Aizlin Sly is a 17-year-old dancer from Washington. She dances at Industry Athletics and Movement.
“When people can find something that they relate to with another person… It makes people feel less alone in this giant world, and that is what I aim to achieve through my dancing.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
I have been dancing for 13 years now. I started when I first moved to Washington when I was 4 years old, and ever since then, I have absolutely loved it. I started out at Duvall Performing Arts in the styles ballet and jazz. After that, we moved to Puyallup and I danced at the Dance Academy of Puyallup for some time. There I continued to dance in ballet and jazz but got introduced to contemporary, lyrical, hip hop, and musical theater. It was also there where I started my competition journey. After a few years, I then moved over to Industry Athletics and Movement which is where I dance at now. I love this place with all my heart, and they have the most positive and inclusive community possible.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance has always been my safe space. It is a place I can come to after a long and rough day and just let it all go. I have made the best of friends here and gained so many experiences that I probably would not have if I never danced. As a person who struggles with anxiety and opening up to people, dance has really helped with that. It has allowed me to come out of my shell some more and be more comfortable in new situations. It has also taught me how to be an incredible role model to those around me.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
I have always been one for spreading awareness in my community in any way possible. I love doing dances that people can relate to in some way. Which is why I would love to use dance to spread awareness everywhere to everyone. From mental health to [sexual assault]. I believe everyone’s stories deserve to be told and heard. When people can find something that they relate to with another person their connection becomes so much stronger, especially if it’s with topics like these. It makes people feel less alone in this giant world, and that is what I aim to achieve through my dancing.
