Dancing her heart away

“I’ve been dancing for about four years. I got into dancing because a lot of my friends were in it. I dance at Bella Via. Part of what I do as a dancer at Bella Via is assistant teaching for the younger kids’ classes. I always try to be a good role model for them. It’s an amazing studio!

Some dancers that inspire me the most are my teachers: Megan, Kendra, Josh, Deanna, Alyssa and Natasha. My competition team also greatly inspires me. They keep me motivated throughout the year-round season.

One day, I would like to become a professional dancer for a modern or contemporary company. I also hope to be able to judge competitions, teach at conventions and study dance in college.

Acting is such a big part of dance, so I usually convey some kind of emotion with my face. Whether the emotion be happiness, sadness or anger, it doesn’t matter. I always feel so much better after dancing.

When I’m onstage, I get this cool feeling. It’s this feeling that can’t really be described with words. It is an out-of-body experience. It’s like my brain just shuts off for a minute, and the music just moves me. I love that feeling. When I dance I just feel the most me. When I dance I feel like I am 100% myself and I think that’s something that’s pretty awesome.

I love dance because it is an escape.” (Maddie Westreich, freshman)