photos of Laney as a young dancer and then her senior picture

 Senior Spotlight - Laney

Graduating Seniors
May 24, 2025•2 min read

Class of 2025 Spotlight - Laney

With recital right around the corner, we are shining the spotlight on our graduating seniors one at a time. Today, we're thrilled to celebrate Laney, who will graduate from Mount Vernon High School! Laney has danced at The Pointe for four years, and competed with Company for all four years with us. This December, Laney performed as the Sugar Plum Fairy in our Nutcracker production.

This year, Laney is in Advanced Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, and Contemporary - along with our Company Production and two company groups. You can see her perform these routines, plus her senior solo and the Class of 2025 Senior Dance, at The Pointe's recital in June!

How long have you been dancing?

I have danced for 14 years, the last 4 have been here at The Pointe where I have been competing for all 4 of those years.

What is your favorite routine that you've performed?

My favorite routine I have ever performed was "Ghostbusters", a competition tap dance choreographed by Miss Demetra.

Favorite dance memory?

My favorite dance memory is when we had to go outside at a competition last year and lift Gretchen outside in the snow because the ceilings were too low while the judges watched us from inside.

Favorite genre of dance (and why)?

My favorite genre of dance is definitely tap because it is very different than other styles and I think it’s so cool to make different rhythms to match up with the song you’re dancing to.

I love dancing at The Pointe because....

I love dancing because I’m able to express myself and let all of the stress weighing me down melt away when I’m with my friends in the studio.

What are your plans (as of now) for after high school?

Attend the University of Iowa and study Elementary Education.

What advice would you give younger dancers?

I would advise younger dancers to not take themselves too seriously, don't compare themselves to other people, and enjoy every moment with their friends in the studio.

Miss Vanessa is the owner and director of The Pointe School of Dance. She has been sharing her passion for dance and mentorship with students for over 10 years. In addition to teaching at the studio, Vanessa has taught and choreographed for a variety of dance programs and performing groups throughout Iowa. Her choreography has won several “Best Choreography” and “Judges Choice” awards. She is the founder and director of The Pointe School of Dance. Vanessa is also the founder of The Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. In addition to her work at the studio, she is dedicated to improving the dance industry by serving as a Certified Coach for Youth Protection Association for Dance and More Than Just Great Dancing. Outside of her work, Vanessa lives with her husband, Dan, who is a band director at Linn-Mar High School and their son, Ray.

Vanessa Terrell

Miss Vanessa is the owner and director of The Pointe School of Dance. She has been sharing her passion for dance and mentorship with students for over 10 years. In addition to teaching at the studio, Vanessa has taught and choreographed for a variety of dance programs and performing groups throughout Iowa. Her choreography has won several “Best Choreography” and “Judges Choice” awards. She is the founder and director of The Pointe School of Dance. Vanessa is also the founder of The Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization. In addition to her work at the studio, she is dedicated to improving the dance industry by serving as a Certified Coach for Youth Protection Association for Dance and More Than Just Great Dancing. Outside of her work, Vanessa lives with her husband, Dan, who is a band director at Linn-Mar High School and their son, Ray.

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