Elyse Scalia is a 17-year-old dancer from Landenberg, Pennsylvania. She dances at American Dance Academy.

“I am able to use [dance] as an outlet to express my emotions.”

How does dance have a positive impact on your life?

“Dance impacts my life in a positive way because I am able to use it as an outlet to express my emotions. It has also surrounded me around many inspirational and influential people that have been my role models and taught me many lifelong skills that I will use in my years to come.”

How do you want to use dance to make a positive influence on your community?

“I would like to use dance to make a positive influence on my community by creating an event that shows how dance is an art form that can bring the community together through inspirational messages. These messages can uplift the community as a whole. I would also like to show that dance studios are a safe space for everyone. Whether it be needing to get away from the outside world or just a place to let your mind be free and express yourself. Dance has taught me a lot which is why I would love to share this with my community because it has made me the person I am today.”