Arianna Rivera is a 17-year-old dancer from Florida. She dances at Turn Up The Heat Dance.
“I have learned to love myself deeply and truly even when it was the hardest. Dance has matured me through training, friendships, teamwork and so much more. Dance for me is love and it just feels right.”
Tell us about your dance experience!
Dance has been a part of my life since I was 2 years old. For many years, I danced recreationally until I realized that I wanted all my free time to be dedicated to dance. As I got older, I took on more classes and then ultimately decided on dancing competitively. I have grown so much with my team and intensive training. This summer, I attended the Florida State University School of Dance summer intensive and my first nationals convention and competition. Being able to dance all day and learn new styles and explore others was an experience I will never forget. I look forward to my senior year as a dancer and all the future opportunities to come.
How does dance have a positive impact on your life?
Dance has held me together and brought me so much comfort and even more so in the past six years. It has taught me to be myself and that hard work does matter. Dance is about connecting. Connecting to music, my body, my mind, my friends, my emotions. It’s taught me to understand being alone at times is fine and to embrace those who want to connect. I have learned to love myself deeply and truly even when it was the hardest. Dance has matured me through training, friendships, teamwork, and so much more. Dance for me is love, and it just feels right.
How do you want to use dance to have a positive impact on your community?
This is my last year at TUTH, and I am reaching out to my local community to donate directly to the education of dancers who would be financially unable to receive this level of training that I receive at my studio. These dancer’s education would not be possible without our donors’ continued generosity.
With this being my final year at TUTH, I want to ensure that a quality of dance is available to a wider group of boys and girls. Dance is what feels right for me. I love love love Turn Up The Heat, and while I am blessed that my parents are able to provide this dance experience for me, there are so many talented dancers who should be on the stage sharing their passion and love of dance but simply can not afford to. My senior year is dedicated to finding sponsors for these dancers in my community.
