great dancer, she is incredibly smart and holds a 3.83 GPA through her first semester at college.

When did you first start dancing and what do you love most about majoring in ballet?
I first started dancing at three years old at a small dance studio. I soon realized the connection between ballet and storytelling. My favorite part about majoring in ballet is being able to learn many different variations from some of the most famous ballets!

Tell me a little bit about Point Park’s Conservatory and what your most memorable experiences dancing there have been.
Point Park’s Conservatory is a very intensive program. We dance at least 5 to 6 hours every day, not counting rehearsals! I study all different types of dance -- especially ballet, jazz, and modern. One of my most memorable experiences from this school year was being cast as an understudy for Kiesha Lalama’s production of Bound in Before. It was an amazing process to be a part of and I learned so much!

How have you managed to maintain a 3.83 GPA in your first semester of college while also dedicating your time to dance?
As a dancer I have always had a crazy busy schedule. Not long ago, I was performing in a pre-pro ballet company, traveling with a competition team, and taking advanced classes at school. I learned very early on the importance of time and the value of being focused. Maintaining this work ethic has helped me succeed at Point Park.

​Aside from dance, what other passions do you have?
When I am not in the dance studio, I like to express myself in lots of creative ways. I love to reimagine beloved fairytale characters and bring them to life in my own unique style using watercolor markers. When I have a little bit of free time, I also love to open my laptop and work on poetry or short stories, which tend to lean in a Southern Gothic style. Singing has always made me happy and I continue to take lessons with my teacher in Alabama via FaceTime.

How has your journey through dance and your willingness to be there for others inspired many people, and how do you continue to inspire others in your daily life?
I believe that dance lends itself to be an environment of inspiration. I try to support my fellow dancers by striving to do my best and work hard in class. I also share my experiences with younger girls from my home studio in Alabama while also encouraging and celebrating them through their dance journeys even though I am so far away.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I ever accomplished was overcoming a back injury my junior year of high school. In addition to keeping up with physical therapy, doctors’ appointments, and lots of rest, I struggled with staying positive and focusing on my recovery. With lots of encouragement from my dance teachers, family, and friends, I worked through the 12 weeks of recovery and was able to return to dance.

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What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Be prepared to work hard and don’t forget why you fell in love with dance.

Three things on your bucket list.
Dance professionally
Travel to Disney Tokyo
Finish a novella I have been working on for a few years

Who do you find inspiring?
One of the most inspirational people in my life is Katia Garza, my former ballet teacher. She overcame great obstacles to become one of the world’s best ballerinas.

Rebecca will be featured in Issue 31 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Kaela Frankenfield is an Inspiring teen. She not only works hard for what she wants but has a passion for it as well. She loves to share her talent to her younger students. She has student taught since the age of 12. She now has her own group of students. Not only does she dance on average of 10+ hours a week but also teaches dance about 15+ hours a week. She is also on her Dance Company and Tap troupe at her Studio. She enjoys Choreographing her student’s pieces as well as her own solos. She inspires younger kids to find a passion for what they love and never give up. Hard work and dedication always pay off.

​Tell us about your dance history and how you got started.
I got into dance when I was in first grade. My teacher was the owner of the dance program at my local community center so I asked my mom if I could start dance. So my mom signed me up for a jazz class my first year, and I instantly loved it. I worked hard throughout that whole year. I stayed at the community center dance program for three years then moved to a dance studio and stayed there for many years. That Studio then closed, and I followed one of my teachers to the studio she went. I felt like I needed to be pushed more so I found a studio more geared towards technique. I have been there since.

What is it like student teaching?
Student teaching is where I get to assist the teacher with a certain class. I have now had the opportunity to be the head dance instructor where I work. This allows me to choreograph dances, pick costumes, create lesson plans, etc.

What dance style is your favorite and why?
My favorite dance style is tap. Tap is powerful, it has given me confidence and helped my self-esteem, it teaches persistence and hard-work ethics. Tap dancing also allows me to be a musician for people who cannot see dancing but, can hear it.

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How were you able to stay positive through the time your mother was going through cancer treatments?
I was able to stay positive through this time because I thought of what my mom would want me to do; she would want me to keep doing what I love and push through the hardest of moments in life. I also knew that my mother needed me by her side in every step through her journey. I knew as well that if I stayed positive there would be a positive outcome for her health.

​Why do you think you are inspiring?
I feel that I am an inspiring teen because I have never given up on my Love for dance. As we all know the dance world can be hard. There is always that one thing that you can’t get or that one student that always is front and center. I have learned myself to not look at others and let that bring me down but to focus on what I can do to help others not feel down from some of this stuff. I have always taught my students to build on what you are good at and work harder on what you are struggling with. I feel I have inspired many of my current students to do this. This is a hard thing to get past because we all judge ourselves and we sometimes get down by favoritism, jealousy, etc. I have taught/inspired my students to not let this stuff get in their way.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself in 5 years already graduated from college and working on my path to owning a dance studio.

Kaela will be featured in issue 30 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: Shannon Sakaitis is a sophomore dance major at The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School in Philadelphia. She also dances at Philadelphia Dance Center where she studies all forms of dance (ballet, jazz, contemporary, acro, ballroom, etc...) and is a member of PDC Company.

When she is not in school or taking dance classes she volunteers at Christian Life Academy of Early Learning, a preschool and summer camp in Bensalem, PA. She works mainly with the 2 year olds, assisting in a areas of child care.

How long have you been dancing and what do you love most about dance?
I’ve been dancing since I was born. My mother owned a small dance studio, so as soon as I could walk, I was dancing. what I love most about dance is all of the different genres, and you can express yourself emotionally and artistically.

Tell me a little bit about your accomplishments in dance and your involvement at the Philadelphia Dance Center.
I recently competed my first solo ever in two competitions. I received high gold awards and first in the category. And during a dance convention, I was chosen for a scholarship to return next season. At Philadelphia Dance Center, I am a member of the competition team, and I study many different forms of dance, including ballroom, acro, student choreography, and much more.

What is one of your most memorable accomplishments you have made through dance?
My most memorable accomplishment I have made through dance are the close friendships with people who are now like family.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Christian Life Academy of Early Learning and what role you play in helping other young dancers also?
I enjoy working with the babies and toddlers, and assisting the teachers with their day to day care. At my old dance studio, I was a student teacher in the ballet/tap combo classes for ages 3 to 6. I love to see their progress from year to year.

​How have you managed to be on honor role at your school while also dedicating your time to dance?
I’ve managed to be on honor role and dedicate my time to dance by making sure I am never behind on any of my school work or homework. If I start to struggle, I go to my teachers for help and/or extra work in order to maintain my grades.

How have you become an inspiration to others through your commitment and dedications to all that you are involved in?
I work really hard at school and dance. I don’t let negative things bring me down and I always try to be the most encouraging teammate and friend I can be.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Last year I made the decision to switch dance studios. It was very hard leaving my best friend behind, but I had to do what was the best for me. I needed to set higher goals for myself and to be challenged, so I can become the best dancer I can be.

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What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell someone to never give up on what they love doing the most, and don’t listen to any negativity someone has towards you, because one day you’ll prove them wrong.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In five years, I will be a junior in college. I am uncertain of which college I will attend, but I do know I want to major in dance and minor in Early Childhood Education.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
In my free time, I like to practice makeup looks on myself.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My hidden talent is drawing.

