I started dancing at age three and continued into early adulthood, and have trained extensively in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, lyrical, hip hop, burlesque, and heels. When I stopped in my early twenties, the loss was profound—so much so that for years I couldn’t bring myself to watch dance-related media like Center Stage, Black Swan, or So You Think You Can Dance. At the time, opportunities for adult dancers felt nonexistent. Still, I stayed connected to movement through yoga and dance fitness classes like Zumba and The Boss Chick Dance Workout.

Just before the pandemic, I discovered aerial arts, with a particular love for Lyra (aerial hoop), and began experimenting with acro chair work. I’m drawn to the challenge of pushing my body’s limits and the visual poetry of sculpting beautiful shapes. In 2023, after more than two decades away, I finally found my way back to the dance world through the vibrant community of adult dancers in my area. Since then, I’ve performed at multiple studios, danced in numerous shows, taken on several roles in The Nutcracker, choreographed original pieces, and become a founding member of The Sparkling Diamond Dancers.

Dancing again—consistently and intensely—in my 40s is both demanding and deeply fulfilling, reconnecting me with the truest version of myself. My favorite styles are contemporary, jazz, and heels. If it seems that I photograph or record nearly every move, that’s because I have very little evidence of my early dancing days, and I’m determined not to lose the moments twice. I plan to be dancing - whether tenduing or twerking - until I die!