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Copyright Stillwater Area High School MMX
ISSUE 8 VOL. 57
May 18, 2012
Making a young girl's dream morph into a teenage girl's reality is never easy. However, junior Laura Steele has danced for 13 years and she has worked tirelessly day after day to change her childhood dreams of becoming a ballerina into her reality.
"I started dancing when I was four years old. I was really into pink and sparkles so it seemed like a perfect fit for me! I started off doing ballet and tap, but as I grew up I started other kinds of dance such as modern, lyrical, jazz and even Irish, but ballet was always my favorite. When I was in 6th grade, I decided to dedicate myself to simply ballet, and joined St. Croix Ballet Academy," said Steele.
With time, Steele has grown more passionate for dancing. Her skill level has improved over the years because, practice makes perfect.
"I have classes Monday through Friday for two hours year round," said Steele. "But if we have a production we are training for, we have additional rehearsals for 4 hours on Saturday morning."
Not only has she improved in her skills and talents, but she has made many new friends and met new people who motivate her to always try her best.
Steele said, "I think my fellow ballerinas at my studio inspire me to work harder. They are all so amazing and we have so much fun rehearsing together."
Although fellow ballerinas can motivate Steele to push harder and make it more fun to rehearse, self-motivation is key.
"Overall, nobody pushes me to be a better dancer, so I think I rely on myself. Nobody can work for you; you have to push yourself to work and try harder to see results," said Steele.
Dance cannot compare to other sports. Ballet is a sport taken to a whole new level.
"In my opinion, ballet is even harder than most sports because we have to put in just as much effort and training, but you have to look beautiful while doing it," said Steele. "I would say the most rewarding part of being a ballerina is reaching this goal- the balance between athleticism and elegance," added Steele.
Steele enjoys just about all aspects of dancing, however, she does have parts that she enjoys more than others.
"I love being backstage waiting for the music to come on, and then dancing for the audience with all my friends. It is an amazing feeling to know that so much effort has been put into the production, and it has finally arrived, and along the way, made you all better dancers and people," said Steele.
Steele will always be a true ballerina at heart.
"Ballet is what you make it, and I can honestly say that it is a part of me that I will never be able to fully let go of," added Steele.
"I started dancing when I was four years old. I was really into pink and sparkles so it seemed like a perfect fit for me! I started off doing ballet and tap, but as I grew up I started other kinds of dance such as modern, lyrical, jazz and even Irish, but ballet was always my favorite. When I was in 6th grade, I decided to dedicate myself to simply ballet, and joined St. Croix Ballet Academy," said Steele.
With time, Steele has grown more passionate for dancing. Her skill level has improved over the years because, practice makes perfect.
"I have classes Monday through Friday for two hours year round," said Steele. "But if we have a production we are training for, we have additional rehearsals for 4 hours on Saturday morning."
Not only has she improved in her skills and talents, but she has made many new friends and met new people who motivate her to always try her best.
Steele said, "I think my fellow ballerinas at my studio inspire me to work harder. They are all so amazing and we have so much fun rehearsing together."
Although fellow ballerinas can motivate Steele to push harder and make it more fun to rehearse, self-motivation is key.
"Overall, nobody pushes me to be a better dancer, so I think I rely on myself. Nobody can work for you; you have to push yourself to work and try harder to see results," said Steele.
Dance cannot compare to other sports. Ballet is a sport taken to a whole new level.
"In my opinion, ballet is even harder than most sports because we have to put in just as much effort and training, but you have to look beautiful while doing it," said Steele. "I would say the most rewarding part of being a ballerina is reaching this goal- the balance between athleticism and elegance," added Steele.
Steele enjoys just about all aspects of dancing, however, she does have parts that she enjoys more than others.
"I love being backstage waiting for the music to come on, and then dancing for the audience with all my friends. It is an amazing feeling to know that so much effort has been put into the production, and it has finally arrived, and along the way, made you all better dancers and people," said Steele.
Steele will always be a true ballerina at heart.
"Ballet is what you make it, and I can honestly say that it is a part of me that I will never be able to fully let go of," added Steele.
Sarah Marsnik
Online Editor
Steele stays en pointe