​How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I keep myself organized by sticking to the same routine everyday so I am never behind in school or dance.

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Travel outside the country
2. Dance on Broadway
3. Open my own dance studio

Who do you find inspiring?
All of my dance teachers have inspired to be the best I can be.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I am inspiring because I am a hard worker, dedicated and will do what I have to do to reach my goals not only in dance, but in life.


Shannon will be featured in Issue 30 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: Amber Rosa is inspiring because after suffering a very serious injury she has not let that stop her from pursuing her dream of being a dancer. Three weeks after coming home from auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance in Los Angeles, she was involved in a very serious car accident which fractured a very important bone in her ankle. She did not walk for three months. After eight months since the accident, she is dancing and teaching again. While still in recovery she is being an inspiration to her fellow dancers to never give up!
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​What was auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance like?
Three weeks prior to my injury I was chosen for the opportunity of a lifetime and go to Los Angeles, CA to audition for So You Think You Can Dance. It was the most thrilling eye-opening experiences. I was five years old when the show first aired, and I would watch it with my mom all the time. Crazy thing is I didn’t even want to take dance lessons at that time I just truly remember enjoying the show! I did not start dancing until I was around 14 years old which is considered late in the dancing world to start. After I dived head on into the dancing world all I ever wanted was to try out for the show. I could not wait to turn 18! In February of 2019 my mom saw the open submission call to put in applications to audition. After I submitted my application, I was called within two days to come to audition in New York and then I had to wait for all the auditions in other cities to finish before they made a final cut. I got the call early to mid-March stating I was chosen to perform my solo in front of the judges, and I would be leaving for Los Angeles for a week. From the plane ride, to the shuttle, to the hotel I was nervous, excited and scared. It was my first time ever being so far away from home in a strange city. It was a week full of interviews with Cat Deeley and pictures and practices and it gave me a real taste of what a dancer’s life was all about…and I loved every minute of it. I made some incredible lifelong friend along the way. Getting to be in front of the judges and on that stage makes you realize everything you worked so hard for is for this moment right now. Unfortunately, I did not get chosen to move further along in the competition, however the critique given to me was not about my dancing but more of how powerful I am and felt like it was the wrong music choice. This type of critique makes you realized how important it is to make sure you pick the correct choreography, correct music and even the correct outfit so you can tell your story in its entirety. Once the show aired, my solo was not chosen to be shown on television however they did pick snippets of my solo for their promo and other fillers during the show and I felt proud that somehow someway I still made it.

​Please tell us about your serious injury.
Three weeks later, on April 19, 1019, I was a passenger in the front seat of a very serious car accident my friend lost control of her car and hit a tree head on. The fact that I had my seatbelt on, and I was sleeping was the reason I was not more significantly hurt. As I tried to get out of the car, I realized I could not step down and a good Samaritan came over to me to tell me not to move because my ankle was dislocated. I was then transported in an ambulance to the hospital to asses my injuries. After a full body scan it showed I had a fracture to my talus bone. Talus neck fractures can be devastating injuries that can occur from forcing the foot up into the leg. It can occur in motor vehicle accidents when somebody pushes their foot down on a break or pushes their foot down on the floorboard at impact. This bone acts to connect the foot to the ankle and is the pivot point for motion and I was going to require surgery for it to be repaired. This was the most devastating news a dancer could receive since it is one of the most important bones in the ankle. After the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon stated he had to put three screws and K wire to keep my bone in place and I would not be able to walk at all for approximately 8-12 weeks. I knew from that point on this was going to be one of the hardest journeys of my life so far. I did not know what my future was going to look like from that point on I just knew I had to do everything possible to dance again.

What was the recovery process like?
The recovery process is long and hard. I had no idea a little bone in your ankle could be so debilitating. After my surgery, I was not able to put any weight on my ankle for twelve weeks. During this time of not walking I started my physical therapy. I was very lucky to find a therapist whose office just happened to be right above the dance studio I go to and worked with the dancers who work for cruise line companies. I did not know what to expect with my first session so naturally I was nervous. I could not flex or extend my foot at all. In two weeks, I lost almost all my calf muscle and had no strength in my leg or foot. The therapist literally had to manually move my ankle up and down to start getting everything loose again to be able to start walking when the time came. It was painful. I cried a lot, I screamed, I begged to stop. I screamed one time so badly someone called the police because they thought a woman was being harmed...I felt terrible about that incident however the police were very understanding and one of the officers was very sympathetic with me because she too had a bad ankle fracture and she knew what I was dealing with. I started getting anxious two hours before my appointments because I knew the pain I was going to be going thru. I never gave up though, no matter how much I screamed and cried he never stopped helping me get to where I needed to be. At my eight-week appointment with my surgeon, I was so nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was doing enough with my therapy or if I was progressing as I should be. I started moving my foot and ankle for him and he could not contain his happiness. He told me he has never seen someone move their ankle so well after eight weeks and was extremely happy with my progress which in turn made me ecstatic and gave me an extra boost to keep going. After the twelve weeks were up, I started walking again and felt like a baby trying to learn how to walk again. It’s been a very trying 9 months of healing and therapy. I am not fully recovered yet, however I am getting stronger and stronger by the day. I did compete a solo for the first time since my injury in October and even though I could not do all the things I usually do; I was able to walk away with some recognition and scholarship awards. My goal is to be strong enough to try and audition again for So You Think You Can Dance this season

​Before finding dance, what were some of your interests?
Before dancing, I loved anything which dealt with the arts. I wanted to be a singer and play the piano like Alicia Keys lol. I was part of my chorus in elementary school and then part of the GLEE club in my middle school. I took private piano lessons and would practice with my own piano at home. I loved to draw and any chance I had I would be painting. My aunt would always buy me paint and canvas so I could paint her something she could hang in her house. I have an artistic mind which helps me be creative as far as choreographing dances, to decorating my room, to putting together outfits, and overall planning of events or ideas.

