In The Mikado I am a dancer. This being my first year in the musical, I find it so welcoming to be in the atmosphere of talented musicians and actors. Everyone has such a positive motivation and work ethic, which allows us to feed off each other and make an outstanding show.
I, unlike many of the other performers in The Mikado, have not been in a large theatre production. However, I am not new to the stage, as a dancer I’ve competed and performed numerous times, but usually only for about three minutes per dance routine. Four years ago, when I entered high school I told myself that I wanted to be in a musical at least once. This was the year to do it, everything in my dance schedule lined up perfectly, so I took this opportunity.
If I could hold onto one memory from my teenage years it would be, dancing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, fall 2014. About 16 girls from my studio, Academy of Dance Arts, were given the opportunity to go to New York for a week, practice for about a total of 24 hours, and then perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. It was my first time being in New York City so I was filled with so much excitement! Although 700 girls from around the country were in a large ballroom learning our routine, it was a great experience to meet new people and to all work towards a common goal. Further in the week we were able to go sightseeing and most importantly, shopping. When the day of the parade came a 4am wake up was called for, although the weather was 40 degrees and raining we all made the most of it. While we were walking through the parade route there were people everywhere I looked: up the buildings, in alleys, and along the streets. It was an incredible experience I will never forget. Aside from dance, I am editor of the yearbook at school and love to paint, watercolor mostly, in my free time.
My mom has been the most important person in my life, her patience and unconditional love is truly inspirational. She’s been the only person right by my side since I was born. Next year, I’ll be attending some college, it hasn’t been decided yet, and studying elementary education. Often times, people ask me “why do you want to be a teacher?” The answer is: I love working with children. Their brains are always growing as they ask questions and absorb everything around them. I’ve wanted to be a teacher my entire life. I’m considering minoring in special education, following in my mother’s footsteps. On my days off from school I love going to work with my mom in the Wauwatosa school district, she’s a physical therapist for kids with special needs. Simply put, the children who are not able to do everything their classmates can, doesn’t stop them. Their independence and kindness towards all is so inspiring. Teachers are such a fundamental part of everyone’s lives, and I want to help children learn and grow.
Act Out 