Nia Walters Taylor is a 9-year-old dancer from Missouri. She dances at Kansas City Dance Company.

“Whether it be overcoming challenges, making friends, or learning how to build a strong community, dance has been the outline to finding what all this means to me.”

Tell us about your dance experience!

I started dancing when I was 4 years old. When I turned 7, I was able to join competition, and at first, it was a little hard, but I kept motivated and persistent. My mom wanted me to try a bunch of different athletics, but when it came to dance, I knew that my dreams were coming true and this was my destiny.

How does dance have a positive impact on your life?

Dance has had a positive impact in multiple ways. Whether it be overcoming challenges, making friends, or learning how to build a strong community, dance has been the outline to finding what all this means to me.

How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?

A couple of years ago around Christmastime, our studio created a special routine and went to a nursing home to perform for them bringing joy and good spirits to their community. I’ve also begun teaching dance classes to my friends during recess, so I hope to continue to bring the joy that I feel when it comes to dance into other peoples lives.