Why do you want to be a fashion designer?
The reason I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer is because ever since I was little, I was always this little fashionista. I remember keeping a journal and just drawing a bunch of different outfits that would come into my head, from bathing suits to Halloween costumes to anything you can ever imagine. The best thing is that I had an awesome mom giving me all the freedom in the world to wear whatever I want, wherever we go. I made sure that I would always dress myself from head to toe, from headbands, jewelry, shoes, socks, basically everything. I’ve always like to be the best dressed for any event. Like I always say it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Currently I am slowly pursuing that fashion designing dream by working at a boutique. Helping people pick out outfits and choosing their clothes for certain events is something I love to do. Seeing the smile on people’s faces when they adore an outfit, I put together for them just makes my whole day. Even though dance is my number one passion, I’ve always had such a variety of love for many things and fashion designing is one of them.
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest things I ever had to accomplish besides recovering from my injury is proving myself as a dancer. I started dancing when I was almost 14 years old which is considered a late age for dance. When I started going to a dance studio I felt so out of place because all these girls and boys were doing so many moves and tricks that I knew nothing about. I felt intimidated and it made me push myself more. I just kept thinking I want to do that; I want to look like that. The biggest obstacle though was finding the right person who wanted to invest their time in me to teach me all the things I needed to know. I felt like I was not getting the help I needed because I wasn’t good at all until, I found someone who did see my potential. I worked very hard that summer learning everything I could from my dance teacher at the studio. Once I started the dance program in school after that summer my teacher was shocked at the progress I was making. I still felt though like I was being pushed aside a little. In high school I joined the dance team and had the opportunity to do a solo. I did not place very well that first year. I wanted to prove to my school dance teacher that I could be just as good as those girls she would always comment on how good they were. My second year doing a solo would be my last year in the Junior Varsity category and I wanted to win first place to prove to her and the school that I was good enough. The biggest competition of our year and I had a third-degree sprain on my ankle. I didn’t know how I was going to dance. It was going to be the longest two minutes of my life. I did my solo and after I was done, I crawled off stage to the arms of the athletic trainers on the side. I felt defeated. I felt like I gave up on myself. During the awards ceremony, they started calling from tenth to first place. I waited nervously and out of approximately 80 solos in the junior category I got first place. I had finally proven myself, or so I thought. The next year was my senior year and already I was hearing how this is the toughest competition and I might not even get top ten. I worked the hardest ever that year on my music, on the choreography, and made sure my costume was perfect. My senior year ended up being the best year I ever had on the dance team. I came in first place out of 117 varsity solos! I had finally proven myself to my teacher and to the school. Finally, after so many years, I proved to be worthy and I never gave up to the negativity. It fueled me to try harder and to never give up.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice would be to never give up. Don’t listen to the negativity. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. Like they say turn the negative into a positive. A lot of the things we do in the arts is subjective, it’s other people’s opinion. Some will love it while other will hate it, just if you trust the process and you love what you are putting out there and believe in yourself that is all that truly matters.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In five years, I see myself on tour dancing for a choreographer/company or entertainer. I plan on finishing my degree in arts. I also want to teach my craft to less than fortunate children for free. Dance can be an expensive sport and there are not many programs out there where kids can take a few classes for free and learn. I want to be able to let others the experience the joy dancing gives.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My favorite pastime is making silly videos, playing video/board games, and watching Netflix or Disney+ with my two younger sisters. I try to be a good role model for them and spend as much time as I can with them. I like being goofy with them and laughing as much as possible.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I keep myself organized the old school method which is writing everything down on dry erase wall calendar. We have two in the house; one my mom makes and one that I make. I need a constant reminder of things that are coming up and what needs to be done. There is so much going on with work, school and dance you need to have it in your face, so you don’t get overwhelmed.

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Meet Justin Bieber lol 2. Dance with Jennifer Lopez 3. Travel, no specific place.

Who do you find inspiring?
The person that inspires me the most would be my dance teacher Natalia Canovas. This woman has been with me from the beginning. I remember the first time me ever taking her contemporary/technique class I was honestly such a hot mess and knew nothing about dance. However, she saw something in me that I couldn’t even see in myself. She would still help me even though I was the only one in the room who knew nothing. After taking her class I instantly fell in love, so I kept going every week just for her. Then all of a sudden I go one day and I see it’s a different teacher and they end up telling me they fired Natalia and I tried it out with the new dance teacher and I was not learning anything and I felt like I was doing so much better with Natalia. I stopped going to those classes with the new teacher and I found out Natalia was opening her own dance studio and decided to go to her grand opening. I signed up for classes right on the spot and I joined her studio. In the beginning I wasn’t the best dancer and yes Natalia did pay attention to me but not as much as the other hard-working flexible girls and I knew I wanted to be like that. I knew I wanted Natalia’s attention the most lol. I worked hard every day, I was in Natalia’s face every day, I would always show her my new tricks even if she didn’t acknowledge it I would still annoy her and believe it or not that worked because when she saw me working hard she instantly focused her attention to my growth. She saw how much I wanted it and she pushed me to become the dancer I am today. From making it on to So You Think You Can Dance, to getting first place overall in almost every single competition. I must give my thanks and all my gratitude to Natalia Canovas she’s not only my dance teacher but also like a big sister to me and I will always have a place in my heart for her.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
For sure my drive and determination are what inspires others. There are many times I could have given up and didn’t. Teaching at the dance studio and the little girls and boys see my scars and start asking questions about what happened to me and them seeing that I am still dancing and taking classes as well shows them to not give up because things get hard. I know I am doing something right when moms and dads come to me and tell me how their child is always talking about me and how they want to be like me. Dance overall is not easy, and I want to show these girls and boys what hard work and determination can get you. So many scholarship opportunities, recognition, appreciation, and overall be an inspiration for your generation.

Amber will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Grace is inspiring because she is incredibly self-disciplined and dedicated to her life’s goals. Dancing since 8 years old, Grace has won various scholarships for dance. With a rigid dance schedule at her local studio, Grace plans to become a choreographer and studio owner one day. She even decided that home schooling was the best option so that she could focus on her goals, her job, and her mom. Grace doesn’t just dance, she is a well-rounded student with excellent academics. She is compassionate, and loves to volunteer with Read Across America, as well as donates food regularly to the homeless in her community.

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​As a devoted dancer what does your schedule look like?
I dance everyday besides Sundays and all year long. We do get a few breaks like Christmas, thanksgiving, and a 3-week break after our biggest show but that’s it. For homeschool I have to add up my hours of dance each week and I dance a total of 21-26 hours each week!

What has dance been able to do for you throughout the years?
Dance has formed me into the person I am today. It has taught me many important life skills and given me great opportunities in life. Dance has also helped me cope with my emotions and I think that’s great especially for teenagers to distract them from temptations. Dance helps me with expressing thoughts and emotions. It’s like an escape from the world, or in a way “stopping time”.

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​How did you become interested in dance and how did you start?
Ever since I was 4 years old, I knew I wanted to be a dancer. My grandma took me to the nutcracker in Seattle, Washington and as soon as I saw the Sugarplum fairy, I said “I want to be as pretty as her”. I didn't start dancing until I was 8 due to money problems but I’m so thankful it all worked out.

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​What was your experience like transitioning into homeschooling to focus on your goal?
At first I was a little upset because I thought I wouldn’t be able to do as much but the older I got, the more I realized that homeschool has given me opportunities to experience other things in life and I have more freedom with my time, especially for dance and photoshoots.

​Tell me a little more about some of the scholarships you have received.
Some scholarships I have won in the past years is a free 3 day convention called Dance Driven and $50 off at Art of Movement convention in Seattle Washington.

Grace will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Emily Dustman inspires me every day with her strength, dedication and above all, her work ethic. I am her dance instructor and I get the amazing opportunity to witness her dancing and hard work every day. She spends hours upon hours at the studio every week, maintains exceptional grades, holds down a part time job and is one of the kindest humans I have had the chance to work with. She is a role model at our dance studio (Art in Motion) and for every young dancer. She is always so positive and uplifting! We love you Em and are so proud of you! The future is yours!

​What do you love most about dance?
I love the freedom of movement. I love the overwhelming feeling of the music. I love how dance allows me to express myself. Expression is key in this art form. When I dance, I tend to pour my emotions out and my truest colors can be seen. With dance in my life, I feel as though I have a purpose. Dance started a fire in me a long time ago. That passion is renewed every time I step on that stage or enter the studio. I live for the adrenaline of performing and letting go to the movement.

When did you begin dancing, and when did you join your current studio Art in Motion?
I was in 4th grade when I first started dancing. I danced at a really tiny studio in Salem for a long time. I left when I felt I needed a stronger education of dance and joined Art in Motion my freshman year.

