One More Chapter
A twenty two year-old's view on life, death,
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
and Taylor Swift conspiracy theories
I have known Ariana for the greater part of my life. I was first introduced to her when my mother enrolled me in dance classes at her mother’s dance studio. I was three and she five. I won’t pretend to remember the first time we met or our first interaction with each other. In fact, the earliest memory I have of her was when she was the assistant teacher for one of my dance classes and she had us all sit in a circle and stretch while she introduced herself to us. It’s a pretty fuzzy memory but I remember being blown away when she said that she was eleven or twelve. So I must have been about nine at the time. This just goes to show how poor my memory is. Anyway, years went by and I continue to have limited interaction with Ariana. I would gape from afar at the clear talent that she possessed even at an early age and how she was choreographing entire routines for competition when she was thirteen. Thirteen people!! And they were award winning routines. Already there is reason enough for her to be inspiring. When I started performing in routines with Ariana is when I started to really get to know her. At first I was extremely intimidated. She was an amazing dancer, winning overall everywhere she went, and teaching classes before I could even use a staircase without falling. And suddenly I was in classes with her while also being taught by her. But my nerves were all in vain. Because I soon learned that there was nothing to be intimidated by because to top it all off, Ariana is one of the most kind-hearted people you will ever meet, especially in an industry so cut-throat and terrifying as the world of dance. Over the years my friendship with Ariana blossomed over common interests – books, music, art, morbid themes, and storytelling – and today I consider her one of my closest confidants. I can always rely on her to be there with a smile on her face, willing and eager to hear what I have to say. At times our similarities can be detrimental to the point of being kicked out of restaurants because we can’t stop talking and stay for four hours, other times it’s a great thing when you really need someone to go see the latest teenage-dystopian-themed-blockbuster-movie with. She is always there. No matter what. So thanks Nan. But back to the good stuff. If you knew how much work this young woman put into her craft you would probably die of exhaustion just hearing it. And yet she does it. She has been choreographing nearly all the competition dances for her and her mother’s studio, Chickee’s Dance World, for the past several years, choosing music and editing it, creating amazing concepts, holding classes at other studios, participating in her school’s dance team and company as well as a local dance company on the weekends, and all while attending Stonehill College and graduating with amazing marks and in the Honors program. She makes appearances at other studios, runs summer camps, while offering summer class series like her much loved “5 for $35” series or the current college and adult class series and continuing the regular choreography sessions with her competition students, over 30 of them, simultaneously. Ariana has had an award named after her, been a judge at dance competitions, attended many conventions and taken classes so widespread that it shouldn’t be possible. And every year when we think we have seen it all. We think that we’ve witnessed her very best, believe that she can’t possibly top the routines that she’s putting out there. But then she comes back the following year with something even bigger and better. She has truly proven herself to be an important up and comer in the dance community and at the impressive age of 22. What I think is most inspiring about this young woman is her ability to touch the hearts of those around her through her craft. Her routines really mean something and when you watch them performed by her students, or even better – by her, the passion, the meaning, the love is tangible. It is in the air, filling the minds and bodies of all who are lucky enough to witness it. And that, my friends, is why she is a human that inspires. Nan, I am extremely proud to be able to call you one of my closest friends. You are beautiful inside and out. Thank you. Song of the Day"The Projectionist" by Sleeping At Last A beautiful song about the art of storytelling
1 Comment
Kristen Carbonneau
8/24/2015 05:08:44 pm
Beautiful article Amanda! For those of us who know Nan you put her perfectly into words! Congrats to you on a beautiful article and congrats to Ariana for all her hardwork and dedication to her love and passion for dance!
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About This Blog:I started this blog as a way to challenge myself to write more over the 2014 year, but it has blossomed into so much more than that. I use it to let people in on what's happening in my life, talk about things I find important and to spread the news about amazing people, places and art. Archives
November 2017
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