What Has Dance Done for Me? There are so many answers; it is difficult to put into words. Imagine a little girl so quiet her school teacher gave her a microphone during class so she could be heard. So insecure she would not speak up even if she knew the right answer. This was me. Imagine a little girl who had no natural ability to dance other than an incredible love for it. Also me. After my first performance I whispered; “I love the stage”. I loved watching ‘big kids’. I wanted to dance like them. Speaking itself was not my problem, having confidence in myself was. At restaurants I wouldn’t even order my own food. I whispered to mom and she told the waiter. But DANCE! Our living room is now my studio. Despite having been discouraged, I kept dancing. I poured myself into dance. While teaching my body how to dance, dance has taught me who I am. The only person who really needs to believe in you. Dance taught me how to work hard. Not everybody is born with visible potential, but everybody has potential inside. Dance taught me perseverance. I have been the last to move up groups, to get a solo, to get noticed. I discovered that I can turn it around. I can go home, work harder, and I can get noticed. I’m no longer afraid to answer. I might have sore muscles but I believe in myself, my abilities. Dance has given me confidence to be me.   

Reminisce – Madeleine Salhany - Greta Leeming Studio of Dance                       Ottawa, ONT, Canada    

Waiting Game – Aidan Tooth - Vlad’s Dance Company                                         Richmond Hill, ONT, Canada 

The Music and The Mirror  - Dance Academy of North Jersey                               Lake Hopatcong, NJ   

Ne Me Quitte Pas – Ally Moore  - Vlad’s Dance Company                                      Richmond Hill, ONT, Canada   

Through the Night – Miko Marfori - In Motion Dance Project                                 Orlando, FL 

LaLena – Summer Sheldrick - Dance Academy of North Jersey                             Lake Hopatcong, NJ   

Faun – Alyssa Chi - Stars Dance Company                                                              Miami, FL     

Soon As My Heart Breaks - Dance Academy of North Jersey                           Lake Hopatcong, NJ             

 Anemone - Vlad’s Dance Company                                                                    Richmond Hill, ONT, Canada   

Call To Action - In Motion Dance Project                                                            Orlando, FL      

 Doves Cry - Vlad’s Dance Company                                                                  Richmond Hill, ONT, Canada 

 Reliving the Past - Dance Academy of North Jersey                                         Lake Hopatcong, NJ   

 A Second Chance - In Motion Dance Project                                                    Orlando, FL