​What has been your favorite experience of dancing so far?
My favorite experience of dancing so far would have to be at the Showstoppers competition. I performed a really emotional solo and gave it my all. When I came off stage there was a lady who approached me and thanked me for performing. It felt so amazing to know that my performance had meant so much to someone else.

How have you been able to manage exceptional grades as well as hours spent dancing per week?
Honestly, insane commitment. I remind myself constantly why I put myself through the stress. Dancing as a profession is my life dream. I want to continue inspiring others and creating meaning through the art of dance.

Through obstacles you have faced, how have you managed to radiate positivity through it all?
I have endured multiple obstacles, but I always try to stay positive, especially in the studio. As soon as I walk through that door, I want to dance. If a cloud of negativity hangs over a dancer’s head, everyone in the room will notice and feel the lack of energy, and it will drain them, too. Instead, I dance my troubles away. I use dance as an outlet to let go of every negative thing in my life.

Emilyann will be featured in Issue 26 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! 

​The Nomination: Upon meeting Nikita Jeyasingh, I was immediately stuck by her sweet smile and humble spirit. Nikita is a senior in the Leadership program at James River High School and is ranked 12th in a class of 450. She is the Vice President of the Student Council and a wining varsity tennis player and team captain (ranked #1 in the region). She has been dancing for 15 years and enjoys her third year as a member of the school’s dance team. She is amazing! Even if you are jealous of her abilities, it’s impossible not to like her – she’s just that nice.

​Tell us about your passion for playing tennis competitively. 

I began competing when I was 11 years old beginning with many local tournaments. My freshman year in high school, I made the Varsity Tennis team, and I’ve played as the #1 singles and doubles player for the past 3 years. Competing has taught me so much about myself and my love for the game. I love the individuality of the sport but also the team aspect of it because the goal is for our team to win the most matches. When I’m competing, I feel like I’m in a different world because all I’m focusing on is the match. I love being able to focus on one thing I love the most and do whatever I can to try to win.

How did your tennis career begin? When did you know that this is what you loved doing?

My dad got me into tennis when I was just 4 years old. It started as something I would do just for fun and to go outside and spend time with my dad. As I got older, I began to develop even more of a love for the sport, and I started training just about every day. When I was 8, I played my first match at a local country club. I remember feeling like Serena Williams as I brought my bag onto the court and battled it out against my opponent. From that day forward, I realized that this is what I want to do and get good at.

​What was your experience like on the dance team? 

Being on the dance team is such a rewarding experience. I love all the girls on my team and my coach. We have practices over the summer to learn our routines, and we practice after school during the year. We then perform at halftime shows, other school events, and attend competitions. Dance team is something that takes a lot of effort and hard work; however, at the same time, it’s a lot of fun and I’ve learned so much.

What is your favorite thing about being a dancer? What style of dance is your favorite, 
and why?

My favorite thing about being a dancer is being able to express myself through movement. My favorite style is probably jazz because I love the sass and the incorporation of tricks, turns, and specific dance movements. 

​Where have you traveled before? Which location has been your favorite? Why?

I love traveling; I’ve been to 35 countries! If I have to pick a favorite, I would say Thailand because first of all, the food is amazing, and I love how it has so much culture and so many different things to see from the blue beaches in the city of Phuket to the breathtaking mountains in Chiang Mai. 

Tell us about your volunteering opportunities and places you have volunteered.

I volunteer at a local hospital at the Patient Information Center and the Surgical Center. I also volunteer with a program at my church called, “Big Pals Little Pals,” which is an after-school program where I can tutor children whose parents don’t speak English or are unable to help them with their schoolwork. I love helping kids with schoolwork, and it’s so rewarding to see them understand their homework and enjoy doing it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?

I plan on majoring in Biomedical Engineering in college and then going to medical school. . I want to be a pediatric surgeon because I know I want to devote my life to helping people, especially kids.

​Nikita will be featured in Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Sarah Wainwright is not your average teenager. She is the most considerate, always thinking of others first, person you will ever meet. She is a strong Christian girl who reads her bible and does devotions daily. She is always trying to figure out how to help someone else. She is passionate about what she wants and strives to give more than 100% in everything she does in school with grades and sports. She always tries to do the right thing in every situation.

In what way has your faith impacted how you live your life?
My faith has impacted my life by changing my way of thinking and helps me choose whether to do certain things or not. I am not perfect, but my faith has helped me face temptations and turn the other way.

How does your faith in Jesus strive you to be a better person?
I always give 110% at everything I do. I try to treat people the way I would want to be treated. I try to be a positive influence on social media by putting bible verses up or encouraging quotes so people can see them and have a change in their heart or just make them feel happy when they are sad and to know that they are loved.
What are some ways you strengthen your faith daily?
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Every night I read a daily devotional and then I like to mark the things I find important or that stand out to me. Then I like to mark the bible verse from the devotion in my bible.

​What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Always work hard in everything you do even if you’re the only one trying because it will work out in the long run. Never give up!

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
 I am a very organized person and I am always on top of everything.

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Pizza soda dogs

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Play in the FIFA World Cup
2. Go to Hawaii
3. Go to Disney Land in Paris

When did you start playing soccer and how did you get interested in playing it?
I started playing soccer in the 8th grade. My friend encouraged me to play so I decided to try it out. When I played my first game, I realized that I loved it and wanted to play forever.

What type of dance is your favorite and how did you first get involved with dance?
My favorite type of dance would have to be Hip Hop or jazz. My mom first put me in dance when I was 2 years old and I stopped dancing at 14 years old to pursue soccer. While I was in dance I participated in many competitions and I got to dance at Disney World and perform in The Russian Nutcracker Ballet.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
 Playing college soccer and working to be an athletic trainer. 


Sarah will be featured in Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: I am lucky to have Isabella Connery on my senior model team this year. She is currently a Junior at Klein Collins High School, and loves make up! She not only loves to wear it, but she loves to wear it well...playing up to her best features. And, she knows when to go light and pretty, and when to go for the more dramatic look. Isabella has a side job as a makeup artist. She can easily apply what she has learned about make up to other people as well! I'm sure that I can learn some make up tips from Isabella! :)

​Where did your love for makeup come from?
My love for makeup comes from my early days of competitive dancing. I had to learn how to properly apply my makeup, so I was ready to perform on the stage. 

Tell us what your everyday makeup look consists of.
My everyday makeup look consists of light eyebrow filling, a coat of mascara, a moisturizer with SPF, tinted face powder, and Vaseline. 

What are your favorite types of makeup brands to use? If you had to pick one to use for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
My favorite types of makeup brands to use are budget friendly and inclusive ones like NYX and Urban Decay. If I had to pick one to use for the rest of my life, it’d have to be Benefit because it’s totally underrated.

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What has been your favorite job you have had with your makeup artist career? 
I worked with an adult client who was going to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary. She hired me to apply her makeup, and when I was done, she felt rejuvenated and was ready to celebrate! It was very cool and fulfilling.

What are some tips for someone who is suffering with acne? Do you have any special treatments you could recommend them? 
When it comes to acne, I know the struggle. Especially as a teenager. When I’m breaking out, I find it beneficial to cut down on the amount of product I’m using and apply a salicylic acid spot treatment twice a day. Stick to just a cleanser, moisturizer, and spot treatment for daily use. Be careful not to strip your skin of its natural oils, as it can lead to breakouts. 

