Rowan Cornish

Rowan Cornish – Ohio
Nomination by Erin Dorn
Photography by Maria Kirkland with 12.9 Photography
Issue 58 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

​Nomination: Rowan Cornish is loyal, dedicated, and intelligent. She excels academically as she works grade levels ahead of her age while being homeschooled. Her passion for dance is unparalleled and she works hard to perfect her craft. On a personal note, she is shy, but is the most loyal friend a person could ask for. Not only is she kind, she’s compassionate and will bend over backward to help someone in need. She understands the importance of being strong and confident, and will always find a positive outlook when things look negative.

Photography by Maria Kirkland with 12.9 Photography

​
What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about dance because I can translate my emotions into movements. I’m not an extrovert, so all the different forms of dance help me tell groups of people how I’m feeling as I entertain them on stage. I also like to model for the same reason. Dancing and modeling give me creative freedom and expression.

Tell us about your dance career. How and when did you get started and where are you at with it now?
I started dancing when I was 4, and I loved it, especially when I was on stage. One year I went to see The Nutcracker and said I wanted to dance on THAT stage one day so I auditioned for show, received a role, and that was it – I knew I wanted to dance at Dayton Ballet School. I enrolled the next year and have taken classes there ever since. It’s been a fun experience, all my instructors have taught me so much, and I’ve been a part of great shows with great friends.

What is a typical dance day/week like for you?
Dance is something I do every day once school is finished. My in-studio classes this year will be almost every day of the week, and when I’m not in the studio, I’m working at home. I’m dedicated to my sport, and dance is so much more than a hobby to me, so I put in the hours needed to perfect my skills.

What types of dance do you study and which do you prefer? Why?
If I had my way, I’d do all forms of dance, but this year I’m focusing on ballet and pointe, plus I’m taking a variety of other styles. I don’t like to pick a favorite because each style is fun and presents a challenge. If I had to pick, though, I’d say musical theater is my favorite because it really lets me act and do a lot of expressions, plus it combines a lot of the dance styles into one routine.

Photography by Maria Kirkland with 12.9 Photography

Tell us a favorite memory and/or accomplishment from dance.
My favorite accomplishment with dance is when I made it into Dayton Ballet II Junior Company. I worked so hard to perfect my technique by the time I was old enough to audition, so it was exciting to get the acceptance letter stating I was a part of junior company.

If you could showcase your talents on any dance tv show, which would you choose? What would you wear, dance to, style of dance etc?
Performing on America’s Got Talent would be so much fun, and I love Howie Mandel – he’s hilarious. I think I would do a musical theater piece from Legally Blonde so I could have a lot of fun, act, and show my personality on stage, plus I could combine it with a freestyle dog act to include Bruiser. I know my costume would be pink and sparkly, and it would be amazing.

Why did you choose 12.9 Dance Photography for your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I’ve been in front of a camera my whole life, but when I heard Maria does dance photography (and so much more, she’s a great photographer), I knew I had to get an appointment with her. After our first session, I knew I wanted to try to be one of her 12.9 Dance Ambassadors – and I am! Working with Maria is so much fun. I can bounce ideas to her, and she can come back with an idea that’s even better. She creates really cool concepts, and I have the best time while doing two things I absolutely love – dancing and modeling. Maria has introduced me to so many talented dancers, and she’s always so positive and encourages all her models to be confident and show the world what we, as dancers, are capable of doing – and we can do a lot, believe me.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I think it’s important for all athletes to know the importance of listening to their bodies as they train in their respective sports. As a dancer, I’ve had to learn how to recognize injuries as my body is telling me to slow down and heal, rather than push through and further damaging myself. Nutrition and proper exercises are so important, as well as listening to doctors and professionals when they offer to help. Preventing injuries now allows us to continue toward our dreams as we get older.

Photography by Maria Kirkland with 12.9 Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I like volunteering and helping people. I donate time and items to our local shelters and churches. Not everyone has advantages like I’m lucky enough to have, so I want to give back and help when I can.

What do you do at your local shelters?
When I was little, my parents taught me to donate gently used belongings to women’s shelters and local churches. When I’m there, I sometimes I get to meet and interact with kids and families who are there for help, and I try to help take their minds off their troubles by playing with the kids, giving them some of the items I brought, or just talking with them. Knowing I can help someone that’s a little down on their luck by offering them my friendship and some of the things I’ve outgrown is a great feeling.

What has been a favorite moment during your time there?
One time we saw a notice saying blankets were needed because it was really cold outside. I had so many fleece blankets I didn’t use anymore so we boxed them up and took them to the shelter. I was allowed to help give them to some of the kids that were staying there that night. I like knowing I can help make people be happy, even if it’s just because they received a new blanket.

What leadership opportunities have presented themselves as a result of you actively pursuing volunteering?
I’m really shy, and I have a hard time starting conversations with people I don’t know, but with kids it’s easier. I’ve learned I can get a group of kids to calm down and focus on a task, and I love organizing activities and leading them. I also take that with me into my dance world when we have a big production and they need help with younger students to keep them quiet and focused while other groups are rehearsing and dancing.

What have you learned about your leadership style as a result?
I realized I’m a quiet leader, and I have a lot of fun ideas to help control a crowd. I’m working hard to overcome my shyness, and one day I’ll get there, but for now, I want other shy kids to realize they have voices and can be leaders, too. Whether they use their voices to help others in need, or translate their voices into dance, art, or music, their voices deserve to be heard.

Image by Erin Dorn. Rowan with Miss Ashley Griffin, Dayton Ballet Company Dancer and Instructor

​What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Making it into DBII. I had to work so hard to get to that level of ballet technique, but it all paid off.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work hard and always keep a positive attitude. Things may be difficult, but your goals can be achieved if you keep at it and work toward your dreams.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
My goal is to get my high school and college diplomas within months of each other. After that, I’d like to be on Broadway or dancing professionally.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Drawing, swimming, and playing with my dog Wiki.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can do some weird things with my eyes, like cross one and not the other.

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Learn archery and get good at it
2. Visit New York City to see the 911 Memorials
3. See the islands of Hawaii and explore volcanoes

Who do you find inspiring?
Misty Copeland because she is so talented and makes ballet look easy – and we all know it’s not. All my instructors at Dayton Ballet are inspiring because they’ve done what I’m trying to do – dance professionally, then pass along their experiences and knowledge to their students.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I’m a hard worker, and when I set my goals, I do everything I can to achieve them. Some of my younger friends see this, and they can see their dreams are within reach, too.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Always work hard, even if you want to give up, and try to keep a positive outlook. I have a lot to learn still, but I won’t quit trying or practicing so I can reach my goals.

Look for Rowan in issue 58 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

---

click here for more information on issue 58

click here to nominate an inspiring teen