Why I Dance – Skyler Wight

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved to dance. But, I reached a very difficult moment just prior to the start of my senior year of high school when I feared I had fallen out of love. I knew that if I was going to be able to reignite that passion, then I needed to spend my last year dancing in a space where I could grow as a person, try new things, and give back to my community. At the suggestion of my dear friend, Marley Carter, I found my way to the Pretenders Studio. For that, I will always be grateful.

During my time as a student, I was reminded of all of the things that made me fall in love with dance in the first place. Every day at the Pretenders felt like such a joyful celebration and exploration into everything I might be capable of. My peers were there to build me up and act as true teammates and friends both inside and outside of the studio, and those are relationships that I know will last a lifetime.

However, above all, the biggest impact I felt was from the team of teachers I had the honor of learning from. Each and every teacher at the Pretenders Studio was so encouraging. They gave me feedback that was honest, but also kind, and constantly gave me opportunities to grow not only as a dancer, but also as a person. I felt so supported and it was such a gift to have this beautiful team of adults who I relied on in so many ways. Their creativity, passion, commitment, warmth, and genuine love for their craft is something I will never forget.

So, when I was given the opportunity to return to the studio as a teacher, I have never been more excited. I have always carried in my heart the impact that all of my teachers made on me, and every day I strive to live up to that with my students. It is such an honor and a privilege to watch so many dancers (some that I knew as the little bitty ones when I was a student), grow into these beautiful, mature, creative, passionate, leaders. Each day, I hope to create a space where they feel challenged, encouraged, motivated, celebrated, and, most of all, loved.

That is precisely what the Pretenders Studio has given to me and so many of my peers over the years, and that is why I hope to remain part of this beautiful community of dancers forever and ever.

By Skyler Wight