​​What about you inspires others? 
Something about me that inspires others is my ability to attain my goals despite my daily obstacles with having Tourette’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements of the body known as “ticks”. Life with Tourette’s includes learning information differently than others and working relentlessly around the clock to be able to comprehend subject matter. Tourette’s can be very distracting and disruptive to even simple daily tasks. Having this condition has taught me self-discipline and other essential lifelong skills for anyone who aspires of being successful. Living with something that has no cure could be looked at as a curse, but I just see it as a part of me that challenges me to do my best. I believe facing your challenges head on is a valuable life skill for anyone to have. ​

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice to anyone who wants to be where I am today is the following; know your worth, market your skills, be persistent, maintain an efficient mindset, and let your actions reflect your goals. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In five years, I see myself as a senior in college getting ready to enter the world with my higher education and making my dreams reality. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I am a firm believer of both mental and physical organization being successful approaches to maintain everything that you seek to accomplish. 

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My appreciation of Fine Arts. 

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Singing!

Who do you find inspiring?
My dance teacher of 13 years, Kim Kelly at Progressions Performing Arts. 

Pizza or Tacos? Taco pizza (it’s a thing).
Soda or water? Water.

Cats or dogs? Cats

3 things on your bucket list
See my name in lights, cliff jump, and be on the cover of a magazine. 


Isabella will be featured in issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Zaria is an amazing dancer and student leader. She has done a phenomenal job leading her team and participating in solo events (and winning her fair share). She has also volunteered her time to teach dance to younger students at her local church. She is a super awesome young lady and I'm proud to know her. I can't wait until she opens a dance studio after college.

​What inspired you to start dancing? How long have you been dancing?
I honestly don’t know what it was… my mom just asked me one day if I wanted to do ice skating or dance since those were the only options for little girls where we lived in Ohio at the time. I just got a feeling and answered dance; the rest is history. I was around 3 when she asked me so I’ve been dancing for 15 years now. 

What is your is your favorite type of dance genre? Did you learn this style first? If not, what style did you learn when you first started dancing?
I honestly don’t have a favorite dance genre. I enjoy them all and they all have their own advantages. The first style of dance I started to train in were ballet and tap. 

What is one thing about dance that most people don’t know?
For me it’s a lot more than just a passion - it is a way of life. I would even say for most dancers… it’s all they think and do. It’s all some of us can eat, sleep, and dream about. Being a dancer means a lot of times we have to sacrifice a lot. We have to miss out on a lot of events and activities. It’s hard having friends outside of dance because they will never truly understand why it’s so important for us to go to practice/rehearsal. Missing one time can feel as though you have missed over a week. A lot happens in a single dance practice/rehearsal so even though I miss once, it could take me at least 2 practices/rehearsals to catch up. Then you feel bad everyone having to re-explain everything and keep doing it over and over so you can catch up. It also means probably missing out on big opportunities. The teacher/choreographer may have wanted you for a specific part, but since you aren’t there you miss your window of opportunity and they move on. 

If you could add or change something about dance to the dance world, what would it be and why?
I would have to say a wider shade range when it comes to shoes, tights, and “nude” undergarments. Currently in jazz shoes from what I’ve been able to find they only offer tan and black; I have to put foundation on my shoes so that they match me when I am onstage. I see a large issue with that. I think that here should be shades ranging from the lightest of dancers to the darkest. It’s a large industry that I believe is being neglected but has a very large opportunity. I plan on pursuing that venture, so everyone feels comfortable with going onstage and not looking silly because their tights and shoes don’t match them when they are performing. 

When you open a dance studio of your own one day, what are your plans for it?
My dance studio one day in the future… I’m still debating what the name should be. I want it to be something powerful yet professional, short, but not too short. I would want to offer tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, modern, contemporary, yoga, heels, tumbling/acro, and maybe even silks/aerial silks just because I find it so intriguing. I want the inside of my studio to be very warm and inviting while also staying professional. I want there to be 2 levels. There should be pictures of the students throughout. Ideally there would be about 8 or 9 studios/rooms. There would be a room for kids to do homework, store food, and microwaves. I would have a little area where kids could buy food, snacks, and water in case they forgot to bring their own. There would also be a lounge area for parents of younger kids so they could watch them through the monitors. I would like one of the studios to strictly be for acro/tumbling and aerial silks. Preferably I would like to have an in-house costume designer so I would have a space entirely for him/her. An office and a conference room would also be my choice. I have a lot of ideas for my dance studio, and I hope one day to make them into a reality. The instructors I hope to hire one day have to have compassion, empathy, be very well trained and dedicated to teaching and creating not just amazing dancers, but amazing people. I would want to hire instructors that don’t do favorites, just what’s best for the team. Some, not all, would have to be good at working with small children. People that I could trust and count on. Instructors that do what’s best for the dancer, not just what the parent wants or says they should get. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
There is going to be a very long road ahead of them but never ever give up. It’s going to be hard and there are going to be moments that seem unbearable, but in the end it will all come together. To never lose sight of the big picture. To always remember the reason why they not only started but continued to dance and why they love it. I would advise them to cherish their family and never take them for granted because they are the ones that are always going to be there. Family is the biggest support system. I would advise them to hone in on their studies and never give up. Not to sweat the small stuff, to never give in to the drama and find a good group of people that will support them no matter what. Honest people that will tell them even the things they may not what to hear. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself graduating/graduated from college. I would be hopefully working as a dance instructor and starting to obtain a graduate degree. I would love to obtain 2 masters - one in dance and the other in marketing. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
 
It is very difficult, but I have a very supportive mother that keeps me on my toes, and I have an organizer. I also just try to do everything in terms of due dates and importance. 

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom is the most inspiring person I’ve ever met. She’s been through a lot and has had some of the most incredible experiences in her life, yet she always maintains being a mom is her greatest accomplishment. Being a single mother isn’t easy, but she does it with such grace and makes it look easy. She always puts her needs aside to pit mine first. She's made a lot of sacrifices for me but shows and gives me so much unconditional love. She undoubtedly is my best friend, but still is a disciplinarian. We keep that boundary of mother and daughter, but I can always go to her when something is bothering me, or I just need someone to talk to. When I was younger, I had an issue with lying to my mom, so to ensure I wouldn’t do it anymore, my mom made me a promise that as long as I told her the truth… she could not get mad at me. As I got older, she had to alter it to she could be disappointed, but still could not get mad. She has stayed true to this promise and I would have to estimate that it’s been going on for about 12 years now. It shows how dedicated she is to me, knowing that I can always go to my mom is really special because I do have friends that aren’t able to do that with their parents and it makes the bond between my mom and I so much stronger. She inspires me each and every day. 

Pizza or tacos? Soda or water? Cats or dogs?
Pizza, water, and definitely dogs. 


