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: Maddie Nuss
Maddie’s Dance Bio
Katie has been dancing at the studio for 10 years, and is also a member of Linn-Mar High School’s show choir and color guard programs. This year, you’ll see her perform in Advanced Ballet, Advanced Pointe, Advanced Contemporary, and Advanced Jazz in addition to her senior dances.
“Maddie is a skilled and versatile performer – it’s evident that on stage is her favorite place to be. Maddie approaches classes and rehearsals with the same effort she brings to performances, and always gives her best effort. She is a smart dancer, able to problem-solve quickly when needed. She encourages her classmates, doesn’t hesitate to try challenging or new skills, and helps bring out the best in those around her. Being a part of Maddie’s dance and performing journey has been a true joy.”
– Miss Vanessa
In Her Own Words…
1. How long have you been dancing?
I danced at the studio for 10 years, and I have also been involved in show choir at my school for the past 5 years.
2. What is your favorite dance that you have performed?
I don’t know how I could possibly choose a favorite but one that stands out in my mind was my modern class from 4 years ago. It was a combined class with intermediate, advanced, and adult levels and it was one of the coolest experiences of my dancing career. I’ve grown so much since then but it was so much fun. The dance was called “Vacant” and choreographed by Miss Josie.
3. Favorite dance memory?
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know so many great people, and being able to continue to push myself alongside my classmates and friends. Being in an activity like this is really a one-of-a-kind experience.
4. Favorite genre of dance?
Modern and contemporary are my favorite styles because they help me get out of my comfort zone.
5. Finish this sentence: I love dancing because…
it gives me a sense of expression and autonomy that unique from every other aspect of my life. It also allows me to incorporate dance into performance and the other things I love to do.
6. What are you looking forward to the most in finishing out your senior year in dance?
Getting to do a solo. I have never competed, and have wanted to do a solo since I was really little.
7. Plans after High School?
I’m planning to take a year off of school and participate in regional theatre before attending school the following year for a degree in Musical Theatre.
8. Advice for younger dancers?
Just have fun, and dance for enjoyment. You can still be involved in activities in and outside of school, but it’s a much better experience when you let yourself have fun. I never danced competitively, I dance because I enjoyed it and loved dancing.