Kyleigh Schofield

Kyleigh Schofield - North Carolina
Nomination & Photography by BlueRidgeExpressions.com
Issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

Nomination: Kyleigh is such an inspiring teen, who I have had the honor to get to know and celebrate her successes with. She came to me for her Senior Portraits last winter with the hope of getting some beautiful images of our local River Arts District in Asheville, NC. Learning about her life during our sessions was absolutely uplifting. A long-term dancer, she served as choreographer for her high school dance team at East Henderson High School. She showed natural leadership in this role, working hard to mentor the younger dancers on the team to bring out their absolute best!

Photography by BlueRidgeExpressions.com

How did you find and why did you choose BlueRidgeExpressions.com for your photographer?
Pat Shrader is a Senior and sports photographer here in Western North Carolina. I met Pat while he was photographing one of our local high school sport events. Pat is so passionate and kind. Finding the right photographer can be tricky sometimes. Connection and trust are both really important when choosing a photographer to work with. Pat was so great and a please to work with.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I had a very laid back and fun experience. I loved that Pat chose the River Arts district of Asheville, NC to take my Senior pictures. As a dancer I love details in the pictures. He took me to several different locations that were amazing. He is so talented.

When did you start dancing and what makes it special for you?
I started dancing at the age of 19 months old, so about 17 years. I was always twirling around the living room in my princess gowns and loved dancing. I was a very shy child with two older brothers, so my mom thought dance would help me come out of my shell and also be around others who loved dance too. Dance is very therapeutic. I love telling a story through my dance movements. It is special to me when I make others feel things from watching me dance.

What types of dances do you study and which is your favorite? Why?
I study hip hop, ballet, Jazz, tap, and contemporary/lyrical. I am also a tumbler. I would have to say Lyrical and hip hop are equally my favorites. With lyrical it’s all about the emotion and the story. It’s soft and the movements are controlled and meaningful. Whether it is an uplifting dance or a sad dance, it makes people feel all those feelings through watching me. With hip hop, it’s fun and fast paced. It’s explosive and intense. It can be aggressive and expressive. I love just getting down and dirty with hip hop

What has dance taught you?
Dance has taught me so many things. It would be hard to name them all. Here are some of them.
1. Ability to be creative and expressive
2. Teamwork and accountability
3. Love and acceptance
4. Adapt to changes and overcoming fears
5. Determination
6. Accountability
7. Discipline
8. Dedication
9. Perseverance

What is your favorite memory with dance?
At nationals the crew hosted a dance battle after competing all day. I didn't make it very far in the battle, I went against someone who had really amazing tricks. Even though I got out, I stayed the whole time. I’m not really someone who likes to stay at social events like that, but staying was the best thing I had done. We were all just dancing. It wasn't stressful, nobody got mad if you lost, everyone cheered for everyone. There weren't any sides. Hearing people I had never met before, cheering me on like I was one of their own. That's my favorite memory.

What is a favorite accomplishment with dance?
Other than winning the Grand National Championship this summer. I would have to say, placing in overalls at Nationals with my solos. With my torn ACL/Meniscus, going into Nationals week, I thought I might not perform my solos. When I placed 9th overall out of 33 dancers in the Senior Elite Division with my Jazz routine and 4th runner-up in the Miss Senior Elite Title Division with my lyrical routine, I have never been more proud of myself. I was so glad I decided to perform those dances one last time.

What do you wish everyone knew about dancers/dancing?
I would want everyone to know that we are dedicated and passionate individuals that want to share our talent with the world. We push ourselves outside our comfort zone because we know we will grow from it and become a better human because of it. We are hard workers and put a great deal of effort into everything we do.

What was it like being a choreographer for your high school dance team?
When I was asked to choreograph a routine for my high school dance team I was overjoyed. I felt a huge sense of responsibility and was ready for the challenge. I was honored that the dance team coach chose me and I was determined not to let her or the team down. The night they performed my routine, I was so nervous. They made me so proud and danced the routine wonderfully.