Zaria will be featured in Issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination:  This natural beauty is a ray of sunshine! Anna is outgoing, funny, energetic and loves to meet new people! She has danced all her life. She competed at a dance studio on a team from fourth grade all the way until sophomore year in high school. She then decided to try something new and she joined Poms. To round out her accomplishments, Anna is in the National Honors Society at school and an honor roll student. 
Anna and her family run a non-profit organization/event called Ben's Run in memory of her brother Ben, who passed away from cancer. She helps her family prepare for the annual run each year by promoting it on social media, designing spirit wear, coming up with new ideas to incorporate and so much more. They have held the run for eight years and have raised over $650,000 for research to go towards childhood cancer. To continue her efforts, Anna is an ambassador for Dance Hope Cure, which is a social media campaign that raises awareness for childhood cancer. It allows her to use her love for dance to spread the word about childhood cancer and share her personal story of her brother. 

How did your interest in dance begin? What is your favorite style of dance and why?
When I was three years old my mom put me in ballet class at a small studio and that’s when it all started. I was immediately hooked, and wanted to take other styles too, so I switched to a new studio. My favorite style of dance is probably lyrical or contemporary because I like to challenge myself with creating new lines with my body as well as connecting to the music. 

Tell us about Ben’s Run and how someone could contribute if they are not able to attend the run. 
Ben’s Run is a non-profit organization that my family and I started to raise money towards research for childhood cancer at Children’s Hospital in memory of my brother Ben. It started 9 years ago when we raised $33,000 and now in total, we have raised $730,000. If you cannot attend the actual run, you can always donate online because every penny makes a difference in these kids’ lives. 

What are your duties within Dance Hope Cure? How could someone join?
My duties with Dance Hope Cure is to take pictures and post them on social media to spread awareness about childhood cancer. The more people that know about it, the more people that can help. It is the perfect way to combine my love for dance and passion for awareness of childhood cancer. Last year a group of my friends and I had a photoshoot specially for pictures of us dancing to promote Ben’s Run (which is seen in the photo) and it was so powerful. 

Tell us more about your experiences with the Poms team. How long were you on the team for? 
I joined the Poms team at my high school junior year and was captain for my senior year. 

How was Poms different from the dance you used to do? How was it similar? Explain! 
It is different than dancing at a studio because our routines are super high intensity and require lots of stamina. Therefore, we run and workout every day in order to be in shape for our routines. It’s super fun because we get to perform at our football and basketball games. We also compete at 3 Invitationals and a County competition against all the other D1 poms teams in Montgomery County.

Anna will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: I believe that Rachel Brushwood is extremely inspiring. She has been dancing at Brushwoods School of Dance since she was three years old. She is a part of the performance company and works vigorously in and outside of class to better herself. She also helps appreciate dancers ages 3-6. She is at the dance studio from right after school till around 9:30. She always puts her best forward. She would like to go to school to major in business and minor in dance so that she can take over the studio and continue teaching young girls and boys to fall in love with the art of dance just as she did at such a young age. ​

​About Rachel: 
My favorite style of dance is probably modern because it allows you to be creative and express yourself. Outside of dance I work on my skills at home and at the studio on weekends. In the past I have volunteered for my community through 4H and FFA. I also work at my dance studio and apprentice classes ages 3-6. 

Along with this I have worked at the local middle school and helped with special needs students and students that speak foreign languages. After high school I plan to attend Piedmont Virginia Community College and then transfer to study business and dance. After college I would like to take over ownership of my grandmother’s dance studio and teach classes. The advice I would give to others is to work hard and push yourself. 


Rachel will be featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: Brooklyn Campbell is an inspiring teen for all that she juggles with a smile on her face and a heart for serving others. She has strong leadership skills and extremely balanced. Although Brooklyn is a competition dancer, a member of the Dance team at school, and is an apprentice for Tremaine Dance Company, Dance is not all she focuses on. Brooklyn is the junior class president, and a freshman mentor. She also works with special needs kids in the club Circle of Friends, is the secretary for Model United Nations, is a member of National Honor Society, teaches Sunday school to 5th grade girls for the past three years, attends youth group, and volunteers for the CASA organization. Brooklyn also maintains a 4.6 GPA.
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​Tell me about some of your leadership opportunities you have had. 
I have had numerous opportunities to serve as a leader in dance as well as school. Some of my leadership is done through being a role model for others, and other times it is physically leading a group. One leadership opportunity in particular is my role as the junior class president. I have been able to lead the other juniors in organizing fundraisers, making announcements, and helping anyone get involved who wants to within my high school. 

How did your career in dance begin?
My career in dance began when I was two years old. My mother danced in her childhood, so it was destined for me. I ended up loving it and never wanting to leave dance class. Then, through elementary school I pursued dance up to 5 days a week. I still love and express my joy for dance through my high school dance team, Tremaine Performance Company, and my competition team.

​Tell me about your duties within the CASA organization.
CASA is an organization that supports advocating abused and/or neglected children and provides them with a court appointed advocate to help make them feel safe and have a permanent home. I was able to provide various clerical duties for the staff and adult volunteers to make their days easier so they could further provide for the children. 

With all your amazing extracurricular activities, how do you maintain an outstanding 4.6 GPA?
It is a juggling game, honestly. Throughout my years in high school, I have developed many habits that help me throughout the week. These habits go anywhere from setting timers for studying and then off to the next activity to going in early to school to communicate with teachers in areas I may need additional help. I will also mention that surrounding myself with the people I have has also helped me achieve all that I have. My friends and parents are nothing but encouraging. 

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What are your plans for the future? 
I plan on attending college and majoring in biochemistry and minoring in leadership. While in college, I plan to continue dancing on the college dance team. I have always had a passion for helping others in need and using problem solving. With that said, I hope to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist. 

Brooklyn will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

Nomination: Carlee Faith Smith is a High School Senior, an honor student, and is already attending college full time. She is a dancer with National titles including the Governor's Honor Program finalist for dance. She received most inspiring dancer out of the entire convention. She teaches dance, works at a boutique, and volunteers for elderly through youth group at church.​

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​When did your career in dance begin?
When I was 8 years old, I heard of a studio opening in my hometown. Originally, I had not planned on dancing. I went with my mom to sign my younger sister up and ended up begging her to sign me up. 

Tell me about some of your National Dance titles.
During our season we have mandatory regional competitions, but nationals during the summer is optional.
My first year I went to nationals in Savannah, GA, I had to fill in a small group because girls who were in the dance backed out. I had to learn it two weeks before the week of nationals and perform it. Talk about pressure! I, along with three other girls, won our first national title and it felt good knowing our hard work paid off!
Another title I obtained with my duo partner for 4 years, who also happens to be my best friend. So, you could say we have a pretty good connection. We got a huge check like the ones you see on TV.

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​Do you think you will continue dancing in the future?
For sure. It has been and always will be a big part of my life. I plan on dancing on the dance team at whatever college I go to. In the future, I would love to continue to take classes or even teach my own and choreograph for studios. 

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What are you studying at college?
I plan on majoring in Criminal Justice and becoming a criminal investigator. 

Why did you want to study this?
I originally wanted to study Law, but I do not agree with some of the responsibilities that attorneys have. In school, I always liked math because there was a solution to be found. That is kind of how I feel about being an investigator because I love figuring stuff out. About four weeks ago my car was broken into and after talking to the investigator, I have my heart set on this and being able to work with people to bring justice for the community. 

Carlee will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

 
The Nomination: Olivia is one of my senior models and photography assistants for the Class of 2019. She's involved in the Student Government Association and the Governor's School. Olivia has been swimming and dancing for most of her life. She swims year-round for several swim clubs and dances many different styles, including pointe. She loves animals, photography and painting. One of Olivia's best friends described her as an incredibly unique person with a wonderful sense of humor. I totally agree! I absolutely love working with her, both as a model and a photography assistant!

