Liddia Koren is a 15-year-old dancer from Illinois. She dances at Encore Dance Productions.

“I have learned that discipline, hard work, friendships, and the excitement of a victory are worth every minute I train. All of the tools we put into our sports help guide us into adulthood…”

Tell us about your dance experience!

I took my first dance class at the age of 3. I went with my mom every day to the studio to drop off my older sister, and she said they had to hold me back crying because I just wanted to go into a class. I remember how I could not wait to get my first “Encore Dance Company Jacket” and once I got one I never looked back. I have taken classes in multiple genres (ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, musical theatre, jazz funk, jazz fusion, ballroom) and learned from an array of industry leaders in my studio and on multiple competition/convention circuits.

My studio has a strong focus on the fundamentals of ballet and this base has technically allowed me to thrive. I am a two-time ShowStopper All-Star ( 2021 and 2022), I am a second overall teen soloist and first overall teen soloist at the Chicago Regional and a third overall champion for the teen solos in Myrtle Beach in 2021 and with a team overall champion for productions in 2021. I have attended Showstopper Conventions and was named the Wisconsin Dells improv battle champion in 2021. I have been blessed with winning convention scholarships, group national champions, modeling opportunities, ambassadors selections, improv titles, photogenic competitions, miss title wins, first overall solo wins, top three nationals solo placement, grand champion titles, and most importantly I am part of a studio that has repeatedly won the ADCC Studio of Excellence Award. I am looking forward to continuing my growth as a dancer, artist, student, and human throughout my high school and beyond.

How does dance have a positive impact on your life?

Dance is such an impactful force in my life. Dance is more than a sport, it is part of who I am. I love the adrenaline rush of a live performance, the thrill of embodying an emotion to match the dance, the persona of the character the choreographer wants to portray, and the chance to show others how to live their dreams. I have met some of my very best friends through dance. The bonds we create as humans when our passions meet fun and laughter is enough to move mountains.

I have learned that discipline, hard work, friendships, and the excitement of a victory are worth every minute I train. All of the tools we put into our sports help guide us into adulthood and can be carried into any future career. Dance has been my life since I was three, I have watched my sister, Amelia, make her mark on the dance world (she was the Illinois Dancers Across America feature in Spring of 2020) and I want to do that too. I want to continue to travel around the US and learn as much as I can about this industry, the traditions, the teachers, the platforms and to keep reaching for the stars.

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

As a dancer, I have had the opportunity to help host and assist in multiple youth camps/programs. When younger dancers hear their favorite songs and start jumping around with happiness, it’s amazing. My studio also hosts multiple events/fundraisers to help those less fortunate: such as food drivers, dance-a-thons, and winter gear collections. I represent our studio around the community in parades and festivals to help promote small local business and local talent. I also believe that schools and school pride have the chance to bring communities together. My high school has a long legacy of athletic success and the varsity dance team I am on is a part of that. When the surrounding communities come together to promote and support their youth its humbling. My studio also boasts an all-inclusive atmosphere so that every dancer feels welcome, feels seen, feels heard, and has the opportunity to be a part of the arts.

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