What did you learn about leadership and yourself as a leader in this role?
I definitely learned to give myself grace. I did not want to let down the dancers or the coaches. I believed in myself but felt a huge sense of responsibility. I had a vision and I learned very quickly to trust in myself. I also learned that communication to the dancers was key. All dancers have a different way of learning and I needed to adjust accordingly when teaching my routine.

What else would you like to talk about dance?
Being an advanced dancer that is looked up to, and a teacher assistant, I used that platform to mentor the littles at the studio. Talking about how being different is your best quality. Being passionate about something can give you purpose. Being determined can free you from any uncertainty or doubt that you are having. Having courage does not mean that you can't be afraid. That strength comes in all forms such as knowledge, compassion, forgiveness and love. As a very shy and introverted child, I want everyone to feel important and valued.

What style of dance/s do you teach younger students and what do you love most about teaching them?
I have assisted younger dancers in all styles of dance. Being one of the advanced dancers, they look up to me. When I teach them, they listen. They are all the little brother/sisters I never had. I love them all! One of my favorite things about teaching them is when their lightbulb goes off and they get the tumbling trick they have been working on or they get a dance move they have been struggling with. Their eyes get so big and they are so proud of themselves.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In March of 2022, I tore my ACL/Meniscus. Being a dancer for 16 years, I was devastated. Even though the orthopedic surgeon advised me otherwise, I knew pushing through the pain and finishing the season was something I needed to do for myself and my team. The year was a huge success, I became a Grand National Champion. Post surgery I learned from the surgeon that due to the condition of my ACL, I should have never been able to walk without difficulty, let alone complete the season. My strength, determination, passion and resilience are what carried me through.

How are you now with your tear?
After finishing my dance year, on August 9th, I had ACL and Meniscus reconstruction surgery and I am recovering very well. I am a great patient and doing my physical therapy as instructed. Recovery is a minimum of 6 months. The hope is that I can start conditioning and training at the beginning of 2023 and get back to dancing.

What is going to a competition like?
It's all very stressful but we make it fun in our own way. Learning the dances, helping out, getting costumes, costume malfunctions, getting props late, last minute changes. It doesn't matter what it is, it matters how you take care of it. A couple days before we leave I am going through my duffle bag to make sure I have EVERY piece, and all make-up. Spray tan the day before is a must. The “big day” so to say, is more exciting than it is stressful. You're finally getting the chance to perform, you get to wear the costume, wear the makeup, have the hair just right, and then at the end of the day you finally get to find out if all the work you've done all year paid off. It does.

What was the dance and winning the Grand National Champion like?
It was a beautifully choreographed contemporary ballet dance. Our song/dance, “In This Shirt” was nothing less than the feeling of freedom, with both dancing and watching it. We wore a white button-up shirt, a long black skirt, a black corset, and our hair in a slick back bun so that it wouldn't distract from movement. When we won I was so excited and proud that I couldn't help but cry.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
Your health, specifically diabetic management is something that I would speak about. My dad has been a diabetic since he was 18 years old. Due to poor education and miss management he is now in End Stage Renal Failure and is waiting for a kidney transplant. He is currently being treated with Dialysis from home 4 times a week, that is bridging the gap until his transplant takes place. Watching my dad suffer has been very difficult and not something I would want anyone to suffer through. He has taught me to never give up and keep pushing through.

Photography by BlueRidgeExpressions.com

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Dancing competitively with 12-14 routines with a torn ACL is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
You are worth it and keep pushing towards your goal. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
My plans are to go to college, continue dancing and inspire others. I would love to own my own photography studio specializing in dance photography.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Hanging out with my family. They are my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be where I am today without each of them.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can sing a little. It's not like most people but, others tell me all the time that I have a good voice and should've done something with it.

3 Things on your bucket list
Go to the Grand Canyon, own a photography business, and going to a Harry Styles concert.

Who do you find inspiring?
Martha Graham

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I am not the typical size 2 dancer and I am 5 feet tall. I hope that when people watch me they are inspired to go outside their comfort zone.

Look for Kyleigh in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 60

click here to nominate an inspiring teen