How did you become interested in swimming and dance?
I started swimming when I was 5 years old because my mother believed it was important for us (my siblings and I) to become strong swimmers. I have participated in year-round swimming since I was young, and I love the competitiveness of it. I also love how good it feels when I work hard towards a specific goal and finally achieve it. I have also been taking dance classes since I was 3 years old and I love it. I currently take 5 classes a week, including pointe. Dance and swim have always been a big part of my life.

Tell me about your role in the Student Government Association.
I have been heavily involved in SGA both my junior and senior years and I love it. SGA plans events throughout both the school and the community. It's a great environment of students who all have so much school spirit and love being involved in the school as well as our local community.

 How do you like being a model?
I love working with Ali Johnson, she is such a talented photographer. Every photo shoot with her is so fun and full of laughter. Not only do I model for her, I also work for her as a photography assistant. Working with Ali is always so much fun, and she is always open to new ideas even if they are a little crazy. Working with and modelling for Ali has been a very fun experience and I'm excited for future photo shoots.

What are your favorite types of animals and why?
I can't choose between cats and dogs; my family has had both since I was very young, and I love them all. Currently, we have 5 cats, 4 dogs, 2 turkeys, and a chicken. I've always bonded with our cats and dogs and I love their company.
 
 With all your interests, have you decided on what you’ll be doing after high school?
Currently, I am undecided on where I want to go to college. I have applied to UVA, Virginia Tech, and University of Richmond and I plan to apply to more colleges. I want to study some type of science, maybe biology or environmental sciences and I will hopefully go to veterinary school.

Olivia was featured in issue 15. 

The Nomination:
This is Faith Jacobs. She's a class of 2020 high school senior. Besides being such a fun and beautiful girl, she's an amazing dancer and has been for 8 years. She's on the honor roll and plans to pursue a degree in pre-law or psychology after high school at the University of Kansas. She's won the American Miss Kansas Covergirl title in 2015 and again in 2018. She's an inspiration of determination and setting high goals for herself. 
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Tell us about your dance experience.
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 My love for dance began when I was in need for a creative outlet. Dance provides the opportunity to express myself while exploring the importance of hard work and dedication. Throughout high school, I have been a member of my high school dance team as well as Radiant Dance Studio’s competitive dance team. 

​What are your pageant titles and what have you created through your title as the American Miss Kansas Covergirl.
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I have competed in the National American Miss Kansas pageant where I am a two-time title holder of the National American Miss Kansas Covergirl title and was the recipient of the National American Miss Kansas Top Model title. Throughout my experience in competition, I have created my three keys to success; confidence, preparation, and dedication! 

Why do you think you are so inspiring?

Through my personal diligence, I have obtained an honor roll GPA, the 2015 and 2018 National American Miss Teen Kansas Covergirl Title, while being a member of my dance team! I believe I am an inspiring and ambitious teen whose hard work and determination led to the achievement of my personal goals! 

Faith will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine, due out in March 2017.

​How were you introduced to dancing?
I started dancing at 3 years old and dancing competitively at 4 years old. After my first time performing on stage, I realized that dance made me the happiest.

Tell me about your Freshmen year in New York?
I was asked to join a pre-professional dance program for one month in New York City with Complexions Contemporary Ballet. At first, I thought it would be impossible to step away from everything for a month during the school year. I sat down with my parents, school, and dance studio and came up with a plan to work it out. With the graciousness of my family, my school, teachers and dance studio we got everything organized and planned out and soon I was packing to leave.
Once I made it to New York I was overwhelmed, being a small-town girl in such a big city. I did school work in my hotel room during the day and trained with my pre-professional group every evening. The school work was a huge challenge considering I was working on my own each day with communication via email with my teachers.
Every evening I would train with the founders of Complexions Contemporary Ballet and my pre-professional group. It is like a high school football player training with the NFL players. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in such an amazing dance environment.
We also worked on a performance piece which we would perform at the end of the month at the Complexions Gala. It was a dream come true, this opportunity to perform and share the stage with the Complexions dancers whom I have admired and looked up to for years. The day of the show was surreal. I was stretching and preparing alongside the professional dancers. The feeling of performing that night was one I will never forget. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What I learned from that one month away was more than just dance. I learned what it means to work hard for what you want, what it takes and the life of a professional dancer, and the strength it takes to be independent and take ownership of yourself and your dreams. 

What are some ways that you balance your school work, dance life and personal life?  
Pre-planning and organizing my days, keeping focus at each task and continued reevaluation of my goals. This allows me to have time for all three which are very important to me. 
 
Do you plan on continuing to dance in the future as you become older?  
Yes, I would love to major in dance and my dream job would be to be a company dancer at Complexions Contemporary Ballet.

Georgia was featured in issue 15.

​How were you introduced to dancing?  
I was introduced to dancing when I was three by my mum. She took me to a dance class and from there I loved it and have danced ever since!  
 
Does dancing help you when participating in plays?  
Yes, dancing has definitely helped me with acting because with Dance you have to portray stories and emotions without words, so it made acting easier.  
 
What made you motivated to be a dancer at photography workshops?  
When Lorraine first approached me, I was super excited because I love being in front of the camera and had never done anything like that before. When I saw her previous work, that motivated me to model for her as she’s so talented.  

What advice would you give to others who are interested in dancing and acting?  
I would just say go for it, it can change your life and really give you a purpose and it’s something you can constantly be improving on.  
 
What struggles have you faced with all your activities?  
I’ve always struggled with self-confidence and not always feeling like I’m good enough but it’s something you overcome with time and practice. Also facing rejection is hard but it pushes you to get better.  

Ruby was featured in issue 15. 

What cheer/dance experience did you have before becoming a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, and who was your biggest influencer?
My career as a dancer began when I was 5 years old, at Kelly Richards School of Dance. I was a part of the KRSD competition from 4th grade through my senior year of high school. I also have been a cheerleader since the age of 5, when I started off cheering for the Warrington Warriors. I then went on to cheer competitively for my middle and high school teams. One of my dance teachers, whose name is also Jill, was a former Eagles Cheerleader. At a young age, I admired her accomplishment, it seemed like the ultimate dance goal.  You can say that becoming an Eagles cheerleader has been a life-long goal of mine. 

​What's life like once you make the team?
Eventful and exciting! After the audition season, practices start right away in the summer. We learn a lot of dance technique and combinations. We also have the opportunity to participate in international outreach as a squad. In my years on the team, we have traveled to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, visiting and donating to orphanages in need. We also partnered with ‘Waves for Water’ to provide programs and technology to villages that did not have access to clean drinking water.
In season, we practice twice a week for 3 hours in the evening. Practices consist of learning a variety of choreography that is performed in front of 60,000+ fans at home games. We all put in many hours outside of practice, rehearsing and perfecting routines. At practice, we learn dances at a fast pace and it is necessary to rehearse before returning to practice the following week. I often get together with my teammates at the gym to practice. We also perform at local appearances, where we can spread eagles spirit to fans who may not get to be a part of the game day excitement.
Additionally, we sign up to appear at events around the area. They vary from charitable fundraisers, to local pep rallies, away game watch parties, appearances at schools in the region, or even a visit to Dunkin’ Donuts, one of our sponsors. We also have the opportunity to be role models for younger girls who attend the Junior Cheer Clinics throughout the season. Not only do we teach the girls how to perform like Eagles cheerleaders, but also how to be confident individuals and work as a team.
 
