Annalisa Kilanowski
12 Years Dancing at Sharon's Studio of Dance & Music
$360 Scholarship
Annalisa has been dancing with us since she was in the first grade. At her final recital, she will be awarded a $360 scholarship. Annalisa will be attending Sacred Heart University in the fall to study Physical Therapy. Read Annalisa's senior dance essay below.
I first started at Sharon’s Studio of Dance and Music in first grade. I was nervous having come from a different studio that was closer to home. Now, I can’t imagine calling any other place home. I was an easily anxious kid, and through my early years at Sharon’s I was able to come out of my shell all thanks to the compassionate staff and people at the studio. Now, having been on the competition team for just over ten years, I can successfully say I made the right choice in stepping outside of my comfort zone. From doing my first solo, to finishing my senior year with three solos, one which was my self-choreography, I am so grateful for my years spent here, and I am truly going to miss my daily drives to the studio, a place I call my home.
My senior year here has made me realize just how much I am going to miss dancing at Sharon’s. Walking into the studio during the week allows me to relax into a routine that helps me strengthen both my body and my mind. I have not only been able to find myself through dance, but I have also realized the importance movement has in my life, and I aim to continue dancing through college. From those late nights at competition with my best friends to early morning Saturdays student teaching with Miss Vicky, I have never been happier. Above any competition, I am going to miss recitals most of all. This culmination of our year’s hard work all coming into focus during one final weekend is a piece of my senior year that is going to be the most difficult to say goodbye to. But, as Winnie the Pooh said, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
I would like to thank Miss Sharon, Miss Tammy, and Miss Susan for allowing me the opportunity to dance at your studio. To Miss Vicky, Miss Amanda, Miss Kari, Miss Tina, and Miss Noel, thank you for making my senior year so special. I am incredibly grateful for everything you have taught me and for pushing me to be the best dancer and person I could be. To my teammates and best friends: Never take these years for granted, for one day you’ll realize just how important they are.
Comments