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Nutcracker Experience with Aleksandra

Liesel K., age 13 (Long Grove, IL)

How Does Dance Influence My Life?

Dance influences my life by making me a better person.  It has taught me that I can accomplish anything that I want in life, like someday being a professional ballerina.  This is my life dream and goal.

I started dancing when I was only 3 years old but my Mom tells me that I used to dance to the shows on TV.  I started as a little “pinky” as I wore a tiny pink leotard, tights, ballet skirt and ballet slippers.  I use to watch to older girls dance at the dance school.  I wanted to be just like them.

When I was finally old enough in 3rd grade, I tried out for our production of the Nutcracker.  I was the youngest and smallest in the whole production.  I was an angel and got to come out after my dance and get the wand from the Sugar Plum Fairy.  As I got older, I got other really fun roles.

This past summer I had the privilege of attending the Joffrey International Summer Dance Intensive for 5 weeks.  I lived downtown.  I had never been away from my family before.  The experience was great and made me want to work even harder to be like the girls in the highest level.  

This fall I transferred to Irina Makkai Classical Ballet School as a trainee.  We got the opportunity to perform at Dance Chicago’s Dance Slam.  It was great to see what others have accomplished.  This year I have the privilege of dancing the role of Clara in our Nutcracker.  It has been my dream to earn that role ever since I have seen the Nutcracker.

I have tried soccer, ice-skating, gymnastics, and horseback riding.  But in the end, I have always come back to loving dance the most.  This is my passion.

Dance has taught me discipline.  Dance is my outlet when I’m feeling down.  Going to dance class is always the highlight of my day.  Dance has also taught me that you can accomplish anything when you do what you love.