What's a typical game day like?
We report to the stadium 4 hours before kickoff. We practice on the field before, as well as in a studio that is connected to the Lincoln Finical Field. During games, we are broken up into 4 squads that are placed in each corner of the sidelines. We rotate each quarter, so we get to see all the fans! We perform our pregame show, center stage, before the team is announced and then in the end zones for the first and third breaks. 

​Do you ever get nervous being in front of all those people? 
Yes and no. There's always a feeling of nervous excitement, but I practice so much that I don’t have to think about it, and that is what makes it fun. When I’m out there doing my routines with my cheer family, I can just forget everything else that is happening. Four quarters fly by in no time and you are left feeling great, especially when we win. 

What was it like cheering at Super Bowl?
Everything was unforgettable! When we travel, we get so connected with the ladies on our team. We bond so much. I’ll look back and remember who I cheered with because cheering with them is like being with a second family. When we returned to Philadelphia, everything felt different! Everyone was a little more pleasant and happier in Philly. Everyone felt like a winner, like they were part of the championship. We could feel the excitement all throughout the city! 
 
How was the parade? 
It was a day that was overwhelming with excitement! The route was full of people who couldn’t control their emotions because they were so happy. I saw numerous fans crying! The crowd was covered in green! I felt so blessed to be a part of it all because there were so many cheerleaders and loyal fans who cheered for the Eagles (52 years before) but only 36 women can say they’re a Super Bowl Champion Eagles Cheerleader. 


What was it like getting to go to London? 
London was ‘brilliant!’ 8 of us were selected, by seniority, to represent the squad in London. (It's my 3rd year on the team). We got to travel to the UK early and explore some historic and beautiful landmarks, like tour the Kensington Palace and the London Eye. At the Buckingham Palace, we got to watch the Changing of the Guards. We had the Eagles Photographer with us for part of the time, so we got some great pictures too! I love to scrapbook and I am excited to add these memories to the book. 

​Do you have a job other than being an Eagles Cheerleader?
Yes! I am an English teacher for 7th and 8th grade students in Philadelphia. I always knew I wanted to teach Middle School. This is the time that students really find themselves and need a strong mentor to look up to. I think that who you become in middle school determines how you are in high school. The interactions and learning experiences that happen in three years of middle school shape a student’s outlook on education.


Is it hard to balance being an Eagles cheerleader and your role as a Middle School Teacher?
It can be difficult because outside of school hours, I also plan lessons and grade assignments. Being an English teacher, I grade a lot of written papers, which I love, but is time consuming. I am still learning how to best manage my time, this is something that started in my childhood because of dance, cheer, and everything else I was involved in. I feel that I am already well trained on managing my time wisely. I also coach my school's cheer team, so I really do put a lot of ‘cheer’ on my plate. Every woman on the team has a demanding career, so everyone is on the same boat and we can all relate to each other. 

What advice do you have for teens who are thinking about trying out to be an NFL cheerleader?
Go for it! You do not have anything to lose. If you can, find a friend who is also interested and go through the process together. This way, you can practice together and cheer each other on. The open call audition is a unique experience and will teach you how to perform under pressure and step outside of your comfort zone. You never know, you might just make it all the way to finals like I did.
 
What's your favorite quote?
“Don’t wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain.”
I feel like there is never going be a perfect day, especially as a teacher, there’s always something that is going to cause stress or anxiety. Once I get to the dance studio and start the warm-up, all of that fades away. Once I’m in that space, in that moment, I can just dance and feel rejuvenated.

Jillian was published in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

The Nomination: “Jake has a passion for hip hop and trains up to 16 hours per week during competition season while maintaining high honors in school. He also teachers a younger student who competes and just won first place at nationals. Jake is a remarkable young man who is always recognized for being so kind and respectful.”

How did you become interested in dancing? How old were you when you started?
When I was 4 years old I would imitate Michael Jackson daily. My mom found a theater arts camp with dance which led to hip hop classes around 6 years old. At 10 years old, I found an awesome hip hop teacher at Elements Dance Factory, Ski Sevitski who also trained with I AM PRHESH. I still train with Ski and officially joined I AM PHRESH at 13 years old. We compete regionally in comps such as World of Dance. I also compete as a soloist I received multiple titles and accolades including the title "Funky Fresh Award". That name stuck and now I'm known by my friends as JakesFresh. That's also my Instagram :).

 Is it difficult to balance dance and school along with other activities? 
Yes! I train up to 16 hours per week during comp season which is school season. That doesn't include training a younger student who competes, rapping and creating my own choreo. I've become very disciplined and do school work from the moment I get home, including in the car, until I get to dance. It’s worth the high honors in school and winning team competitions. Watching my first student win 1st place in his national comp made my year!

Have you ever had problems accomplishing your goals?
Yes! There are many areas hip hop that you need to learn and it's tough to be good at all of them. I’m best at hip hop dance. When I do reach milestones, I realize all the hard work was worth it and I just want to keep practicing.

The Nomination from Selessa Studio: “Rachel stared a community service club in her Michigan high school to help others. She also dances and is involved in the national honor society.”
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What inspired you to start a community service club at your school?
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I was inspired to start my community service club by a group that my mom is a member of, called 100 Women Who Care. Every quarter a group of about 100 women in my town get together and select a nonprofit organization to contribute to. Each member donates $100, so the organization receives donations of around $10,000. I was so amazed at how great a difference my mom was making when she would get together with this group; I began to wonder if there was a way I could do the same. My friend, Emma Walsh, and I decided that we would start our own version of this at school, called 100 Students Who Care. In this club, we donate our time to better Northville and its surrounding communities by supporting local nonprofit organizations.

Is there a specific focus of the club?

The main goal of 100 Students Who Care is to make a difference in the community by donating our time through fundraising or volunteering. There are so many ways that students can get involved to support those who need help. For example, this past winter, our group decided to support Mittens for Detroit, a nonprofit organization that works to provide mittens and gloves to children and adults in need. At our school, we held a glove drive and had a bake sale to raise money to be donated to Mittens for Detroit. We had a lot of success and were able to play a role in providing people with gloves that they badly needed.

Which types of dance do you do, and which is your favorite, why?

As a competitive dancer on a pre-professional company, I take many different styles of dance. Each week I have ballet, turn and leap, modern, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop, along with strength and conditioning. Each style has something special that I love, but my favorites would have to be lyrical and contemporary. I love these because they allow me to immerse myself in the story behind the dance and express my emotions through my movement. The best feeling ever is when you’re performing a piece and you just forget about everything else going on in your life because you’re so connected to the movement and the story behind it.

Finally, how do you balance your community service club, National Honor Society, and dance?
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In my opinion, the best trick to managing so many things on top of school is time management. I am super organized and basically plan out what I should be doing every minute of every day. When you have to dance for 5 to 6 hours a night, club meetings, and volunteering, there really just is no time to procrastinate! Luckily, I have developed the habit of starting my homework right when I get home from school, studying on my breaks at dance, and just using all my time wisely so I can stay on top of everything I need to do.