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

 Senior Spotlight - Olivia

Graduating Seniors
May 26, 2025•2 min read

Class of 2025 Spotlight - Olivia

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 Olivia, who will graduate from Anamosa High School! Olivia has danced at The Pointe for six years, and is a member of Company. She also performs, competes with, and choreographs for her school's show choir! This December, Olivia performed as The Nutcracker!

Olivia is in Advanced Ballet, Tap, and Jazz - 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 been dancing at The Pointe for 6 years, and danced for 7 years before that. I have also been involved in show choir at my high school for 4 years, and have been the student choreographer for 4 years as well.

What is your favorite routine that you've performed?

My favorite routine that I have performed was "Passage", a company small group contemporary dance choreographed by Demetra.

Favorite dance memory?

My favorite dance memory is Intensive week. I loved learning all of the choreography and being able to get to know everyone in company better.

Favorite genre of dance (and why)?

My favorite genre of dance is contemporary because it is so individual to each dancer and choreographer. It is a style of dance that lets you express yourself to the fullest while also showing your technical capacity.

I love dancing at The Pointe because....

I love dancing because it has helped me grow stronger physically and mentally, and is a constant throughout my life.

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

I plan to attend the University of Iowa in the fall to double major in Criminology and Dance.

What advice would you give younger dancers?

My advice to younger dancers is to not compare yourself with others and to put in the work outside of classes to get better.

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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