Why I Dance – Noa Liberman

From as far back as I can remember, my favorite memories are around visiting my grandparents’ house where I choreographed dance routines with my cousins. It was within those moments that my love and passion for dance was founded. My big sister is the best dancer I know. Her exceptional talent has is an inspiration…

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Why I Dance – Sydney Lippman

I started dancing at The Pretenders Studio about six years ago. I remember the scared feeling I had when I first walked in. It was a totally new experience and environment for me. But as I began taking my first class, I loved it!  Dancing is such a fun thing for me to do. Ever…

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Why I Dance – Rina Bachrad

I found out about the Pretenders Studio from my cousin, Evyn. I was instantly interested and wanted to start taking classes there. I felt scared when I first walked into the studio; I had only ever danced for physical education at my school. Fortunately, everyone was extremely kind, and I felt comfortable very quickly. I…

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Why I Dance – Isla Meehan-Smith

Many people, when they consider this question , say that they dance as a form of expression. They say that coming into the studio they can leave behind the stresses of life and just forget for a little while. I tend to disagree with this. Although I do agree that I dance as a form…

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Why I Dance – Lucia Castro

I am not the kind of person who talks in front of the class. I’m not the kind of person who asks questions easily and I most definitely feel as though I “can’t”. Ever since I was a kid I was always shy. I mean, I was so shy that my mom had to drag…

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Why I Dance – Andrea Reyn Tryggvadottir

As company and I were getting ready to perform at our local pier, one person stood out. There were many performances before us, some Latin dances and mariachi bands of all ages. I can’t help but remember this one woman marching her bare feet on the wooden planks of the pier, flailing her arms about…

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Why I Dance – Lucienne Domingue

My name is Lucienne Domingue, I am 14 years old and dance has been a very important thing in my life since before I can remember. I joined The Pretenders Studio after my older sister Blythe did, and that was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. I dance not just because of…

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Why I Dance – Cece Cody

The heat of the fireplace tickled my fingers and the cool hardwood below my feet sent a shiver down my spine. I struck my best pose and counted to eight before my dad pulled back the record player’s needle and the guitar strums of “We” by Neil Diamond filled our living room. “Five-six-seven-eight!” Looking up,…

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Why I Dance – Bella Salem

When I first thought about the answer to this question, I thought it was simple. I believed that the sole reason I dance is because it makes me happy. While contemplating this prompt, I soon realized that this question has a deeper answer. I don’t dance simply because I like it. When I dance, I…

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Why I Dance – Chelsea McCann

I’ve been dancing at the Pretenders for nine years, and despite being too young to really partake in the decision, it remains one of the best choices I’ve made. The Pretenders family fosters an environment extraordinarily difficult to match— one which has widely shaped much of the person I am today. Through all their years,…

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