It’s hard to believe that it’s time to start the countdown towards our graduating senior’s “lasts” – their graduations and final recital will be here before we know it. On the blog today: continuing this year’s Senior Features with a little bit more about the dancers you’ll see performing in the Senior Dance and a Senior Solo at recital. We love celebrating our graduating seniors!
Senior Year at The Pointe
For many dancers, dancing all the way through their senior year is a big goal and a major accomplishment – many of our graduating seniors started dancing with us when they were in preschool! We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives for so long and to get to watch them grow up into confident, thoughtful, and hard-working young adults.
Senior year is a special one – many of our seniors take classes and serve as Junior Faculty at The Pointe – assisting in classes with younger students and even helping with some competition practices over studio breaks. Seniors are all featured on canvases that we’ll print and put up later this fall in the hallway that will be graduation gifts for them showcasing their well-earned skill and artistry in dance.
You’ll see our seniors dance with Miss Vanessa in a group senior dance choreographed by the dancers at the recital, and each senior will have the opportunity to perform a solo of their choice. Giving these dancers an opportunity to showcase their performance skills and experiment with choreography is one of our favorite studio traditions.
Senior Feature: Katie Van Rheenen
Katie’s Dance Bio
Katie has been dancing at the studio for 14 years, and has been a member of Company, our competitive program, for 8 years. At recital, you’ll see Katie in Advanced Ballet, Advanced Contemporary, Advanced Tap, and Advanced Jazz – plus 4 company groups and her senior dances.
“Katie is a dancer every teacher wants in their class, and the type of friend that everyone wants to have. She has so much control and grace as a performer, and a quiet confidence in class and on stage that grounds every piece she performs in. Katie always comes to classes and rehearsal ready to work – she doesn’t back away from a challenge, and encourages those around her to keep pushing to improve. Katie is steady, positive through tough times, and has a kind smile that’s reassuring in any situation. Watching Katie grow up at the studio has been such a gift.”
– Miss Vanessa
In Her Own Words…
1. How long have you been dancing?
I’ve been dancing for 14 years and this is my eighth year competing.
2. What is your favorite dance that you have performed?
“Will You Be There”, a Company lyrical small group, choreographed by Miss Laura.
3. Favorite dance memory?
Sitting back stage and watching my friends perform (and absolutely KILL) their solos.
4. Favorite genre of dance?
Lyrical because of how expressive and beautiful it is. It combines the beauty of ballet with the emotion of jazz.
5. Finish this sentence: I love dancing because…
I love the way I get to express myself and being on stage is one of the greatest feelings.
6. What are you looking forward to the most in finishing out your senior year in dance?
Getting to dance on stage one last time with both friends that I’ve been dancing with for a long time and friends I’ve recently been able to dance with.
7. Plans after High School?
I plan on attending Iowa State University.
8. Advice for younger dancers?
Consistent work goes a long way! The best way to get where you want to be is by consistently putting in the hard work it takes to get there!